Living Shorelines in Action

August 06, 2026

During one of July's (2026) heatwaves, our Pewaukee restoration crew traded dry land for overtopped boots to complete the first phase of a shoreline stabilization project on a local lake.

The team received a brief tutorial and then installed biodegradable coir sediment logs along the shoreline to provide immediate protection from wave action and erosion while creating the foundation for a future living shoreline. Each log was carefully anchored with untreated hardwood stakes and secured to maintain continuous contact with the lakebed, ensuring long-term performance as native vegetation becomes established.

Next up: late-summer native seeding and shoreline plug planting. As the coir logs naturally biodegrade, the developing root systems of native plants will take over, creating a stable, resilient shoreline that protects water quality while enhancing wildlife habitat.

"What a fun new work experience today! It was fun to wade in the water, and I'm looking forward to creating the 'living shoreline' along the lake."

– Heartland crew member

Author: Jenny Grimes

Photos by: Clay Frazer and Jenny Grimes