stew·ard·ship noun the job of supervising or taking care of something, such as an organization or property. “responsible stewardship of our public lands”
Bee the Change! Protect Pollinators with a Natural Shoreline
Native shorelines filled with flowering plants, grasses, and shrubs provide critical food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and insects (like dragonflies that eat mosquitos!) These natural areas offer a steady supply of nectar and pollen while protecting water quality and preventing erosion. By leaving your shoreline in its natural state, you create a thriving habitat that supports pollinators and keeps your lake healthy.
Loons and their Love of Natural Shorelines
Loons thrive on quiet, natural shorelines where native plants and undisturbed habitat provide the safety and shelter they need to nest and raise their chicks. These shorelines offer protection from predators, a buffet of aquatic life for feeding, and calm, shallow waters ideal for nesting. When shorelines are left in their natural state—with vegetation, downed trees, and gradual slopes—loons are more likely to return year after year, making them a living symbol of a healthy lake.
Natural Shorelines are Healthy Shorelines
Minnesota has more shoreline than Hawaii, California, and Florida combined, yet over 50% of its natural shoreline has been lost. Native shoreline buffers protect water quality, wildlife, and the lake-life we treasure—but “lawn-to-the-lake” and riprap have become the norm. MLR is partnering with Leighton Media to launch the Shoreline Stewardship campaign showcasing the beauty of natural shorelines.
Thank you to our partners for sponsoring the Shoreline Stewardship Series! Learn more about these organizations and businesses by clicking the links below.
Lake Stewards is a program of Minnesota Lakes and Rivers that supports lakefront property owners in protecting and restoring natural shorelines. Through simple actions like planting native vegetation and reducing runoff, participants help improve water quality and strengthen habitat for fish and wildlife.
Start by taking the “Are You a Lake Steward?” quiz to assess how your property impacts water quality. You’ll be connected with a trained Lake Steward Evaluator from your local lake association, a neighbor who knows your lake well. They’ll schedule a site visit to walk your property and offer personalized tips to restore habitat, reduce erosion, and manage runoff. If your property meets the criteria, you’ll proudly earn a Lake Steward sign—a visible symbol of your commitment to protecting Minnesota’s lakes for future generations.
Purchase the Shoreland Guide to Lake Stewardship to discover effective steps you can take to restore your shoreline. This guide offers tips that can filter up to 90% of runoff, helping to protect the health of our lakes!
Watch the Lake Steward Webinarto explore the critical issue of Minnesota’s vanishing natural shorelines and hear inspiring stories from diverse perspectives within the Lake Steward community.
Play It’s SHORE Important – the Interactive Shoreline Game:
The Lake Steward program is open to all Minnesota lake associations that are current members of Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates (MLR). To get started, each association needs just one or a few volunteers. These volunteers take part in a brief training session with our Lake Steward Coordinator, where they’ll learn how to use the shoreline evaluation tool and gain the essential skills to assess properties and support shoreline restoration efforts in their community.
If your Lake Association is interested in participating in the Lake Steward Program, please contact Lily Carr at lily@mnlakesandrivers.org.
Lake Stewards in the News
Native and Natural Bus Tour – Celebrating Lake Steward Success
