The Friends of Crescent Beach in Algoma took a step forward on Saturday with a project that has roots dating back to 2017. After native species like beachgrass had been taken out by invasive species at Crescent Beach, the organization fought back, forming a native beach restoration project. The project was originally funded by their parent organization, Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership, in hopes of replacing invasive species with beachgrass. The effort’s objective is to mitigate pollution from stormwater and to prevent erosion. Friends of Crescent Beach member Cathy Pabich says they’ve begun planting flowering plants. 

The flowering plants will be helpful for pollinators that use the shoreline as a migration path. Pabich was especially excited about the increase of milkweed along the beach, which could lead to higher populations of monarchs at certain points of the year. Pabich credited professional advice they’ve got for the project, noting that they can be assured the plants are conducive to all the different animal species. Now that the grant money for the project has been used, the group has moved to fundraising efforts to continue the project. On top of improving the beach, Pabich aims for the organization to serve as a model for people with lakefront properties.