By Mary Reid Barrow

Let me introduce you to LRNow’s  shoreline guru!

Vince Bowhers’ official title is LRNow’s Restoration Manager, but he really is so much more than the title implies.

Vince is your go-to person for all questions you might have about how to stop erosion around your property, and he offers a shoulder to lean on through all the steps you must take to fix it.

You can talk to Vince personally at any time, but if you would like to hear what he has to say and ask questions first, attend LRNow’s free Living Shoreline Workshop—How to Combat Shoreline Erosion.

The workshop is from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 21, at the Brock Environmental center on Marlin Bay Drive. Vince will speak on everything, from how to go about installing a living shoreline to what it can do for your property.

“Soup to nuts,” Vince said.

In addition, Dr. Donna Marie Bilkovic, a Virginia Institute of Marine Science ecologist and professor, will give a broader view of the benefits of living shorelines and how their value greatly exceeds their cost if you look at everything from improvement in water quality to recreational fishing.

Vince will give insight into the steps of the installation process and the maintenance and long term care that is required.

And best of all, find out how Guru Vince also can truly help make your individual process easier.

“You have an erosion problem? What can we do from there?” Vince asked.

He will visit your property and tell you if he thinks a shoreline restoration is viable or if you live on a canal or have a very steep bank, he may suggest rip rap or bulkheading as the only alternative.

“I’ll help you bring in the right people to get estimates,” he said, “bring in volunteers to reduce the costs, and come back to see how things are going.”

So don’t put off your shoreline restoration until water is lapping at your doorstep.

Come hear what Guru Vince and Professor Bilkovic have to say.

Sign up here for the workshop:  https://lrnow.networkforgood.com/events/97617-living-shoreline-workshop-how-to-combat-shoreline-erosion

To reach Guru Vince, email Vince@lrnow.org or call 757-962-5398.