Property owners want to see their shoreline healthy, but erosion is a common problem. Unfortunately, shoreline restoration projects on private property are typically not fundable through the highly competitive grant programs available to Arundel Rivers. Below are resources for homeowners looking to improve their shorelines, from no- to low-cost improvements to contractor recommendations for shoreline projects.

 

No- to Low-Cost Improvements

• Create a designated “no-mow” area along the shoreline or bulkhead to allow natural vegetation to grow in as a natural buffer. This will help slow erosion and runoff (stormwater that sheds off the land containing pollutants like litter, fertilizer, and pet waste) and filter water flowing into the river.

• Add native plants to the area immediately along the shoreline or behind the bulkhead. We highly recommend native grasses such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) as this is a deep rooting, hardy grass that will help prevent erosion.

• Consider converting a larger area of lawn near the shoreline into a beautiful conservation landscape with native plants. A conservation landscape involves replacing lawn area with native flowers and/or shrubs, adding much more ecological value to the area than lawn grass can. If you’re interested in adding a buffer planting or conservation landscaping to your property, please check out our Bay Loving Landscapes program.

 

Native Plant Nurseries and Resources

We are always looking for native nurseries to add to our list. If you would like your business added, please reach out to us.

• Anne Arundel County Emergent Marsh Grasses Program

  • The Emergent Marsh Grasses Program is a multi-departmental effort between the Department of Inspections and Permits and the Department of Recreation and Parks. County residents with qualifying living shoreline or other tidal projects can receive appropriate emergent marsh grasses for planting in marsh areas free of charge.

• Cavano’s Perennials in Baltimore County

• Delmarva Native Plants on the Eastern Shore

• Ecoasis Garden Center in Prince George's County

• Environmental Concern Native Plant Nursery on the Eastern Shore

• Herring Run Nursery in Baltimore

• Providence Greenhouses in Anne Arundel County

• Schott Nurseries in Carroll County

• Sylva Native Nursery in Baltimore County

• Unity Church Hill Nursery on the Eastern Shore

• Wicklein’s Native Plants in Baltimore County

 

Financial Assistance/Discount Programs

• WPRF Fee Credit Program (Anne Arundel County)

  • Eligible property owners in Anne Arundel County have the opportunity to reduce their Watershed Protection and Restoration Fee (WPRF) assessments by up to 50% (annually renewable, no expiration) for proactive and sustainable uses of stormwater runoff controls.

• Stormwater Management Property Tax Credit (Anne Arundel County)

  • You can also claim a one-time Stormwater Management Property Tax Credit (10% reimbursement for initial implementation costs). Applicable to Living Shorelines.

• Shoreline Erosion Loan Program (Maryland DNR)

  • Available to individuals and/or groups of homeowners, non-profit organizations, community organizations, and counties.

 

Shoreline Design Contractors

This is not an exhaustive list, but some of the contractors we work with often on shorelines.

• BayLand Consultants & Designers

• Environmental Systems Analysis

• Resource Restoration Group

 

Additional Resources

• Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay - Comparing Living Shorelines & Bulkheads

• Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Living Shorelines

• Delaware Center for the Inland Bays - Waterfront Property Owners Guide

• Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Living Shoreline Frequently Asked Questions

• National Fish & Wildlife Foundation - Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping