The Pond Edge: Manicured Lawn vs. Functioning Ecosystem

摘要

People are attracted to water. When the opportunity to own a home on a pond or lake arises, many jump at the chance. As lake property in urbanized areas is scarce, small natural ponds and stormwater treatment ponds are the new "lakeshore". Unfortunately, it is common to see the shoreline of these ponds managed as a manicured lawn or a ribbon of rock (riprap) at the water's edge. We have the opportunity to make these ponds function more like natural systems by helping homeowners appreciate ponds as ecosystems with native shoreline vegetation.