Lakeshore Habitat
The Lake Michigan shoreline is a flourishing ecosystem spanning hundreds of miles, with a steeplechase of dunes and forests. As part of the world's largest freshwater dune system, our shoreline is home to wildlife indigenous to this area of the world. The relationship of dunes, coastal bluffs and Great Lakes marshlands provide essential ecologic support. We take great care of the lakeshore's ecosystem, working closely with many government and conservation agencies. We are committed to innovative building solutions that balance lakeshore living in harmony with the environment.
We recognize there are many animal and plant species found only in this part of the country and the steps we can take as builders to help prevent the deterioration of the natural landscape. Reclamation of existing home sites, incorporating sustainable design technologies that allow better use of the land, and replanting native vegetation are among our common practices. Historically, little, if any, consideration was given to water erosion caused by storm water runoff. Today, Cottage Home designs rain gardens, or bioretention systems, as a sustainable landscape that manages storm water overflow. Rain gardens naturally absorb and filter pollutants, keeping them out of natural waterways.
While the lakeshore area is abundant with deer, robin and rabbits, just to name a few, many rare and unique plant and animal species rely on Lake Michigan's coastal system. The endangered Piping Plover and the Pitcher's Thistle as well as the common Monarch butterfly and Eastern box turtle . . . all have a home along the lakeshore. As we reclaim older home sites, we take great care to maintain natural trails, while preserving trees and foliage. We plant native grasses and reed grass, which stabilize the sand and are common along the West Michigan dunes. Cottage Home respects the land and encourages homeowners to live in unison with their natural surroundings.
