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    Are you losing valuable shoreline to erosion? Would you like to see more butterflies and birds? Are you tired of geese on your lawn?

   If so, join fellow lake shore residents and learn how to use native plants and shore land best practices to protect your shoreline, keep your lake cleaner, and keep geese from littering your yard!  The Association of Cass County Lakes is sponsoring a bus tour of beautiful lake properties on the Gull Chain of Lakes on July 25 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Showcased will be properties where homeowners have successfully tackled common lake shore challenges to create beautiful, resilient shorelines, that are reducing erosion and providing excellent habitat for birds, pollinators and other wildlife. 

   Bonus: an un-mowed shoreline buffer of native grasses and wild flowers that grow along the shoreline can discourage goose visits! 

   On the tour will be experts from Cass and Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) who will answer questions about what and how to plant, and will discuss technical and financial assistance for projects.  Participants will also learn about the Lake Steward program, which promotes, educates and recognizes lake shore owners for good conservation practices. 

   The cost for the program is $20 per participant.  On Thursday, July 25, participants should gather at Sunshine’s Summer House restaurant, 2008 Hill Drive, Nisswa, at 8 a.m. The bus returns at 12:30 p.m.  Seats are very limited, so register early.  To register, go to https://nativenaturalshorelandtour.eventbrite.com or call Sheila at 612-226-6571.

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