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Activity Catalogue

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Ecological Restoration

Many human activities are responsible for the loss, degradation or fragmentation of natural areas. The process of assisting in the recovery of these ecosystems is called ecological restoration. Ecological restoration is concerned not only with bringing back the diversity of species that were once present but also with ensuring the reestablishment of the structure, functions and processes that contribute to the ecological integrity of the ecosystems in question.

In some cases, removing the cause of the disturbance may be what is required in order for ecosystem restoration to take place. In other cases, more-active measures have to be undertaken, such as reintroducing native plants, decontaminating soils or readjusting water flows.

All kinds of ecosystems -- wetlands, grasslands, forests or shorelines -- can be restored. Each presents its own set of challenges in dealing with both the source of the damage and with the complexity of the system you are trying to restore. In general, it is important to remember that we do not yet fully understand all the ecological processes that take place in nature, and that ecosystems change over time, which makes it difficult to determine what the final state of the restoration should be.

Ecological restoration provides opportunities for community members -- both groups and individuals -- to work together towards a common vision of a healthier and more-sustainable environment. It also brings us closer to the natural communities with which we share the planet. If this adventure interests you, the resources section will provide further information.

School-Ground Greening

In many schools across Canada, asphalt and concrete are being replaced with native trees, shrubs, ferns, grasses and wildflowers. This naturalization of school grounds results in a healthier environment for students and provides opportunities for them to learn in and from nature. The use of native plants helps develop a sense of place and encourages curiosity towards the local natural environment.

Involving students, teachers, parents, caretakers, principals, community members and groups in all aspects of school-ground greening ensures that educational, cultural, environmental, administrative and financial perspectives are taken into account in the planning, implementation and ongoing maintenance of the project. It also helps develop a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the green spaces that are established and towards the living things that take advantage of these new habitats.

Before starting this greening process, it is important to identify the current features and uses of the school ground and to consult with all those involved regarding their vision for its transformation. The implementation can be started slowly in order to build confidence in the collective ability to effect change. It is also important to celebrate successes and to recognise the contribution of all partners.

Many resources are available to help you with the practical considerations of school-ground greening.

Shoreline Rehabilitation

The health of aquatic ecosystems is dependent on shoreline vegetation. The plants that grow where land and water meet provide food and shelter as well as nesting- and breeding-areas for wildlife. Loss of shoreline vegetation means loss of habitat for all kinds of living things, including insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.

Aquatic species also benefit from the fact that shoreline vegetation filters land-based chemicals before they reach the water and provides shade that helps to maintain cooler water temperatures.

Riparian vegetation helps prevent shoreline erosion. Plants anchor the soil, slow down ground run-off during heavy rainfalls and provide a buffer against wave action.

Shoreline can be rehabilitated through the careful planting of native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous and aquatic plants. Letting natural debris such as driftwood and fallen trees accumulate can provide shelter for wildlife and rest areas for turtles. For more information, you can consult the resources section and consider how you can engage in these stewardship activities.

Stewardship

The concept of stewardship reminds us that we are all part of the natural world and have a responsibility towards its conservation. It is a personal and collective commitment to maintaining and restoring ecological systems and to using resources wisely in order to ensure their sustainability for future generations.

Stewardship is a voluntary action by landowners to care for their land, be it a backyard, a school yard, a wetland, a meadow or a woodlot. Some people are involved through native plant gardening and others through ecological restoration on a larger scale. Some help set up a land trust while others donate their land for a nature preserve. Some listen to frog calls in order to monitor their populations as an indicator of environmental health, and others talk to their neighbours about why they keep a brush pile in their backyard.

Taking part in stewardship activities improves our understanding of ecological processes and the impact of our activities on natural systems. It helps orient the choices we make as landowners, land users, consumers and community members.

For specific examples of stewardship activities, please explore our resources section.

Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping is landscaping with water conservation in mind. Because lawn maintenance requires a lot of watering, considering alternatives helps protect this precious resource.

In choosing from the lists of plants recommended for xeriscaping, consider plants that are native to your area. These plants are well-adapted to the local climate conditions and can survive dry spells. Once established, not only do they require less watering, but they also provide many other benefits related to biodiversity conservation.

Other practices that improve water conservation include mulching to reduce evaporation from the soil, adjusting slopes to reduce run-off, improving the soil to increase water filtration and retention, and capturing rainwater to use when watering is necessary.

You will find more information on these water-wise practices in our resources section.