Native Landscaping

Save Our Shorelines

Portage is home to a diverse number of ecosystems which we are all stewards to protect.  One of these environments are the 11 lakes and wetlands in the City of Portage featuring 48.52 miles of shoreline. Shorelines are important for attracting and providing habitats for butterflies, fish, frogs, and turtles, in addition to limiting erosion and creating healthier lakes and streams.  

Natural shorelines also discourage geese and other waterfowl to your lawn since they typically choose property that has easy access to a large open lawn that also can’t hide predators. This is the perfect time of year to enhance shorelines with native plantings.  The city has resources to help you choose plantings to beautify your yards naturally, develop rain gardens, and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. These “Smart Gardening” flyers are compliments of the MSU Extension Office and  can be downloaded HERE Version OptionsNative Landscaping Headline.  Printed copies are also available at Portage Parks & Recreation, 320 Library Lane.  Save our Shorelines as a “Natural Place to Move” in Portage.

Garlic Mustard Pull Contest (May 1 - May 31)

Help manage invasive species in the Portage park system and win a prize! First, attend the Garlic Mustard Pull Orientation and register for this program. The orientation class will be led by Portage Parks & Recreation staff. The City of Portage Environmental Board may be in attendance to answer any questions. During May, collect as many bags of Garlic Mustard as you can at any of the Portage parks then bring your bags to Portage Parks & Recreation to be weighed and logged. At the end of the month, the individual who pulls the most Garlic Mustard will win a grand prize. Runners-up and participants who collect at least one pound of garlic mustard will also receive gifts for participating. All pulled garlic mustard must be delivered to Portage Parks & Recreation by 5 PM on May 31 to be eligible.

Garlic Mustard Pull Contest Prizes

» 1st Place - $150
» 2nd Place - $100
» 3rd Place - $75
» 4th Place - $50
» 5th Place - $25

*Funding for prizes allocated by the Park Board

Orientation Class

» Saturday, April 29, 10 AM - 12 PM
» Portage Parks & Recreation (320 Library Lane)
» FREE (Registration and participation in the Invasive Species Management & Orientation Class are required)

To Register: Click HERE!