Resource Database

Testing the effects of phylogenetic and functional diversity on invaders in an experimentally restored tallgrass prairie

Invasive species hinder restoration efforts, and their control can be a drain on limited resources. Due to the cost and damaging effects of traditional invasion control measures, the idea of designing species pools that are more resistant to invasion has been gaining traction. However, a focus solely on invasion resistance may lead to the selection of dominant native species that suppress other desired native species. Community ecology theory suggests that maximizing functional and phylogenetic diversity of native plant species should increase invasion resistance by minimizing empty niche space for invaders to exploit. If this theory holds true in restoration settings, it would offer a way to build more invasion-resistant communities that require less control effort while simultaneously increasing native diversity–a common goal of many restoration projects. However, this idea has not yet been tested in a restoration context. We investigated the effects of phylogenetic and functional diversity on invasion resistance in a tallgrass prairie restoration experiment composed of 15 species assemblages. Across all treatments, our experiment included 127 native species. The experimentally restored communities had varied levels of phylogenetic and functional diversity. Each of the 127 native species was also established into two monoculture plots. We introduced three invaders into each community and tracked their survival and growth over two growing seasons. We observed differences in invader survival, growth, and reproduction between the diversity treatments and between the 127 native species monocultures. Results will be synthesized with recommendations on how to build more invasion resistant native communities.

Tipping the tipping point: After a regime shift to Typha dominance can management push the system back to a pre-invaded state?

Typha x glauca dominance in Great Lakes wetlands is strongly influenced by nitrogen (N) loading and is managed with varying degrees of long-term success, in part due to persistent eutrophication. However, even if N loading decreased, invasion might persist if a regime shift, reinforced by high internal N cycling, maintains invader dominance. We used MONDRIAN, a wetland community-ecosystem model, to explore the dynamics of Typha invasion into a 3-species native community across a range of N loading scenarios. These included either constant or decreasing N loading where the system starts in a high-N state and ends in a low-N state across a 65-year time period. Management was implemented 15 years post N reduction to determine if herbiciding /burning could return the system back to a pre-invaded state. In the constant N loading scenarios, an invasion threshold was observed between 8 and 12 g N m-2 yr-1 , in which the invader proportion went from less than 20% to greater than 80%. Typha dominance continued after dramatic N reduction, resulting in a 79% regime shift for invader proportion and 31% regime shift for total community NPP. While management was not able to fully return the system to a pre-invaded state, six years of management was found to be partially successful, leading to a 38% reduction in invader NPP and 31% reduction in invader proportion compared to pre-treatment, post-regime shift levels. These results suggest that in historically eutrophic wetlands, management can partially help return the system to a pre-invaded state after high N loading is removed.

Wetland waterbird food resources increased by harvesting invasive cattails

Conserving freshwater marsh waterbird communities in the Laurentian Great Lakes requires managing invasive emergent macrophytes, which degrade bird habitat by creating dense, litter-clogged stands, and excluding plant species that provide high-energy food resources. An approach to managing invasive macrophytes in the region involves herbiciding, which stimulates native plant and seed production, but does not address the accumulation of plant litter. Here, we experimentally evaluated the effects of an alternative approach, harvesting invasive plants and their litter followed by flooding, on plant communities including high-energy annual wetland plant populations. At the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge in Michigan, we experimentally treated an invasive cattail (Typha and glauca) dominated wetland in three consecutive years, comparing three treatments: sediment surface harvest, above ground harvest, and control. We monitored these treatments for waterbird-food producing plant species and plant diversity. We used waterbird use-day data collected at the unit-scale and compared values with satellite imagery-derived land cover changes. Compared to control plots, harvesting and flooding significantly increased plant species richness, increased the abundance of seed and tuber producing plant species 5-fold, and increased annual plant dominance by more than 10-times, while reducing Typha dominance and litter abundance. Over the three year experiment, use-days increased for dabbling ducks and wading birds, associated with reduced Typha cover, increased open water, and non-Typha emergent vegetation cover. Harvesting invasive plant biomass promoted a plant community composition and structure that benefits waterbirds. This approach is particularly powerful when coupled with flooding, which results in increased mortality of emergent invasive plants.

Demonstrating the return of locally common upland plant communities following oil sands mining in northern Alberta, Canada

Following oil sands mining in northern Alberta, there is an expectation that disturbed lands will be reclaimed to forested ecosystems having similar capability to provide goods and services to society as did the pre-mining footprint. One of several indicators for achievement of that goal is the degree to which reclaimed plant communities are converging with those of climatically and edaphically adapted communities locally common in the surrounding non-mined landscape. Syncrude Canada Ltd. has a long history of monitoring upland plant community development on reclaimed lands using a large set of re-measured sample plots. This talk will summarize almost 40 years of data from that program by (i) discussing variations in rates and patterns of observed changes to reclaimed plant community composition, (ii) quantifying the degree to which reclaimed plant communities are converging with those of undisturbed forests, and (iii) postulating on causal factors for observed variations in plant community trends, including the important influence of the forest canopy, that are relevant to continuous improvement of reclamation best practices.

Monitoring the dynamics of restoring the biological soil crusts after acidic water contamination from the mining industry

Biological soil crust (biocrust) covers the surface of arid regions around the world. Biocrusts are formed as a result of interactions between photosynthetic organisms and soil particles. The ability of these organisms to grow in dry areas allows them to populate the soil surface. They serve as an indicator of ecosystem health and environmental engineers, in low-rainwater systems, by stabilizing the soil surface, and soil enrichment with nutrients. In summer 2017, 150,000 m3 of process water, a byproduct of the manufacture of phosphorus fertilizers, flowed into the Ashalim Stream Nature Reserve. The research objectives were to examine the effects of acid water pollution on biocrusts in the Ashalim River, at the two different research sites along the riverbed, and the rehabilitation treatments. Two damaged sites were selected, in the upper sandy part and the alluvial part of the stream. Each site carries out five rehabilitation treatments. A series of physical, chemical, and biological tests of the biocrusts were performed. In all aspects, it was realized that the biocrusts were experiencing significant damage, with the cyanobacterial population as well as the change in the microbial populations. The area where the biocrusts heavily damaged was the sandy part of the Ashalim River. The best treatment was the addition of enriched organic matter led to the formation of aggregates in the sandy soil. The above treatment may encourage microbial populations by supplementing with nutrients and thus the restoration process.

Can temporary habitats that develop during the operational phase of a quarry contribute to wider restoration goals?

When considering the extractives sector, biodiversity is often thought of in terms of restoration post the operational activity. However, there is increasing evidence that biodiversity can thrive within an active quarry, with habitats occurring either spontaneously or initiated through creating basic enhancements. Functioning mostly as a support for pioneer species, these habitats will in most cases be removed as they make way for the expanding extractive activities, and thus make a unique contribution to population dynamics. These temporary habitats also play a critical role in supporting post-extraction restoration as they function as a nucleus and a point from which local biodiversity can disperse from. In a European context, with strict protection being applied to species through the Birds and Habitats Directives, having biodiversity within an active quarry can be challenging. In the past 5 years, much research has been focused on how to best integrate temporary habitats within active quarry environment. Examples of the extent of temporary habitats across the European cement sector will be presented, along with measure integrated into quarry management to increase, in particular bird and amphibian, populations. Questions will also be raised as to how to maximise these opportunities without triggering infringements due to the legal framework.

Characterization and Geochemical Behavior of Authier Lithium Mine Lithologies for Construction and Restauration Purposes

In this study, Authier lithium mine lithologies were characterized and their geochemical behavior was evaluated with the purpose to employ forthcoming mine waste in construction and restauration. Therefore, this project’s goal was the reduction of the environmental footprint of mining activity by reducing the supply in off-site borrow material. However, this can be considered if the drainage generated by water/rock interaction poses no environmental risk such as leachate with acidic pH and/or significant toxic metal charge.

Preliminary evaluation allowed identifying three waste rock lithologies: ultramafic volcanic, basalt and peridotite, requiring detailed investigations. Consequently, three samples of each lithology were collected from different places on the site and the following analysis and tests were performed: elemental analysis by acid digestion followed by ICP-MS, mineralogy by X-Ray Diffraction, paste pH,   kinetic net acid generation testing (NAG), neutralizing potential (NP), and Sulfur/Carbon by induction furnace. Further, the following parameters were calculated: the ratio of neutralizing potential to acid generation (NP: AP ratio), the net neutralization potential (NNP) by acid/base accounting (ABA), mineralogical index (M) and NNP according to Kwong and Paktunc approach, respectively.

To conclude, all samples were classified non-acid generating, mainly due to their low Sulfur content (<0,3%). However, in the event of sulfide oxidation, rapid and intermediate weathering silicates were found sufficient for neutralization.

To evaluate metal leaching, kinetic tests are ongoing in situ in barrels of 400 kg rock. Sequential extraction is ongoing, to evaluate the fractions: water soluble, exchangeable, carbonate bound, Fe-Mn oxides bound, organic matter/sulfide bound and residual.

Pipeline Impacts And Recovery Of Dry Mixed Grass Prairie Soil And Plant Communities

Agricultural practices have been the predominant disturbance on North American grasslands. However, recent disturbances from oil and gas activity have become increasingly problematic for conservation. With growing demand for oil and gas, industry is implementing minimal disturbance construction techniques to reduce impacts on grasslands. A study was undertaken to determine the impact of a large diameter pipeline right of way (ROW) on dry mixed grass prairie; if and how far these impacts extend beyond the ROW; and the effect of time on grassland recovery. Soil and vegetation on the ROW and transects extending 300 m on either side of the ROW were assessed over a ten year period, starting the year of construction, at six sites along the pipeline route in southern Alberta, Canada. There were significant impacts to soil and vegetation on the ROW and within 5 m in the first year. The trench was most impacted, followed by work and storage areas. Within two years, soil and plant communities were on a trajectory towards reference conditions. Ten years following construction, only soil pH and bare ground were greater and litter less on the trench relative to reference prairie. While native grass richness, dominance and cover were similar on and off ROW, abundance of some native forb species was less on ROW. Non native plant cover was less than 2 %. Use of minimal disturbance construction techniques reduced size and intensity of the disturbance footprint, allowing for even sensitive arid habitat to recover within a short period of time.

Pipeline restoration in different ecosystems throughout Israel

Israel is a densely populated country with a vast range of unique ecosystems. The growing need for energy necessitates a distribution of more pipelines across the country, particularly for gas. It is essential that companies placing these pipelines adhere to environmental requirements before, during, and after the work so that proper ecological restoration of the disturbed areas can take place. Geoteva Environmental Consultants have been assisting companies in applying environmental guidelines to pipeline establishment for over 20 years. These guidelines include the excavation and return of the topsoil layer, the narrowing of the work area, special protection of natural assets, and return of habitat heterogeneity. More specifically, in every pipeline project undertaken, a tailor-made restoration plan was developed based on precise ecological properties of each area. Here, we look at three such pipeline projects in three different ecosystems throughout Israel: Mediterranean meadows in the lower Galilee, Mediterranean woods and shrubland in the Jerusalem mountains, and arid cliffs and riverbeds in the Dead Sea. These pipeline projects were completed in the years 2017-2018, and we returned to these sites to evaluate the restoration efforts. Our analysis shows that the ecosystem was restored and that minimal environmental and scenic damage occurred. Overall, we show that the implementation of environmental guidelines, along with a site-specific ecological plan, proved successful in the restoration efforts of these pipeline projects.

Testing designed grassland mixtures on brick-based substrates to increase ecosystem services of landfills

Conceptual and experimental progress in community ecology benefits ecological applications. A topical issue is restoration seed mixtures that are designed to achieve specific ecosystem functions and services. Re-cultivation layers of landfills, for example, experience extreme climatic and soil conditions, while a reliable vegetation is needed for protecting the site. Suitable seed mixtures must take these abiotic conditions into account. A recent suggestion is that recycled brick rubble can be re-used as novel substrate for re-cultivation layers of landfills. The aim of our experiments was to test, whether seed mixtures which are designed for brick-based substrates and contrasting soil moisture grow as well as standard mixtures.

Three greenhouse experiments were conducted, with substrates consisting of different brick ratios (5% vs. 30%), brick types (clean production waste vs. demolition material), and brick pre-treatments (acid vs. control) tested on three trait-based mixtures and one non-regional standard mixture. The trait-based mixtures were developed based on specific leaf area, seed mass and grass-to-legume ratio.

There was no negative effect of demolition bricks and soil textures or moisture on biomass production. Acid-treated clean, porous bricks improved biomass production of the standard mixture and the intermediate mixture, while the effect was minimal with demolition bricks. Designed seed mixtures had biomass like the standard mixture under dry conditions but did not benefit from high moisture. In conclusion, bricks are a useful additive for restoration substrates, and regional grassland mixtures can replace standard mixtures on these substrates.

The EU extractive sector commits to species protection within spontaneous temporary habitats in its active quarries.

Dealing with the European legislation on species and habitat protection is at most part challenging. Therefore, to avoid non-compliance, actions to “keep-out” biodiversity from active quarries are sometimes favoured. However, this is counter supportive of the conservation actions for which derogations (special conditional permits) were intended. HeidelbergCement and BirdLife Europe have been working in partnership since 2011 to achieve better protection of biodiversity at extraction sites. Through this collaboration, a joint pledge was established within the European Extractives Sector in dealing with derogations around temporary habitats. CEMBUREAU, EUROGYPSUM, UEPG and BirdLIfe Europe have committed to a Code of Conduct with a principle to provide a workable and legally certain framework in tackling derogations that is mutually beneficial to both the actors in the sector and for biodiversity conservation. The derogations framework ensures that progress towards nature conservation objectives is not jeopardised, while allowing economic developments that meet the criteria set out in the Directives to proceed. The Code of Conduct considers a tailored approach to the derogation for the different stages of the quarry’s life and highlights how temporary nature in its form of dynamic habitats requires consideration when managing certain groups of species within the quarry.

Restoration of a fen affected by an oil spill

A train transporting oil product derailed in the Grande plée Bleue peatland in Lévis, Québec. Oil spilled from some tankers in a fen to the north site of the track. Most of the oil was recovered by pumping but part of the oil was absorbed by the peat soil. A restoration plan involving the replacement of the surface peat layer and the restoration of the vegetation was implemented in 2014. The objectives were to rapidly establish a plant cover and to initiate a process leading to a treed fen.

The fen peat was excavated to an average depth of 47cm over an area of 1,284m2 and was replaced by bog peat from a nearby peatland used for horticultural peat harvest. The revegetation approach comprised collecting and spreading a mix of plant fragments collected in a pristine bog and a restored bog, sowing a seed mix composed of 4 wetland species with a wide range of growth conditions and planting trees and shrubs species. The site was covered by straw mulch prior the plantation. Plant establishment was monitored over 5 years in permanent plots and survival of all planted tree and shrub was assessed.

Both objectives were met. The site was totally covered by a dense plant community dominated by graminoids 2 years after the restoration. After 5 years, shrubs and forbs are expanding and planted trees are growing, suggesting that the site evolves toward the original treed fen vegetation.

Use of Biosurfactants and Microbial Degradation to Enhance Remediation of Crude Oil Contaminated Soils in Wetlands and Coastal Marine Ecosystems

Hydrocarbon pollution of coastal ecosystems of the Nigerian Niger-Delta has resulted in the loss of biodiversity, deaths of marine animals and the destruction of arable land. Biodegradation of petroleum is influenced by several factors that include environmental conditions, oxygen, availability of nutrients and access to substrate. In nature, the regulation of environmental factors may prove difficult hence the need to enhance substrate availability for microbial degradation such as through the use of biosurfactants. In order to assess the efficiency of biosurfactant application and the utilization of indigenous microorganisms for the restoration of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soils in the Niger-Delta, close-to-nature surfactants BioVersal FW and QF were used and compared with the efficiency of indigenous microorganisms in the mineralization of petroleum. Degradation experiments were conducted at room temperature range of 20°C to 25°C under aerobic condition after the addition of nutrients, close-to-nature surfactants and microbial consortia to polluted soil samples. Microbial consortium isolated from the study area were grown on Bushnell Haas Agar using crude oil containing mainly mid- and high boiling hydrocarbons fractions prior to experiment.

After 28 weeks of experiment 75-84%, 62-70% and 70-87% mineralization of petroleum hydrocarbon were observed in polluted soil when treated with microbial consortium, surfactants only and combination of microbial consortium with surfactant respectively. Considering the results obtained, the combined use of indigenous microorganism and biosurfactants proves most efficient. The production of biosurfactant from indigenous microorganisms will impact massively in the restoration of the coastal ecosystems of the Nigerian Niger-Delta.

Use of Organic Matter Amendments in Wetland Mitigation: Field and Lab Studies

Mitigation and restoration projects generate new wetlands, which are internationally protected by the Ramsar Convention and a no-net-loss policy in the United States. Although worldwide losses have slowed, turnover rates continue to be high. Studies show that new wetlands often differ in structure and function from the natural wetlands they are replacing. Organic matter amendments are often used, in some cases required, in wetland construction projects. We are evaluating various doses of five organic amendments: composted yard waste, wood mulch, manure, biosolids and hay. We have established a total of 44 plots and are monitoring the effect on hydric soil indicators using the three standard methods: Eh/pH; α- α dipyridyl and IRIS (Indicators of Reduction in Soils) films. We are also monitoring biogenic gas production as well as other parameters. Early indications show that organic matter amendments do not affect the development of hydric soil conditions. Hydric conditions develop in response to hydrology only. The organic amendments however did show other benefits, including the relief of soil crusting that was preventing new shoot growth. Early indications suggest some amendments may significantly increase methane and nitrous oxide emissions. There are many objectives in site mitigation, so recommending a particular strategy such as organic matter soil amendments may depend on the desired outcome. Using results from our field study, and a companion lab study, we highlight some of the potential benefits and pitfalls of using organic amendments to restore wetlands.

Wetland Reclamation as a Wetland Replacement Option at a Surface Coal Mine in Central Alberta, Canada

In 2013, the province of Alberta released a new Wetland Policy that provided the opportunity to use wetland reclamation as an approach to compensate for natural wetland loss associated with surface mining activities. For new surface mining activities approved after implementation of the policy in the Settled Area of the province (1 June 2015), there was an expectation to provide wetland replacement for all permanent wetland impacts that could not be avoided or minimized. While a variety of replacement options were made available, some mining operations decided to develop reclaimed wetlands as part of their overall reclamation requirements under the provincial Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA). This presentation describes the development of the Wetland Compensation Plan for Highvale Mine, a coal mine in central Alberta, as a requirement under its Water Act Approval and development of the associated Wetland Reclamation Monitoring Program required under its updated EPEA Approval. Wetland reclamation at this Boreal Transition Zone location has focused on creation of graminoid marshes and shallow open water wetlands, which are the predominant natural wetland types impacted by this mine. Annual monitoring of reclaimed and nearby reference (i.e., natural) wetlands began in 2018 to determine if a variety of wetland functions (e.g., floristic quality, vegetation biomass, water quality and wildlife habitat) in reclaimed wetlands are on a trajectory to approximate the same functions measured in reference wetlands. Initial results over the past two years show a promising trend that wetland reclamation can be a viable wetland replacement option.

A multidisciplinary dialogue Towards an Ecological Landscape: Linking people, practices and projects in ecological restoration beyond boundaries

In India, practice of ecological restoration is an emerging field and primarily involves ecological experts. Landscape Architecture as a profession in India is relatively well established and mainly focuses on creating preferable outdoor spaces for human beings. Increasingly, Landscape Architects in India are exploring the practice of ecological restoration either as significant typology of projects or as a dove-tailed design approach in the human-centric space design in the profession.

A multidisciplinary interaction comprising of ecologists, landscape architects, horticulturists, real estate developers, architects, planners, land owners, etc. in the domain of ecological restoration is comparatively less explored in India. Till 2015, there was no such formal platform. The present paper/presentation elaborates ‘Towards an Ecological Landscape’ (TEL) in India, an academic initiative at Center for Ecological Landscapes (CEL) at Dr. Bhanuben Nanawati College of Architecture for Women, Pune, India (BNCA). Started in 2015, with an objective to encourage the propagation of landscape restoration practices amongst landscape architects, it involves sharing of experiences by various stakeholders through their implemented projects, and published research. TEL addresses the need to connect multidisciplinary domains, people and professionals as stakeholders of in an ecological approach in landscape design well-being. The geographical focus has been Pune and the region of Western Maharashtra with the belief that for actual collaboration and cross fertilization between people physical proximity is an important factor. Additionally a facebook page, whatsapp groups and a youtube channel encourage continued interaction and learning.

The present study elaborates on how these events and the use of social media has enabled a wider outreach and greater collaboration amongst multi-disciplinary professionals, educators, and the student community. The paper emphasizes that the process of linking people, practices and projects as a significant step towards inspiring more in ecological restoration projects to happen in India in real time. The intended outcomes of this continuous and consistent dialogue between various fields sharing common concerns about ecology centric approaches and its relation with people and their everyday life were documented through interviews, feedbacks and surveys. The multidisciplinary collaborations between the participants as an outcome were also analyzed in the present study. This paper presentation intends to share the modular, scalable and multipliable idea of propagating the practice of ecological restoration in India with a specific focus on Landscape Architects, its inception, the structuring of themes and activities and, its tangible and intangible outcomes.

An Alternative Planting Approach at Acreages Surrounding Saskatoon, Canada

In the past 25 years, acreages around Saskatoon, Saskatchewan have been increasing, where stakeholders plant turf grass and tree rows of non-indigenous species, further reducing the remnant range of biodiverse grasslands historic to the region. In the Hamlet of Beaver Creek, 14 kilometres south of Saskatoon, however, remnant prairies and their trophic webs still exist within a stabilized dune complex. Working with local community members at three separate lots in Beaver Creek, we are developing habitat plantings of indigenous plants using propagation methods and locally sourced plant material to: 1) enhance biodiversity through habitat creation and better practices, 2) increase habitat connectivity, and 3) engage and inform stakeholders of natural ecosystems in their local region. Initial implementation trials have undergone final plantings, including shrub, coarse woody debris, and direct seed plantings to a treed shelterbelt, a biodiverse shrub community using live stake cuttings, and an invaded grassland community treated with live stake cuttings and direct seeding. The plantings address absent vegetative layers of previously established plantings for improved local ecosystem functioning, and consist of 5-10 carefully selected species at each site based on availability, suitability to site conditions, and applicability for each of the planting methods. Recognition of grassland species struggling after habitat destruction is increasing in our partners with participation and education, such as through learning about associations between birds and the invertebrates they forage on for reproduction. We discuss the collaborative and on-ground methods here, and review the development of community engagement and education as pivotal aspects of ecosystem restoration.

An Integrated Approach Via Ecology, Fluvial Geomorphology and Nature-Based Solutions as A Restoration Path in An Amazonian Stream Disturbed by Silt And Clay

Silting due to mining activities may cause loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services in streams. The aim of this research was to evaluate the environmental integrity and test restoration methods through nature-based solutions (NBS) in an Amazonian stream disturbed by fine sediments in n Carajás National Forest (Brazil).. An integrated assessment of fluvial geomorphology and limnological characteristics was carried out in search of remaining habitats and priority areas for restoration. Experiments were carried out to reduce the runoff of fine particles by litter addition, and to search for riparian species capable of developing vegetative propagation on disturbed soil. Over 5 km downstream from the mining area, there was a reduced diversity of benthic organisms and minerals in the riverbed. However, from the third kilometer downstream, greater canopy cover, less fine sediment deposition were found in the channel. The semi-confined areas (up to 3km downstream the mining area) were characterized by reduced longitudinal slope, fragmented forest, thick layer of silt and clay (average = 35cm) in the sediment, buried microhabitats on the riverbed, thus highlighting the areas that demand priority recovery actions. Two riparian species were found capable of developing in silty-clayey soils, and it was observed the potential of using suspended wood in the water as microhabitats for macro-invertebrate colonization. It was also observed that the addition of coarse litter on the soil reduced runoff, turbidity and TSS, showing that the interventions regarding NBS tested on an experimental scale in this research can be suggested as actions for a restoration program.

Application of different strategies for eradication of invasive alien plant species from Natura 2000 sites in the Maltese Islands.

Anthropogenic impacts on natural habitats are a major concern for the Maltese Islands. A huge burden arises from intentional or casual introduction of invasive alien plant species (IAPS) in Natura 2000 sites. IAPS are invasive to different degrees, depending in part on propagule pressure. For certain IAPs, removal is not so straightforward and different strategies have to be employed in their eradication. It is imperative to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the IAP, weaken the plant to reduce its growth, collect propagules and reduce dispersion, as well as eradicate seedlings.

A comparison of the different strategies employed for the removal of two IAPs has been explored for different sites in the Maltese Islands. Cardiospermum grandiflorum growing in a dry water course valley is being effectively controlled by cutting off the thick main stems at ground level and collecting seed capsules when still soaked with rain or dew thus reducing seed dispersion, as well as visiting site at regular intervals to uproot seedlings especially after periods of conditions favourable to seed germination. By comparison, eradication of Agave spp. starts by systematically removing mother plant leaf blades by cutting at their bases followed by removal of suckers. Concurrently, the timely removal of developing or mature inflorescences and collection of parthenogenic plantlets can lead to effective control and eradication. Management effectiveness is assessed from decreased propagule pressure, reduced area coverage by IAPs and increased regrowth of the suppressed indigenous vegetation occurring on site.

Assessment of the Largest Impacts on Soil Infiltration for the Prioritization of Urban Stormwater Management

Increasingly urbanized watersheds are creating new challenges for stormwater management, as some relevant aspects of urban hydrology are not well understood. Stormwater mitigation in urban watersheds is heavily reliant on limited areas of greenspace, whose hydrological functionality is essential to the control of urban ponding and flooding. Due to the compacted and disturbed nature of soils in urban greenspaces, their capacity for infiltrating direct precipitation and runoff from impervious surfaces is important in reducing the impacts of stormwater flows in urban areas, but is often unknown without extensive field data. Determining which physical factors can be used to best predict where soils have the least capacity for infiltration can help managers determine where soils should be rehabilitated to increase their functional capacity and mitigate urban runoff. This study examines the spatial distribution of soil infiltration rates across a humid, urban watershed near Raleigh, NC and which factors have the greatest impact on predicting areas with low soil infiltration capacity. In this study, researchers measured soil infiltration rates distributed throughout the watershed on minimally developed, residential, and highly developed land with differing soil types, vegetation cover, and age since development. Preliminary results show that soil infiltration capacities are most sensitive to land use (p<0.01). Estimations of land use may be available from local records or remote sensing data. The use of this factor in urban watersheds can be used to locate opportunities for soil rehabilitation and increased stormwater mitigation.

Belowground interactions when controlling invasive species for restoration: insights in the Atlantic Forest coastal zones

Most of the restoration studies include aboveground parameters, and little is known about plant-fungi belowground interactions. Even less studies evaluate what happens belowground when non-native invasive species invade and are controlled. A better understanding of what happens belowground when restoring South American coastal vegetation may be useful to better plan restoration. To fulfil this knowledge gap, we used restinga (sandy coastal vegetation in the Brazilian Atlantic forest) as a model to investigate belowground parameters in communities under restoration. We evaluated the effect of controlling an invasive pine tree (Pinus spp.) on fine root productivity and ectomycorrhizal rate (% of ectomycorrhizae) in restinga plant communities, by collecting root samples in areas not invaded and invaded, and one where pine trees were controlled. . The community’s root biomass was lower in the invaded areas, showing that invasive species hindered the development of native species, and therefore reduced the number of fine roots. The removal of the invasive species resulted in a lower ectomycorrhizal rate. This may be related to the pine management, possibly because the exotic ectomycorrhizae (ECMs) were already decomposed while the native ECMs have not yet colonized those roots. Invasive species control affected fine root productivity and ECMs root colonization, confirming that these belowground interactions should be taken into account in ecological restoration.

Biodiversity and Society Nexus: A social-ecological tool based on the system thinking approach to support watershed resource management decision-making process in the context of climate change.

Provision of clean water represents a critical ecosystem service a watershed supplies to society based on its essential renewal cycle and the complex network of ecosystem regulating functions, providing drinking water and creating economic and social opportunities. The scientific community has linked such opportunities to detrimental impacts on the ecological integrity of aquatic ecosystems with the warning of potential social-ecological loss and economical risk exposure if root causes are not identified and consensually mitigated. Future interventions entail the use of a holistic social-ecological approach during the decision-making process that will include, beside the traditional restoration activities, social adaptive processes, and the impact of climate change. The social-ecological dynamics of Lake St-Charles (Quebec, Canada) result in a system too complex to analyze with the traditional linear problem-solving method. We present a social-ecological tool to support the resource  management decision-making process, capturing the regulating processes affecting the ecological integrity of the  lake. The tool is developed using the “systems thinking” method to capture and explore the system complexity with the support of a causal loop diagram (CLD). The tool capacitates the water governance and stakeholders to better understand the complexity of the process regulating the ecological integrity of the lake. It also allows stakeholders to realize their responsibilities, accountabilities, gains, and losses, fostering their collaboration in the identification of mitigating measures to achieve more favourable future scenarios. Recent declines in the lake ecosystem’s health have been attributed to the intensification of human activities and the delayed response of the watershed governance in introducing effective mitigating measures to stop the progressive deterioration of the lake’s ecological integrity

Bringing back the herds: Life Cañadas, an ecological restoration project to recover the drove roads network of Madrid.

Drove roads (DRs) are the traditional routes used by herders and livestock for their seasonal movements in search of the most productive pastures. Spanish DRs have suffered a progressive abandonment and ecological degradation, threatening the relevant role of DRs as ecological corridors. LIFE CAÑADAS project aims to restore and recover the functionality of some DRs to enhance their role as providers of connectivity between Natura 2000 sites, within a predominantly agricultural matrix. Our study area comprises the DRs network of Madrid, which is mostly characterized by the lack of use by transhumant livestock and the subsequent deterioration.

Prior to the development of the restoration actions, we performed an initial diagnosis and sampling. Three categories of DRs were established according to their ecological state: (i) reference (assumed to be adequately grazed and maintained) (ii) abandoned (no livestock use, with biomass accumulation) and (iii) eroded drove roads. DRs were sampled during 2020, to determine plants and arthropods diversity, but also soil physico-chemical characteristics, litter decomposition rate and enzyme activity. Furthermore, social perception surveys were developed in the vicinities of the selected drove roads, to gather information on local knowledge regarding these green infrastructures.

The main actions to restore those drove roads categorized either as abandoned or eroded involve ploughing, limiting access, as well as the use of local sheep and goat herds to graze and defecate in both degraded plots. Several stone walls were also installed to promote habitat heterogeneity, and native species seeds were sown.

Carbon dynamics in restored freshwater wetlands: Implications for climate mitigation

Wetlands play particularly important roles in the global carbon cycle through their fluxes of CO2 and CH4, two major greenhouse gases. Expanding anthropogenic influences have accelerated the degradation of wetlands, creating demand for restoration. Today, relatively young restored systems can make up a significant portion of wetland landscapes, thus understanding how restored systems function and differ from natural systems is increasingly important. Here, we explore carbon fluxes in restored freshwater wetlands and compare those to natural systems of varying ecological condition. We used non-steady state methane chambers to sample greenhouse gas fluxes from restored and natural wetlands in central Ohio, and quantified carbon sequestration using radiometric (137-Cs, 210-Pb) dating. Wetland condition was verified using the Floristic Quality Assessment Index; high condition wetlands had mean FQAI values of 21.2, compared to 12.0 at low condition sites and 12.5 at restored sites. High condition natural sites had the highest methane emission rates; 13.4 mg/m2hr versus 5.9 mg/m2hr in restored and 2.7 mg/m2hr in low condition sites. Conversely, we found that low condition wetlands had higher soil carbon sequestration rates; 85 gC/m2yr compared to 8 and 42 gC/m2yr in higher condition and restored sites, respectively. Our results suggest restored wetland carbon flux rates are intermediate between high and low condition natural sites, and indicate that restored systems may not contribute disproportionately to wetland greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, our findings support restoration initiatives and emphasize wetland ecosystems’ potential for climate mitigation.

Chameleon soil moisture sensors: a potential new tool for monitoring tropical peatland restoration success and peat fire risk

Peat restoration is a top priority in Indonesia because of the peat fires that impact the health and economy of local and regional communities. The Indonesian Peat Restoration Agency (BRG) was mandated to restore 2 million hectares of degraded peatland by 2020. To improve successful and cost-effective restoration approaches and adapt and refine existing techniques, peatland restoration needs to be meaningfully monitored and assessed. The Flux and Chameleon Project uses a series of Chameleon soil moisture sensors to directly measure peat water dynamics continuously. This technique empowers researchers, the government and Indonesian society to monitor and assess the success of peat restoration, specifically the extent of peat re-wetting, and, when dry, the risk of peat fires. The Chameleon measures soil moisture at 3 depths (in this study10, 25 and 40 cm) and the soil temperature at one depth (in this study 10 cm). The Chameleon installation has been running for 13 months to December 2019 and early results have shown that the method is viable in this ecosystem, and has received strong positive responses from local government and community stakeholders. The use of this technique to measure water moisture within the degraded tropical peatlands can play a direct role in improving fire management and prevention, monitoring the success of re-wetting efforts of the peat, and support Indonesia in mitigating climate change. All data is presented in the form of color tables which provides information of all depths and can be accessed via https://via.farm/visualisefarm/351/.

Change in land cover and use in critical areas of forest fires in the state of Morelos, Mexico

Forest fires are one of the main factors of degradation of ecosystems. The areas with the highest incidence of fires are called critical areas; their identification is useful to delimitate zones for management, restoration and conservation actions. Here, we evaluate the relationship of the incidence of fires with the change in land cover and use in critical areas of forest fires to plan restoration actions. Morelos state is located in central Mexico where forest fires occur due to natural and anthropogenic causes. To determine the types of vegetation affected and the causes related to these fires, a 10-year period was analyzed using national fire inventories prepared by the National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR) and GIS tools. Two types of vegetation were identified as affected by the fires: pine forests and dry forest, which are the ecosystems with the largest area in the state. These two types of vegetation occur mainly in two municipalities Huitzilac and Tepoztlan where critical fire areas are mostly concentrated. In Huitzilac the critical areas are in the pine forests with a total of 1.9 ha. In the municipality of Tepoztlán the critical areas correspond to dry forest with a total area of 7.1 ha; there, forest fires have been recurrent for up to 4 consecutive years. The main causes of fires have been the change in land use due to mining activities and agricultural.

Creating Habitat: A Statewide Experiment for the Western Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

The Western Monarch’s migratory population has dropped by over 90% in 3 years, putting the migratory phenomena in peril in coming decades, if not sooner (Xerces 2020). Extinction is driven in part by loss and degradation of migratory and breeding habitat. To increase habitat connectivity and fill knowledge gaps, River Partners established a project to enhance over 600 acres of habitat across California. Collaboration among public agencies, academics and species experts led to prioritization of sites where monarch habitat could be integrated into planned activities on existing restoration areas with irrigation infrastructure, as well as areas with relatively low weed pressure, limited pesticide use on adjacent land, and overall state-wide geographic representation. Experimental design considered habitat plot size, distance to water, and vertical structure, while milkweed and additional pollinator plant densities are consistent across the large geographical range and differing ecotypes. Multiple pollinator visited plants were included at sites to floral landscapes with sustained flowering phenology. Responses to the restoration experiment will take into account flowering diversity and examine patterns in pollinator abundance and diversity, in addition to patterns of monarch egg deposition. This project design is novel with regards to its state-wide scale, collaborative planning, and also transferability—our methods can be implemented on diverse restoration projects to support the recovery of this imperiled species today.

Cultivars of popular restoration grass developed for drought do not differ in performance or drought-related traits from other accessions

Numerous functional traits, including various root traits, may be important contributors to plant performance under drought. However, root traits are rarely considered in native plant development. In this study we assessed whether cultivars of the perennial grass, Elymus trachycaulus (Slender wheatgrass) developed for drought differ in (a) performance, (b) aboveground and belowground traits, and (c) trait responses to drought from other cultivars and wild accessions. We also assessed trait plasticity and identified which suites of traits are related to a plant’s ability to maintain aboveground biomass productivity under water deficit (i.e., drought resistance).

Drought cultivars did not outperform other accessions in biomass production, nor did they clearly differ from other accessions in traits related to drought-coping strategies. We found root diameter to vary little between moisture conditions and observed few differences among trait relationships between moisture conditions. A primary axis of functional variation related to resource acquisition (plant height, root length, root tips) was associated with aboveground biomass production in both control and drought conditions.

As “drought cultivars” of E. trachycaulus did not outperform other accessions under drought conditions and do not appear to possess superior traits for drought resistance, identifying new sources of the species for restoration of drought-prone systems may be warranted.

Definition of reference ecosystems and succession trajectories from vegetation inventories as a tool for ecological restoration in Bogotá (Colombia)

Large unaltered remnants of wetlands and forests are virtually non-existent today in Bogotá and its surroundings. Hence, in order to define theoretical reference ecosystems, I made 366 vegetation plots (50-100 m2) on wetlands, and exotic and native grasslands, scrublands and forests (between 2500 3700 m a.s.l.), and run a Neighbor joining similarity analysis applied to species cover to compare them. I run another similarity analysis with Ward’s method using structure variables to find possible states of structural complexity in the resulting groups of the first analysis, and therefore possible successional trajectories of them. This methodology assumes a space-for-time substitution approach to analyze the ecological succession.

I defined 15 floristic groups (reference ecosystems) and identified their indicator species (Fig1A). I  found seven different states of structural development, 4 for woody vegetation and 2-3 for herbaceous vegetation (Fig1B). I made a catalog with the features of each reference ecosystem for each state of development (average, maximum and minimum values): 1) Floristic (richness, diversity, composition). 2) Structure (bare soil, basal area, total cover and layer cover, number of individuals). 3) Ecology (epiphytism, natural regeneration).

These results represent a novel input for future restoration plans at the ecosystem or landscape scale in the region because include a wide range of ecosystems, can serve as a guide to design strategies and set goals, but at the same time they can work as indicators of the success of the restoration actions implemented or as null hypothesis for testing validity of the reference ecosystems and successional trajectories proposed.

Design Process for Well-being: A positive preventive strategy through conservation of landscape resources

Landscape means natural and physical attributes of land, air, water and vegetation that change over time. ‘Landscape Resource’ is an integrative ecological system which is applied to a group of resources within a spatial area and which concerns humans, their values and well-being as a major part in the urban context. In the proximity of urban areas, the degradation of ecology and associated process is a commonly observed phenomenon in Indian cities. The serene natural landscapes in the city surrounds are constantly under pressure of insensitive large scale developments which happen regardless of valuing the existing landscape resources and they impose irreversible damage to these valuable natural settings rich in resources. Landscape Architects can play a crucial role in analyzing the ecological potential of the site through a holistic landscape design process and a responsible design attitude.

The present paper emphasizes on the methodology derived as part of an academic design studio project at master’s level in Landscape Architecture, titled as “Landscape as a Resource”. Through the academic studio, the proposed landscape design project located on the hilly terrain on outskirts of Pune, a city in India, addresses the societal challenges of human health and wellbeing of elderly community and its relationship with landscape resources in a real- life setting. Site survey, social survey, field studies and literature review were the methods used to evolve the landscape design process. Inventorying, mapping and appraisal of landscape resources based on values such as ecological, aesthetical and functional were also done to formulate landscape design brief.

The studio outcome focused on giving landscape design solutions to create a holistic well-being, based on the ‘Conservation of Landscape Resources’. The design process was evolved step by step and then employed as a positive preventive strategy, intending to contribute to the well-being of users as well as the landscape and to reduce the future ecological degradation associated with the proposed development on the given site.