NORTON - Canoe River-area residents should be encouraged to recharge storm water from their yards through rain barrels or other means, a new study says.

Among the open space committee's other recommendations in the Canoe River study is that Norton continue preserving at least a 500-foot forested buffer on either side of the river and diligently protect the water quality.

The findings will be used to raise public awareness about these issues, Conservation Agent Jennifer Carlino said.

"Some of it is 'Keep doing what we're doing' and 'Keep people informed,'" she says of the two-year wildlife habitat study.

In addition, Norton's open space and recreation plan is due for its annual five-year update in 2010, Carlino said. Carlino presented the Canoe River study's findings during two forums at town hall, and a third session is planned from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18 in the town hall's first-floor conference room.

Residents are asked to RSVP to the conservation office at 508-285-0275. The room capacity is only 20 people.

The study was inspired by a Friends of Wheaton Farm wildlife habitat analysis of land in Easton, Carlino said.

Norton's open space committee looked at the Canoe River land within town after the Canoe River Aquifer Committee could not get funding to study the whole river, she said.

Norton's study involved 30 public field trips, such as walks, and more than 178 volunteer hours between 2006 and 2008.

The volunteers identified 461 species - 239 plants and 222 animals, which is "a lot," Carlino said.

The committee hadn't known that some of those species were in Norton, she said. The invasive plants will have to be removed, she said.

Funding isn't available.

So, within the year, the committee will launch a grassroots effort to recruit volunteers, Carlino said.

RecommendationsThe wildlife habitat study's recommendations include: Maintain a forested buffer on either side of the Canoe River (500 feet or more).

Preserve a contiguous forested area along the Canoe River through purchase, donation, conservation restriction, or transfer of property to Conservation Commission management.

Encourage residents to recharge their own storm water generated by the impervious surfaces on their own property (i.e. house, driveway, garage) with drywells, rain gardens, or rain barrels and the planting of drought resistant, native plants.

Continue to investigate the wildlife and plant communities of Norton to gain better understanding of the ecosystem and encourage residents to attend nature walks.

Continue to bring conservation and watershed related issues to town meeting for residents' education and approval.

MICHAEL GELBWASSER can be reached at 508-236-0439 or at mgelbwasser@thesunchronicle.com.