Berlin Township near Anderson in Erie County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Nature-based shorelines can restore natural function to coastal areas.
Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research ReserveNature-based Shoreline at Old Woman Creek
Photographed by Craig Doda, May 16, 2025
1. Nature-based shorelines can restore natural function to coastal areas. Marker
Nature-based shorelines can restore natural function to coastal areas.
Coastal processes, including fluctuating water levels, storm events, nearshore currents, and erosion, have shaped and maintained Lake Eries coastline for millennia.
However, Lake Erie's coastline has also been artificially altered through the installation of hard structures such as stone revetments, concrete seawalls, and metal bulkheads. The overuse of these hardened structures has negatively impacted habitat and, in some cases, exacerbated erosion along the coast.
A combination of nature-based techniques were used to help naturalize and maintain the shoreline at Old Woman Creek. Given its high wave energy and variable climate, construction took place at peak growing season and involved placement of coconut fiber coir logs.
Select species of native vegetation installed at this site include sections of beach grass, live stands of silky and red-osier dogwood and sandbar willow, and a riparian scrub-shrub seed mix. Establishment of native plantings and other natural installations will require time to adapt to the site's dynamic conditions.
Why nature-based shorelines?
✔️The nearshore zone is a critical habitat niche for wildlife.
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✔️ Nature-based shorelines mimic conditions that naturally reduce erosion. Nature-based shorelines can be resilient to changing environmental conditions.
✔️ Native plants can filter stormwater runoff to increase water quality.
✔️ Nature-based shorelines provide both passive and recreational benefits.
Erected by Ohio Department Of Natural Resources / Ohio Coastal Manegment Program / Old Woman Creek National Esturine Research Reserve.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 41° 23.033′ N, 82° 30.896′ W. Marker is near Anderson, Ohio, in Erie County. It is in Berlin Township. It is on Lands End Drive (U.S. 6) 0.2 miles west of Old Lake Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2005 Cleveland Rd E, Huron OH 44839, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Ohio’s Lake Erie Shore and in the Western Reserve.
Photographed by Craig Doda, May 16, 2025
2. Nature-based shorelines can restore natural function to coastal areas. Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Old Woman Creek (within shouting distance of this marker); The Value of Wetlands (approx. half a mile away); Invasives (approx. half a mile away); History of Old Woman Creek (approx. half a mile away); Old Meeker Farm / Old Homestead-on-the-Lake (approx. 1.4 miles away); Legacy of the Huron Docks (approx. 2 miles away); Huron Block House (approx. 2 miles away); a different marker also named Legacy of the Huron Docks (approx. 2.1 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on May 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 23, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 145 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 23, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
