Retaining walls and non-vegetated shorelines are a very common sight on shore-line properties in Alberta. These urbanized shorelines have a huge impact on the lake and shoreline from impacting aquatic vegetation and fish populations to reducing the stability and diversity of lake shores. There are numerous benefits associated with restoring a more naturalized shoreline. For example naturalization helps protect shorelines, reduces erosion and nutrient loading, re-establishes wildlife habitat, improves fish habitat and water quality, and is visually pleasing. In an effort to improve water quality and to demonstrate that modifying an urbanized shoreline into a more natural habitat is both possible and attractive, naturalization of a shoreline was undertaken at Seba Beach on Lake Wabamun. Kelly & Doug Aldridge volunteered to do the work at their family property. They started the process of planning and getting appropriate approvals from the Summer Village and Provincial & Federal departments in the fall of 2009. On the weekend of June 12 and 13, 2010, a dozen volunteers participated on the construction and planting of this unique project. The following provides an overview of the process. Read More
2009-Shoreline Naturalization Project Seba Beach