Unfortunately, the Michigan State University Extension Service does not have staff available to come out and make a site visit. My I suggest that you contact the Kalkaska County Soil Conservation Service, their office is located at 406 S. Cedar St. in Kalkaska, Michigan. Their office phone number is<personal data hidden>. They may have staff that could come out and discuss your options.

You may want to consider when planning to be a hillside landscaping, both ground cover and native plants are excellent options, and the best choice often depends on your goals and the specific site conditions. Ground cover plants, such as creeping junipers, Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica), or Common Cinquefoil (Potentilla simplex), are ideal for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion, which is especially important on slopes. Native plants, on the other hand, are adapted to the local climate and soil, require less maintenance, and support local wildlife. You might consider a combination: use low-growing ground covers for erosion control and add clusters of native flowering plants or grasses for color, texture, and ecological value. This approach not only enhances safety and beauty but also ensures long-term sustainability for your hillside landscaping.

An excellent lists of native plants suitable for Michigan can be found at the following MSU Extension web site: Regional Plant Lists - Native Plants and Ecosystem Services

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