Native Landscaping

Save Our Shorelines

Portage is home to a rich array of ecosystems that we are all responsible for protecting. Among these are the city's 11 lakes and wetlands, which boast 48.52 miles of shoreline. These shorelines play a crucial role in attracting and providing habitats for butterflies, fish, frogs, and turtles, while also limiting erosion and promoting healthier lakes and streams.

Natural shorelines also help discourage geese and other waterfowl from settling on your lawn, as these birds prefer properties with large, open lawns that offer easy access and minimal cover for predators. This time of year is ideal for enhancing shorelines with native plantings. The city offers resources to help you choose plants that naturally beautify your yard, develop rain gardens, and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. These “Smart Gardening” flyers, provided by the MSU Extension Office, can be downloaded HERE. Printed copies are also available at Portage Parks & Recreation, located at 320 Library Lane. Let's save our shorelines and make Portage a “Natural Place to Move.”

Wild Wetlands: The Secret Life of Bogs

  1. 1 Benefits 5-18-23
  2. 2 Carbon Cycle 5-18-23
  3. 3 food 5-12-23
  4. 4 IntroPanel 5-12-23
  5. 5 PlantsPitcher 5-12-23
  6. 6 PlantsSkunkCabbage 5-18-23
  7. 7 Wetlands 5-18-23
  8. 8 WhereBogsAre 5-18-23
  9. 9 WildPlaces 5-18-23
  10. 10 WILD ANIMALS