The flora surrounding St. Mary’s Lake recently underwent a little sprucing up. Groundskeepers completed woody invasive species removal—for ecological, aesthetic, and safety improvements—along with the installation of native aquatic planting enhancements in the low-depth water shoreline along St. Mary’s Lake.
According to Tony Polotto, senior director of construction and quality assurance in the Office of Facilities Design and Operations, the work was done by approximately 10 people from June through August. The goal? Support a healthier, more resilient, and more attractive campus landscape.
“Our director of landscaping brought the issue of invasive species overtaking the native plantings along the lake to our attention,” Polotto said. “This conversation led to a study and master plan to restore and provide ongoing upkeep to the shoreline.”
Removal of woody invasive species
Staff removed plants including white mulberry, as well as dead or dying willows, cottonwood, and white ash. Dead limbs in the canopy of the many black walnut trees along the southern shoreline were also removed. Invasive shrubs removed included Asian bush honeysuckle, autumn olive, privet, and Oriental bittersweet. During this process, workers carefully protected selected native shrubs—elderberry, redbud, willow, red-osier dogwood, and silky dogwood.
Next, five shallow aquatic shorelines were selected for enhancement following a detailed assessment of site conditions and long-term planting feasibility. Landscapers considered soil conditions, available planting shelves for saturated and shallow-water species, shoreline width and slope, aesthetic value, and existing tree and shrub canopy cover.
Plantings
Nearly 3,750 plants, consisting of 31 different species, were planted along the water’s edge. An additional 1,250 plants, comprising 15 species, were placed in select upland buffer areas. Establishing this emergent native vegetation—such as swamp milkweed, cup plant, swamp rose mallow, and joe-pye weed—along the shoreline of St. Mary’s Lake provides important ecological and shoreline stabilization benefits. These deep-rooted, moisture-tolerant species help bind shoreline soils, reduce erosion from wave action and runoff, slow and filter stormwater before it reaches the lake, and improve nearshore water quality.
“Their upright growth along the water’s edge also creates valuable habitat and cover for insects, birds, amphibians, and other wildlife, while their showy, nectar-rich flowers support monarch butterflies, native bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators throughout the growing season,” Polotto explained. “Together, these plants create a resilient, biodiverse lakeshore buffer that enhances habitat value, improves aesthetics, and supports the long-term health of the aquatic ecosystem.”
Protecting the plants
To help the newly planted vegetation become established, workers installed visible fencing and bright flagging, designed to discourage geese and other wildlife from consuming or uprooting the vulnerable plants during this early growth period. While these temporary protection measures may appear unsightly, they are purposeful and important to the success of the restoration. Look for the fences and flags to be removed in late summer or early fall, when the plants have had a chance to take hold along the shoreline.
“After the new plantings mature through the remainder of this year, the project will draw attention throughout the next growing season with colors that enhance the natural ecosystem of the lakes,” Polotto said.
Originally published by at ndworks.nd.edu on September 01, 2026.