Low Impact Development and Naturalization
Community Land Restoration Project
Native planting and pollinator habitat - Maryann Lane, Norwood
What is happening here?
The no-mow areas along the swale and catch basin on Maryann Lane are intentional. This is an active community restoration project, endorsed unanimously by the Council of the Township of Asphodel-Norwood on June 23, 2026, and led by the Norwood and District Horticultural Society in partnership with the Township.
Native plants and pollinator habitat are being established on approximately 3,650 m2 of Township green space - creating a self-sustaining ecological corridor that supports bees, butterflies, birds, and clean water for generations to come.
3,650
m² being restored
2 sites
swale and catch basin
5 yrs
to self-sustaining habitat
$0
ongoing cost to the Township
How it unfolds
2026 - Year 1
Identification and monitoring. Invasive plants begin to be reduced. First native species introduced.
2027-28
Native planting expands each season. The space becomes a recognisable, designed native landscape.
2029-30
Self-sustaining. No mowing. No maintenance costs. A living habitat that looks after itself.
2032
Norwood and District Horticultural Society 40th anniversary - Maryann Lane fully established as a community nature landmark.
What this could look like over time
Restoration takes time. The photos below show a catch basin restoration project at Sherbrooke West in Peterborough after native plantings had time to establish.
While every site is different, these images provide an example of the naturalized appearance and habitat value expected at Maryann Lane as native plants become established over the next several years.
Photo credit: Photos courtesy of Drew Monkman. Used with permission.
These photos are provided as an example only.
Why this matters
Pollinators
Bees, butterflies, and moths
Birds
Nesting and foraging habitat
Clean water
Native roots filter stormwater
No mowing
Zero ongoing cost
Education
Students and community
Replicable
Model for other sites
Help Document the Restoration
Community members can help document the plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife found at the Maryann Lane restoration site through iNaturalist.
Take a photo or record a sound of an organism observed within the project area and upload it to iNaturalist. Qualifying observations will contribute to the Maryann Lane Land Restoration project, helping to create a record of how the site’s biodiversity changes over time.
Visit the Maryann Lane Land Restoration project on iNaturalist to explore observations from the site. Community members can also download the free iNaturalist app to photograph and submit observations while visiting the project area.
Explore the Project on iNaturalist
Please note that iNaturalist is an external platform. Users must create or sign in to an iNaturalist account and are subject to its terms of use and privacy practices.
Research and resources
This project is grounded in published research on native planting and stormwater naturalization. These organizations have implemented and documented similar approaches across Ontario and Canada.
Pollinator Habitat
Local expertise in native plant restoration in Ecodistrict 6E-8.
Ontario Invasive Plant Council
Best practice guidance on mechanical management of Phragmites, Reed Canary Grass, and Purple Loosestrife - all present at Maryanne Lane site.
Otonabee Region Conservation Authority
Our local watershed authority, supporting the project with endorsement and stewardship guidance.
Ontario Horticultural Association
Norwood and District Horticultural Society is a member of the Ontario Horticultural Association (OHA).
OHA supports community-led native planting and pollinator garden projects across Ontario.
Questions about this project?
This page will be updated as the project develops. | Last updated: June 2026