Environment
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What Are the Different Types of Habitat Restoration?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

Habitat restoration refers to projects meant to replenish an ecosystem's natural resources following natural or man-made damage. In some cases, habitat restoration is critically important to the survival of native species, the integrity of soil or water, and the continued existence of a natural ecosystem. There are many different types of habitat restoration, including reforestation, riparian buffering, prairie restoration, and coral reef restoration. Engaging in habitat restoration of any kind can help ensure the future of ecosystems that have existed, in some cases, for thousands of years.

Reforestation includes the planting of native trees, shrubs, and grasses to restore a forest area. Reforestation may be necessary after an area has undergone extensive logging or suffered a natural disaster such as a forest fire. If animal species have vanished or suffered greatly reduced numbers from a forested area due to deforestation, reforestation projects may include attempts to re-introduce species into the wild, often from captive specimens. Since an ecosystem is often reliant on an evolved system of interactions between native animals and native plants, it is important that reforestation projects stick to recreating the natural balance of species, rather than importing exotic plants or animals into a new environment.

Coral reef restoration is one type of habitat restoration.
Coral reef restoration is one type of habitat restoration.

Riparian buffering is a type of habitat restoration that ensures the integrity and existence of natural water sources. The riparian buffer is the belt of rocks and plants that run alongside the boundaries of a river or stream. Vegetation keeps the water in a stream or river free from sediment by creating a solid barrier instead of an easily-crumbled soil bank. Restoring riparian buffer zones following construction projects, deforestation, or floods, can help ensure that natural water sources remain viable in an ecosystem.

Reforestation may help restore an area of forest that has been logged.
Reforestation may help restore an area of forest that has been logged.

In North America, no habitat has seen as much devastation as the great prairies that stretch across the middle of the United States and Canada. Though developed prairie land allows for many of the farms that help feed the world, the unique species and advantages destroyed through prairie loss may have an important impact on the environment. Historically, prairies have been filled with tall grasses and wildflowers that allow the promotion of bee populations, along with supporting a great many other species. Without bees, cross-pollination is nearly impossible, which makes growing sustainable crops an enormous challenge. Prairie habitat restoration seeks to turn eroded plains into flower and native grass habitats that can support bees as well as many endangered prairie species.

Rivers sometimes require restoration work.
Rivers sometimes require restoration work.

Coral reefs are by far the greatest sources of life in the ocean. Thousands of marine plant and fish species make their homes among expansive reefs, which are oases of life and refreshment amongst the great barren areas of the marine landscape. Coral is sensitive to temperature changes and acidic balances, and is frequently destroyed to create fishing channels or through harvesting for consumer products. Coral habitat restoration uses both synthetic corals and coral-reseeding programs to help ensure that reefs remain filled with life and diversity.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a AllThingsNature writer.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a AllThingsNature writer.

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    • Coral reef restoration is one type of habitat restoration.
      By: Richard Carey
      Coral reef restoration is one type of habitat restoration.
    • Reforestation may help restore an area of forest that has been logged.
      By: Lars Johansson
      Reforestation may help restore an area of forest that has been logged.
    • Rivers sometimes require restoration work.
      By: SoulAD
      Rivers sometimes require restoration work.
    • Without bees, habitat restoration, such as cross-pollination, is nearly impossible.
      By: viperagp
      Without bees, habitat restoration, such as cross-pollination, is nearly impossible.
    • Reforestation involves planting native trees and shrubs.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Reforestation involves planting native trees and shrubs.