Chapter 13: Restoration Ecology
13.1 Helping Nature Heal
• Rule #1: Stop the Abuse
• Many Systems Heal on their Own
13.1 Helping Nature Heal
• Restoration projects range from modest to
ambitious
• Restoration ecologists tend to be idealistic but
pragmatic
• Restoration projects have common elements
• Early conservationists showed the promise of
restoration
13.2 Nature Can Be Remarkably
Resilient
• Protection is the first step in restoration
• Native species often need help to become
reestablished
– May be locally extinct
– May not be able to cross intervening spaces
– May need help against competitors
13.3 Restoring Forests Has Many
Benefits
• Tree planting can improve our quality of life
– Arbor Day, 1872
– Exported to Japan, 1883
– Now Global
• What Can You Do? Ecological Restoration in
Your Own Neighborhood
• Fire is essential for savannas
– Hard to Convince Homeowners
13.4 Restoring Prairies
• Fire is also crucial for prairie restoration
• Huge areas of shortgrass prairie are being
preserved
• Bison help maintain prairies
13.5 Restoring Wetlands And Streams
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Reinstating water supplies helps wetlands heal
The Everglades are being replumbed
The Chesapeake Bay is being rehabilitated
Wetland mitigation can replace damaged areas
Constructed wetlands can filter water
Many streams need rebuilding
Severely degraded or polluted sites can be
repaired or reconstructed