Our stewardship principles guide how we approach each project, from careful site assessment to durable construction and thoughtful restoration.
(1) Design for Each Unique Site: We design and build each project with attention to its particular slope, drainage, soil type, vegetation, and site access needs. We also reflect current and predicted cyclical movements of sand, soil, and water as we design durable structures.
(2) Minimize Disturbance: We aim to disturb as little as possible by using hand-held power tools instead of heavy machinery. Whenever we can, we avoid excavation, grading, clearing, compaction, and damage to existing vegetation.
(3) Care for Vegetation: Native plants help stabilize sand and soil, reduce erosion, and support birds, pollinators, and native wildlife. We work to preserve existing vegetation but when disturbance is unavoidable, we aim to restore affected areas with native plantings.
(4) Create Responsible Access: Well-designed stairs and walkways protect sensitive landscapes by directing repeated foot traffic along durable, appropriate routes. Informal footpaths can damage vegetation, compact soil, and create channels for water and wind erosion.
(5) Build for Michigan Conditions: Our structures are designed and built for wind, sand, moisture, UV exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, and changing lake levels. Our durable construction reduces the need for repeated repairs in sensitive areas.
(6) Respect Protected Areas: Many of our clients' properties are in Critical Dune Areas, wetlands, or other regulated zones. We manage the permitting process and plan each project around applicable site constraints and environmental requirements.
Join us: Protecting the lakeshore takes thoughtful planning, responsible construction, and ongoing care. We invite our clients to partner with us in protecting this fragile environment.