Sebago Lakescaping Program

The Sebago Lakescaping program is available to shorefront property owners around Sebago Lake and some of its major tributaries. The goal of the program is to make properties around the lake more “lake friendly” by reducing erosion, stormwater runoff, and harmful nutrients that enter Sebago Lake.

Matching grants of up to $1,000 are available to homeowners and up to $2,000 are available to lake associations, commercial summer camps, and municipalities.

What to do if you are interested in Sebago Lakescaping:

Getting Started

  1. Schedule a free Lakescaping Consultation with PWD to have your property evaluated for existing or potential runoff or erosion problems. To schedule a consultation, please email sebagolake@pwd.org.
  2. Receive a free Lakescaping Report with recommendations to improve identified problems on your property. The program is voluntary. You are not required to implement the recommendations.

If You Decide to Do the Work

  1. Apply for a Lakescaping Grant: After receiving your grant award letter, install recommended improvements yourself or with a contractor of your choice
  2. Schedule an inspection of your property with PWD
  3. Receive Lakescaping Grant

Benefits of Native Plants

One of the best ways to enhance your shorefront property and help protect water quality is by planting trees, shrubs, and perennials that are native to Maine. Native plants require less water, no fertilizers, and no pesticides to thrive. They also attract beautiful butterflies, birds, and wildlife.

Some common native plants that are recommended for the Sebago Lake region are lowbush blueberry, bearberry, winterberry, and blue flag iris depending on the property’s exposure to sun and soil conditions. Lowbush blueberry bushes are particularly favored for their strong root system, edible fruit, and low growth.

Visit the Sebago Lake Protection Office to view examples of native plants and other practices that help reduce erosion on your shorefront property. The Sebago Lake Protection Office is located at the intersection of Routes 237 and 35 in Standish.                             

Native Plant Information and other Fact Sheets

Lakes Like Less Lawn

Native Plants – shade and dry

Native Plants – shade and wet

Native Plants – part sun and wet

Native Plants – part sun and dry

Native Plants – sun and dry

Native Plants – sun and wet

Waterbars

Turnouts

Rubber Razors

Rain Gardens

Permitting

Paths & Walkways

Open Top Culverts

Live Staking

Lake Shoreline Riprap

Infiltration Steps – New Installation

Infiltration Steps – Retrofit Existing Steps

Infiltration Trench

Erosion Control Mix

Dripline Trench

Dry Wells

Construction BMPs

Lakescaping Program