Ecological Restoration, Second Edition
Principles, Values, and Structure of an Emerging Profession
336 pages
7 x 10
59 illustrations
Book Description
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. This book offers a comprehensive and coherent account of the field for everyone who initiates, finances, designs, administers, issues government permits for, manages, and implements ecological restoration projects, and all those who serve in supportive roles. Originally published in 2007, this revised and reorganized edition brings the book up to date with new developments and current trends in the field.
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
The book also includes case studies and Virtual Field Trips around the world that illustrate points made in the book with on-the-ground information from those who were intimately involved with the projects described. Throughout, ecological restoration is conceived as a holistic endeavor, one that addresses issues of ecological degradation, biodiversity loss, personal engagement, and sustainability science simultaneously, and draws upon cultural resources and local skills and knowledge in restoration work.
Review Quotes
"The bottom line is that the two editions of this book are a great addition to anyone's library and occupy a unique position in the recent spate of restoration texts. Kudos to the authors."
Restoration Ecology
"[T]his slim, accessible volume presents a comprehensive introduction to the subject....The reworked organizational structure of the text, new case studies, and other refinements further improve an already successful publication."
Quarterly Review of Biology
"successful....an easily readable book"
Basic and Applied Ecology
"Highly recommended, especially for college and technical school library collections as well as for professionals in and aspirants to this exciting new scientific field."
Midwest Book Review
"One of our best tools for confronting urgent global environmental challenges is ecological restoration, described with clarity and skill in this revised edition of the book that sets the standards in this field."
Peter H. Raven, President Emeritus, Missouri Botanical Garden
"We know that investments in restoring ecological systems bring significant returns, enhancing the capacity of communities to adapt to climate change and improve food security, and leading to more effective efforts to alleviate poverty and protect the natural assets upon which economic growth depends. Clewell and Aronson have provided an unrivaled guidebook that enables readers to understand the science of ecological restoration, how it developed, and what to expect from this vitally important discipline in the future."
Pavan Sukhdev, author of "Corporation 2020: Transforming Business for Tomorrow's World"
Contents
List of Virtual Field Trips
Foreword
Preface
PART I. Why We Restore
Chapter 1. Overview
-Some Basic Terms and Concepts
Chapter 2. Values and Ecological Restoration
-Ecological Values
-Personal Values
-Socioeconomic Values
-Cultural Values
-Holons and Realms of Organization
Chapter 3. Disturbance And Impairment
-Disturbance
-Ecosystem Response to Disturbance
-Degradation, Damage, Destruction
-Ecological Consequences of Impairment
PART II. What We Restore
Chapter 4. Recovery
-Ecological Views of Recovery
-Ecological Theory and Restoration
Chapter 5. Ecological Attributes of Restored Ecosystems
-Species Composition
-Community Structure
-Abiotic Environment
-Landscape Context
-Ecological Functionality
-Historic Continuity
-Ecological Complexity
-Self-organization
-Resilience
-Self-sustainability
-Biosphere Support
-Goals And Project Standards
Chapter 6. Semicultural Landscapes and Ecosystems
-Culturalization of Landscapes
-Examples of Semicultural Landscapes
-Selecting Semicultural Targets for Restoration
PART III. How We Restore
Chapter 7. Ecological References
-Reference Concept
-Types of Reference Sites
-Steps in Reference Model Preparation
-Temporal References
-References in Landscape Restoration
-Trajectories
Chapter 8. Approaches to Restoration
-Intensity of Effort
-Framework Approach
-Sources of Knowledge
Chapter 9. Project Planning and Evaluation
-Guidelines for Restoration
-Strategies and Designs
-Inoculating Soils and Substrates
-Project Evaluation
PART IV. Ecological Restoration as a Profession
Chapter 10. Relationship of Restoration to Related Fields
-Restoration Ecology and Ecological Restoration
-Ecosystem Management
-Rehabilitation, Reclamation, Revegetation, and Remediation
-Compensatory Mitigation
-Fabrication and Creation
-Landscape Architecture and Design
-Ecological Engineering
-Restoration of Natural Capital
-Sustainability Science
Chapter 11. Projects and the Professional
-Stakeholders
-Project Sponsors
-Project Roles
-Organizational Structure
-Evolution of Contexts
-Stewardship Models
-Practitioner Certification
Chapter 12. Moving Restoration Forward—Together
-Perceptions of Ecological Restoration
-Novel Ecosystems
-Climate Change
-Moving Forward
Glossary
References Cited and Collaborators
Index
