A collaborative effort by entities throughout Shawano County was on display at Glas Coffeehouse on July 17, 2018. Waterways Association of Menominee and Shawano Counties (WAMSCO) along with UW-Extension, the Wisconsin DNR, Shawano County Land Conservation Department, the Nutrient and Pest Management Program (NPM), Glas Coffeehouse, and the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance presented the Basics of Shoreline Restoration from 6-7:30 pm on the patio at Glas Coffeehouse located at 511 N. Main Street in Shawano.
In 2017, Glas and Cellcom worked to restore the shoreline outside their property, along the Wolf River. The site originally contained invasive Pampas grass which did not allow patrons to enjoy the views of the river. By taking advantage of the cost-share grant program offered by the Shawano County Land Conservation Department, the invasive grass was removed and the site was reconstructed by J Reas Environmental Consulting to contain native plantings for shore stabilization.
A site visit in June, by the FWWA, showed that the native plants were blooming beautifully, especially the butterfly weed and spiderworts. Jamie Patton with UW-Extension explained that a snapping turtle was even found to have laid her eggs within the newly created shoreline. Within the first year, the reconstruction of the shoreline has shown how beneficial it can be to the wildlife in the area.
The Basics of Shoreline Restoration workshop was an opportunity to learn about the status of the surface water quality within Shawano County, the basics of shoreline restoration and resources to help, how to use native plantings to improve water quality and wildlife habitat, and about the cost-share program in Shawano County.
There were around 30 people present for the presentation. A slight overlap with a musical act made the first portion of the program difficult to hear but attendees made sure to move in close to learn more. Brenda Nordin explained that volunteers are needed to conduct water quality monitoring throughout the region to further the understanding of the Wolf River Waterways. Jamie Patton discussed soil health and how soil is a living creature that needs to be nurtured. Scott went on to say that there are funds available to help with shoreline reconstruction within the Shawano Lake Watershed as well as the rest of the county. A tour was then given by the Glas owner to showcase the shoreline. He also brought out the flamethrower he uses for to help with weeding.
If you have further questions about shoreline restoration opportunities within Shawano and Menominee Counties, please contact Emily Henrigillis at FWWA emily@fwwa.org 920-851-647
