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Are you a waterfront resident interested in keeping the Chesapeake Bay healthy and learning more about your shoreline management options? Interested in preserving and restoring your shoreline but not sure where to start?
As part of the Bay Protectors program, the Alliance has created several resources to assist you. Feel free to download and share any of these resources. We are seeking participation and input from residents like you! Let us know how you think these resources could be improved by providing feedback here, or by emailing Caroline Spiccioli at cspiccioli@allianceforthebay.org.
Natural and living shorelines provide numerous benefits to the health of the Chesapeake Bay. They prevent harmful erosion, improve water quality by removing pollutants, and offer critical habitat to our native wildlife. These shorelines are also naturally resilient to the effects of climate change, like sea level rise.
As a Bay Protector Ambassador, you will be a resource and the voice in your community regarding the benefits of healthy shorelines, bay-friendly shoreline practices, and guidance on how to implement these practices. Explore the resources below or download them all in one folder to help make your voice heard.
DOWNLOAD ALL RESOURCES
If you are interested in protecting your waterfront, providing habitat fo native wildlife, and enhancing the natural beauty of your property, a living shoreline may be right for you. Living shorelines utilize natural materials like native plants, stone, and sand as a barrier to defend against shoreline erosion and flood impacts.
EXPLORE THE FACT SHEET
LIST OF CONTRACTORS
Find a list of local living shoreline designers, engineers, and installers
DOWNLOAD THE LIST
CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS
While searching for a contractor, use this guide to ask the right questions and ensure you find the right expert for your living shoreline project
SEE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS
STATE AGENCIES AND NGOs
Explore state agencies and non-governmental organizations and their living shoreline resources
SEE THE LIST
FUNDING RESOURCES
In Maryland, there are funding assistance programs tied to pollution prevention and conservation outcomes
FIND FUNDING RESOURCES
NATIVE PLANT LIST
Find local organizations/societies, native plant nurseries near you, identification resources, and more
LIVING SHORELINE PERMITTING FLYER
Learn about the five main steps to starting the process of implementing a living shoreline
DOWNLOAD THE FLYER
SHORELINE SIGN
Have a living shoreline on your property? Download this shoreline sign to show it off!
DOWNLOAD THE SIGN
COMMITMENT CARD
Share the Commitment Card as a way for community members to “pledge” their support for healthier shorelines
DOWNLOAD THE COMMITMENT CARD
RESEARCH TO RESILIENCE
By conducting thorough research, the Cape Saint Claire Community was able to connect with experts and design a living shoreline that best fit their community needs.
READ THE FULL STORY
EDUCATION TO ENDURANCE
Community leaders were able to gain widespread support by educating residents on the benefits of a living shoreline.
Read More
INNOVATION TO INTEGRITY
Scott and Jan took a chance on a new approach to protect their home from erosion and runoff.
Read the Full Story
NEGLECT TO NOURISHMENT
After installing a living shoreline, Tom’s newly-purchased property went from a dumping ground to a beautiful waterfront home.
READ MORE
PARTNERSHIP TO PROTECTION
Homeowner Jenn worked closely with her neighbor on a joint project that addresses the unique needs of their individual shoreline properties.
ROOTS TO RESTORATION
Mary Carol and Littleton’s living shoreline was as much a preservation of their waterfront as it was a celebration of family history.
Which resources were the most helpful, and which could have been more helpful? What questions do you still have about shoreline best management practices after viewing this page? Let us know your thoughts by taking our survey.
TAKE THE SURVEY
Have a living or natural shoreline in Anne Arundel County and want to spread the word to your neighbors? The Alliance will provide shoreline signage to qualifying properties in order to draw attention to and encourage conversations about shoreline best management practices among community members and passers-by. Signs will be provided on a first-come first-served basis and are free to the recipient. Signs will be 9x 12″ aluminum with a steel u-channel post, designed with the graphic facing outwards towards the water, where passing boat traffic can read it. If you are interested in receiving a shoreline sign, fill out the interest form.
Complete the Interest Form
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay homepage
Anne Arundel County Bureau of Watershed Protection and Restoration
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Living Shorelines Page
If you have any questions about these resources or the Bay Protectors Pilot Program, please contact: Caroline Spiccioli at cspiccioli@allianceforthebay.org or 443-308-8076
