TAVARES — The Lake County Adopt-a-Lake Program, in conjunction with the Florida Lake Management Society, is offering grant funding for shoreline restoration projects.

“Shoreline plants are an important part of healthy, diverse aquatic ecosystems,” said Cathie Catasus, Adopt-a-Lake Program Coordinator. “Aquatic plants provide habitat and food for fish, invertebrates, amphibians and waterfowl. They also provide shoreline stabilization by preventing erosion and they filter excess nutrients from stormwater runoff.”

Projects should target either the removal of invasive shoreline vegetation and replanting of the area with native vegetation or planting native vegetation in barren areas. Grants may be awarded up to $200 per project and can be for individuals, homeowner associations or communities.

To obtain a grant application, call Cathie Catasus at (352) 253-1659 or e-mail ccatasus@lakecountyfl.gov or download a grant application from the Adopt-a-Lake Program web page. Applications must include “before” photos for the requested project area as well detailed information about the proposed activities. Deadline for grant submission is May 15. Grant recipients will be notified by May 21. All projects must be completed by July 31.