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LONG LAKE
One year later. This restoration on Long Lake, created through a partnership of public and private organizations with hundreds of volunteer hours, is beginning to provide the benefits of a healthy shoreline. It improves the habitat, water quality, and aesthetics of the site. For more details on how this outstanding project was accomplished, read on.
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Forty volunteers gathered at the city park in Long Lake on a sunny September day 1999 to plant 5,800 plants along the shore. "We had a terrific group of people from the city, citizens who had attended shoreland restoration workshops, and Master Gardeners," said Marleane Callaghan, project organizer.
The shoreline was eroding and the water quality in the bay was degrading due to the runoff from Highway 12 and the added nutrients from the park's lawn fertilizer. The objective of the project was to provide a demonstration area for education about the benefits of shoreline revegetation. "Revegetation is a wonderful alternative to riprap," says Marleane. "We can improve water quality, restore habitat, and beautify the shoreline with plants." In addition, the park maintenance is reduced because the crew no longer needs to fertilize or mow the lawn to the edge. A sign erected at the sight describes benefits of the project.
The project began with a grant application for aquatic plant restoration projects written by Marleane to the DNR. Kestrel Design Group drew the design for the 400 foot "garden". The native plants are repeated every 40 feet to give it a more "cultivated look" according to Marleane. The volunteers planted mostly grasses and forbs - 33 upland species and 8 species of aquatic plants. The Lions Club added a 3-rail, split-rail fence that will discourage geese.
In spring 2000 a plant inventory will be taken and the plants that did not survive the winter will be replaced. Another aquatic plant, pickerel weed, will be added. A small garden near the sign will identify 13 varieties of the plants.
Marleane is proud to announce that the Long Lake aquatic plant restoration won the President's Award from the Minnesota State Horticulture Society for "outstanding contribution to Minnesota Green". She is also proud of the fact that green herons, ospreys, and great blue herons have been sighted along that shore. Photos from Marleane Calaghan.
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