Shorelines are an important line of defense for reducing pollution into the Chesapeake Bay. For many years private landowners have armored shorelines with bulkheads or other artificial methods to try to reduce land loss due to erosion. However, these methods can create issues over time as structures break down due to lapping waves and other factors. Meanwhile, scientific studies have shown that natural or “living” shorelines braced by grasses, trees, and other vegetation are more than capable of halting erosion while also providing habitat for animals and capturing carbon to reduce the effects of climate change. In the following video, CBF educators Tiffany and Michael discuss the value of living shorelines, as well as issues related to bulkheads and other armored shorelines. After watching it, see if you can complete our Controlling Shoreline Erosion Investigation worksheet.

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