Ecological Restoration in the Midwest

Ecological Restoration in the Midwest PDF Author: Christian Lenhart
Publisher: University of Iowa Press
ISBN: 1609385748
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 296

Book Description
Most people do not realize it, but the Midwest has been at the forefront of ecological restoration longer than perhaps any other region in the United States, dating back to the 1930s. Because of its industrial history, agricultural productivity, and natural features such as the Great Lakes, the Midwest has always faced a unique set of ecological challenges. Focusing on six cutting-edge case studies that highlight thirty restoration efforts and research sites throughout the region— Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio— editors Christian Lenhart and Peter “Rocky” Smiley Jr. bring together a group of scholars and practitioners to show how midwestern restoration efforts have developed, as well as where they are headed. Whether cleaning up contamination from auto plants in Ohio, or restoring native prairie grasses along the Iowa highway, the contributors uncover a vast network of interested citizens and volunteer groups committed to preserving the region’s environment. This study, intended for researchers, students, and practitioners, also provides an updated synthesis of restoration theory and practice, and pinpoints emerging issues of importance in the Midwest, such as climate change and the increase in invasive species it will bring to the region. Though focusing exclusively on the Midwest, the contributors demonstrate how these case studies apply to restoration efforts across the globe. Contributors: Luther Aadland, David P. Benson, Andrew F. Casper, Hua Chen, Joe DiMisa, Steve Glass, Heath M. Hagy, John A. Harrington, Neil Haugerud, Constance Hausman, Michael J. Lemke, Christian Lenhart, Jen Lyndall, Dan Shaw, John A. Shuey, Peter C. Smiley Jr., Daryl Smith

Ecological Restoration

Ecological Restoration PDF Author: Andre F. Clewell
Publisher: Island Press
ISBN: 1610910648
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 230

Book Description
The field of ecological restoration is a rapidly growing discipline that encompasses a wide range of activities and brings together practitioners and theoreticians from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, ranging from volunteer backyard restorationists to highly trained academic scientists and professional consultants. Ecological Restoration offers for the first time a unified vision of ecological restoration as a field of study, one that clearly states the discipline’s precepts and emphasizes issues of importance to those involved at all levels. In a lively, personal fashion, the authors discuss scientific and practical aspects of the field as well as the human needs and values that motivate practitioners. The book: -identifies fundamental concepts upon which restoration is based -considers the principles of restoration practice -explores the diverse values that are fulfilled with the restoration of ecosystems -reviews the structure of restoration practice, including the various contexts for restoration work, the professional development of its practitioners, and the relationships of restoration with allied fields and activities A unique feature of the book is the inclusion of eight “virtual field trips,” short photo essays of project sites around the world that illustrate various points made in the book and are “led” by those who were intimately involved with the project described. Throughout, ecological restoration is conceived as a holistic endeavor, one that addresses issues of ecological degradation, biodiversity loss, and sustainability science simultaneously, and draws upon cultural resources and local skills and knowledge in restoration work.

The Tallgrass Prairie Center Guide to Prairie Restoration in the Upper Midwest

The Tallgrass Prairie Center Guide to Prairie Restoration in the Upper Midwest PDF Author: Daryl Smith
Publisher: University of Iowa Press
ISBN: 1587299526
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 343

Book Description
"This manual, by four of the most knowledgeable prairie restorationists in the Upper Midwest, brings together absolutely everything that anyone, regardless of background, needs to know for proper tallgrass prairie restoration. In addition to chapters on everything from planning to implementing to managing a prairie, chapters on native seed production and restoring prairies in public spaces and along roadsides cover all that is necessary for successful prairie restorations. This book is an absolute must for anyone in the business of prairie restoration as well as a great read for any prairie enthusiast." -- Robert H. Mohlenbrock, distinguished professor emeritus of botany, Southern Illinois University --Book Jacket.

Restoring Ecological Health to Your Land

Restoring Ecological Health to Your Land PDF Author: Steven I. Apfelbaum
Publisher: Island Press
ISBN: 1597268135
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 261

Book Description
Restoring Ecological Health to Your Land is the first practical guidebook to give restorationists and would-be restorationists with little or no scientific training or background the “how to” information and knowledge they need to plan and implement ecological restoration activities. The book sets forth a step-by-step process for developing, implementing, monitoring, and refining on-the-ground restoration projects that is applicable to a wide range of landscapes and ecosystems. The first part of the book introduces the process of ecological restoration in simple, easily understood language through specific examples drawn from the authors’ experience restoring their own lands in southern and central Wisconsin. It offers systematic, step-by-step strategies along with inspiration and benchmark experiences. The book’s second half shows how that same “thinking” and “doing” can be applied to North America’s major ecosystems and landscapes in any condition or scale. No other ecological restoration book leads by example and first-hand experience likethis one. The authors encourage readers to champion restoration of ecosystems close to where they live . . . at home, on farms and ranches, in parks and preserves. It provides an essential bridge for people from all walks of life and all levels of experience—from land trust member property stewards to agency personnel responsible for restoring lands in their care—and represents a unique and important contribution to the literature on restoration.

Restoring Wildlife

Restoring Wildlife PDF Author: Michael L. Morrison
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 376

Book Description
Restoration plans must take into account the needs of current or desired wildlife species in project areas. Restoring Wildlife gives ecologists, restorationists, administrators, and other professionals involved with restoration projects the tools they need to understand essential ecological concepts, helping them to design restoration projects that can improve conditions for native species of wildlife. It also offers specific guidance and examples on how various projects have been designed and implemented. The book interweaves theoretical and practical aspects of wildlife biology that are directly applicable to the restoration and conservation of animals. It provides an understanding of the fundamentals of wildlife populations and wildlife-habitat relationships as it explores the concept of habitat, its historic development, components, spatialtemporal relationships, and role in land management. It applies these concepts in developing practical tools for professionals. Restoring Wildlife builds on the foundation of material presented in Wildlife Restoration, published by Island Press in 2002, offering the basic information from that book along with much updated material in a reorganized and expanded format. Restoring Wildlife is the only single source that deals with wildlife and restoration, and is an important resource for practicing restorationists and biologists as well as undergraduate and graduate students in wildlife management, ecological restoration, environmental science, and related fields.

Restoring Neighborhood Streams

Restoring Neighborhood Streams PDF Author: Ann L. Riley
Publisher: Island Press
ISBN: 1610917405
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 288

Book Description
This book presents the author's thirty years of practical experience managing long-term stream and river restoration projects in heavily degraded urban environments. Riley provides a level of detail only a hands-on design practitioner would know, including insights on project design, institutional and social context of successful projects, and how to avoid costly and time-consuming mistakes.

Restoration of Boreal and Temperate Forests

Restoration of Boreal and Temperate Forests PDF Author: John A. Stanturf
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1482211971
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 561

Book Description
Humans have influenced the landscapes and forests throughout the temperate and boreal zones for millennia. Restoration of Boreal and Temperate Forests, Second Edition focuses on the negative impact of human activity, and explains the importance of forest restoration as a way to repair habitat, restore forest structure and function, and counteract the lasting effects of humanity. The book offers broad geographic coverage, as well as a combination of review and case study chapters providing social and policy contexts for restoration of specific forest types. This revised edition begins with a historical context for restoration, provides a conceptual framework for understanding the relationship between degradation and restoration, and defines terms within that framework. While building on the first edition, it presents the response of restorationists to the current challenges of interpreting scattered science on forest history, stand development, and natural processes. It combines applicable experience designed to improve present and future ecological and social sustainability. Describes restoration in the context of rapid social, economic, environmental, and climate change Looks toward the future, presenting several completely new topics in forest restoration Covers different starting points for restoration, from non-forest to degraded forest Restoration of Boreal and Temperate Forests, Second Edition aids in the understanding of the diverse cultural and ecological contexts for restoration of temperate and boreal forests, and the creation of a better foundation of documented knowledge to support future and existing restoration decisions.

Restoring Prairie Wetlands An Ecological Approach

Restoring Prairie Wetlands An Ecological Approach PDF Author: Susan M Galatowitsch
Publisher: Wiley
ISBN: 9780813824970
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 246

Book Description
Wetland restorations are an important part of natural resource conservation in the Midwest. However, many wetland restorations have had significant problems. This book is a guide to restoring wetlands in the southern portion of the prairie pothole region, covering Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota. Criteria for selecting suitable restoration sites, designing restorations, and evaluating restorations are presented here. The book also provides information on plants, animals, soils, and hydrology of prairie potholes.

Tallgrass Prairie Restoration in the Midwestern and Eastern United States

Tallgrass Prairie Restoration in the Midwestern and Eastern United States PDF Author: Harold Gardner
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 144197427X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 276

Book Description
This work advocates the restoration of the North American tallgrass prairie, which is rapidly disappearing. Historical descriptions of prairie aesthetics are outlined. As we are experiencing a worldwide mixing of plant species, prairie restoration is particularly important. Plants alien to North America do not readily support insect populations, including all animal species higher on the food chain. Prairie restoration methods are described for amateurs, academics, and land managers. Some of the techniques described are growing crops for seed production, times of seed gathering for specific species, facile seed processing for amateurs, land preparation, segregation of seed into its preference for habitat, and required seed treatment for germination. Over 200 species are described that comprise the predominant species found in tallgrass prairie nature preserves, as well as degraded prairies. Some additional plants of especial interest are also described. The appendix tabulates all likely species found on prairies regardless of their scarcity. Safe fire management of prairies is described in detail. Finally, methods of controlling aggressive alien weeds by herbicides are detailed.

Wild by Design

Wild by Design PDF Author: Laura J. Martin
Publisher: Harvard University Press
ISBN: 0674979427
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 337

Book Description
Laura J. Martin examines ecological restoration’s long history. Since the early 1900s, restorationists have confronted vexing philosophical questions: Which states of nature should be restored? Who should choose? Is human-designed wilderness really wild? Restoration work leads us to reimagine nature and the nature of environmental justice.