A New Norris Landscape: Sustainability and LEED

The town of Norris has been rooted in a sense of self-sustainability since its inception, and the landscape has played a key role. The Norris landscape was originally conceived as a scenic beauty but also as a productive, research-oriented, life and work-sustaining tool. It only follows then that the focus on sustainability and LEED accreditation applied at the New Norris House would extend into its surrounding landscape as well.

The site and landscape plans are important factors when considering LEED accreditation. The approach to the Sustainable Sites credits begins with the stewardship and remediation of the existing site. During construction, measures have been taken to prevent erosion, limit the disturbance of the site, and remediate existing conditions that could adversely affect the long-term environmental sustainability of the site. Strategies include the use of silt fences and erosion control blankets during construction, a clear plan delineating the proper equipment and material staging and work areas to prevent unnecessary site disturbance, undoing previous soil compaction, and removing all invasive plant species and non-sustainable plant species from the site.

The stewardship of the site continues through a landscape design strategy that responds to several aspects of creating a sustainable site. The ornamental plant materials specified have been chosen for their drought-tolerance, native status, and/or wildlife benefits. A no-mow meadow along the western edge of the site includes native perennials and grasses and will provide habitat and food for wildlife as well as soil regeneration and increased surface water retention and infiltration. A second no-mow meadow along the road right-of-way will capture sheet flow in a rain event and provide a permeable area for surface water percolation. The existing turf grass blend will be removed during the construction phase and replaced with a drought-tolerant species that does not require frequent mowing, chemical supplements, or irrigation after establishment.

Stay tuned for more information on the rainwater irrigated vegetable beds, grey water garden, and rain garden!