Illinois Native Plant Guide

Effective Protection With Visual Appeal

Wet bottom detention basins incorporating emergent shoreline plantings discussed in this Guide can prevent shoreline erosion and add an aesthetically appealing appearance as depicted in the photograph above. As shown below, wetland detention basins that incorporate emergent plants across the basin bottom provide greater wildlife habitat and water quality benefits.

The photograph above illustrates the more traditional approach to stormwater basins with mowed turf grass shorelines, which can erode and cause water quality problems. The photograph below shows a stormwater basin with native plantings for shoreline stabilization and upland slope buffer. The shoreline and buffer plantings reduce erosion, improve water quality and wildlife habitat, and reduce maintenance costs.

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