Properties along Lake Whatcom’s shoreline hold the greatest opportunity for meaningful improvement to the lake’s health. Pipes and drains on your property may carry runoff from pollution-generating surfaces, such as lawns, driveways, and roofs, directly into the lake. Installing a water quality improvement project through HIP can mitigate these impacts, leading to a cleaner and healthier shoreline for your use and enjoyment. These improvements can enhance your existing landscape and improve drainage—without changing how you use and enjoy your property.
Planting along the shoreline protects water quality and keeps geese at bay. Thoughtful planting layouts can frame views while providing privacy from neighbors or boaters.
Using "right plant, right place" principles, we help you create beautiful, picturesque landscapes that can be low-maintenance and capture phosphorus in runoff to help protect water quality.
Clean Beaches filter polluted runoff by forcing it to flow through specially-mixed sand that doubles as a beach area for your use and enjoyment.
If the soil on your site is poor, you can protect water quality by filtering runoff through special sand and rock mixes. Underneath, pipes collect the clean water and carry it safely downstream.
Beneath a winding gravel footpath or landscape feature, a property with well-draining soil can create natural filter for runoff that's hidden from view and improves site drainage.
Whether hidden within landscaping, or placed front-and-center for increased curb appeal, rain gardens create an interesting look that attracts wildlife and improves site drainage
Your property qualifies for a reimbursement for professional services. If you choose to work with HIP-Certified Professionals, all of your expenses could be reimbursable.
In this video HIP staff take a tour of a native plant garden to showcase a variety of projects available for reimbursement through HIP.
If your site slopes gently toward the water, use this layout to maximize your fun in the sun.
Keeping you connected to the uses along your shoreline, this layout adds privacy from boaters and neighbors.
Tired of the geese making a mess along your shoreline? This layout creates a barrier that doesn't detract from your water view.
Along streams, use this layout to beautify your property while reducing erosion and flooding.
Creating a border of native landscaping using this layout grows a beautiful and natural barrier while keeping your views intact.
Use this layout to turn an open lawn area into a private place where you can relax, entertain guests, and attract birds and butterflies.
Mowing lawns on steep slopes can be a big headache. This layout helps you envision ways to plant your hillside while maintaining that spectacular view.
Some native plants thrive in shady areas, where weeds and moss would otherwise grow. Use this layout if you live under tall trees or for the shady side of your lot.