Stabilizing a dune area along Lake Superior, especially with sandy and acidic soil, requires a thoughtful approach to both soil treatment and plant choice. To improve your sandy soil, consider incorporating organic matter such as compost, peat moss, or well-rotted manure into the sandy soil. This helps increase moisture retention and provides essential nutrients for plant growth. Mulching with pine needles or shredded bark can also help minimize erosion while helping to preserving soil moisture. Mulching will also keep down any unwanted plants saving you time in removing them.

For planting, choose native species adapted to sandy, acidic conditions and capable of thriving in a south-facing, open area. A list of native plants can be found in a list created by the MSU Extension Service. The list can be found here: Upper Peninsula - Native Plants and Ecosystem Services

Some recommended plants for dune stabilization include:

• Beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata) – Excellent for binding sand and preventing erosion.
• Sand Cherry (Prunus pumila) – A hardy shrub that tolerates sandy soils.
• Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) – Groundcover with attractive foliage, well-suited for acidic sand.
• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) – A native grass that adds color and helps stabilize soil.
• Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) – Since you already have prolific blueberries, expanding their presence can further stabilize the area and enhance edibility.
• Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis) – Adds nitrogen to the soil and tolerates sandy conditions.
• New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) – A shrub that tolerates dry, sandy soils and attracts pollinators.
• Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) – A shrub that provides nectar for butterflies.

A local source (by UP standards) is located in Marquette, the company is Designs By Nature – Upper Peninsula Native plants LLC. Please do not consider this information an endorsement, however their web site is located here: Designs By Nature - Upper Peninsula Native Plants, LLC | habitat restoration native gardening | 550 Little Lake Road, Marquette, MI, USA

Planting these species in clusters of three or more, rather than isolated individuals, will help create a more resilient and attractive landscape. Be sure to water new plantings regularly until they are set up, as sandy soil dries out quickly. Over time, these plants will help anchor the sand, reduce erosion, and create a beautiful, naturalized setting around your new home.

Thank you for your question and have a great gardening season this year.