Lead Landscape Architect for the restoration and creation of 30 wetlands, upland buffers and streams – from abandoned roadbeds and wood disposal sites – along the Route 9 roadway corridor in Downeast Maine.

Challenges such as difficult access, protection of sensitive natural areas and wildlife, lack of ready-made sources for plant materials and soils, restricted budgets and the need for quick establishment and minimal maintenance were solved through innovative combinations of materials and techniques and collaborating with local suppliers and contractors on means and methods.

Projects highlights:

  • A restored wetland/upland buffer complex used the salvage and relocation of wetland shrub/sphagnum sods and infill seeding to create a mosaic, to quickly revegetate a shoreland bog, to improve water quality for local fisherman, canoeist and kyackers.
  • Reuse and sculpting of on-site and local materials (woody debris, stumps, composted materials, boulders, soils, plants) to mimic natural forms and systems, to integrate each site into the surrounding natural landscape context.
  • Created methods and practices to quickly establish native plants and seed mixes that reduced costs and the need for follow-up replacements and long term maintenance.
  • Developed expertise in the design and creation of natural systems that provides a model for green stormwater infrastructure projects.

Studioverde’s design and site sustainability practitioners continue to apply these and other ecological design principles in our approach on each project – resulting in ecological, economic and community project benefits.