Gardening to Protect Lake Charlevoix

March 11, 2026

At our March Membership Meeting we enjoyed a presentation by Tom Darnton, President of the Lake Charlevoix Association. ​Lake Charlevoix is the third largest lake in the state with a surface area of over 17,200 acres and 56 miles of shoreline. The maximum depth in the main basin is 122 feet and in the south arm, 58 feet.

One of the primary goals of the Lake Charlevoix Association is to serve as an advocate for sensible and sustainable practices for lake use and development. In 2025 they completed the revitalization of the Shoreline Greenbelt Demonstrations Gardens at Sunset Park in Boyne City.  Through thoughtful replanting with native species, this refreshed space now enhances both the ecological resilience and visual charm of the shoreline—helping to filter runoff, prevent erosion, and protect the health of Lake Charlevoix’s watershed. 

Plan of the Shoreline Greenbelt Demonstration Garden in Boyne City

Plant List for the Demonstration Garden

Whether or not you are a lake front property owner, runoff from your lawn and garden can make its way to our lakes. The long root systems of native vegetation work to absorb and filter runoff, as well as providing essential food and habitat for native insects and birds.

Native plants have deep root systems

• Native plants do not require fertilizers and require fewer pesticides than lawns.

• Native plants require less water than lawns and help prevent erosion. The deep root systems of many native Midwestern plants increase the soil's capacity to store water. Native plants can significantly reduce water runoff and, consequently, flooding. 

• Native plants help reduce air pollution. Native plantscapes do not require mowing. Excessive carbon from the burning of fossil fuels contributes to global warming. Native plants sequester, or remove, carbon from the air. 

• Native plants provide shelter and food for wildlife.

• Native plants promote biodiversity and stewardship of our natural heritage.

• Native plants are beautiful and increase scenic values!

A "Living Shoreline" reminds us that there are 100,000 species of plants and animals living in freshwater habitats like Lake Charlevoix. Living shorelines are designed to connect the land to the water in ways that support a healthy ecosystem, purify water, stabilize the shoreline, reduce erosion, buffer waves, and maintain a vibrant fish and wildlife habitat.

For more about the Lake Charlevoix Association: www.lakecharlevoix.org

Native plant lists for our area can be found at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/nativeplants/plant_facts/local_info/north_lower_peninsula