ecologicalrestoration

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Ecological Restoration

Ecological restoration is where habitat is improved to support the local ecosystem. The actual processes vary, as different ecosystems have different needs. The goal of a restoration project varies for each project and most projects have multiple goals, such as increasing populations of an endangered animal species, improving water quality, or removing invasive plant species. Often, by removing invasive species and planting native species, the habitat will be better suited for native animals. This is not always the case, and non-native species or invasive species can be planted in restoration sites.

What is the difference between a native invasive species, a native non-invasive species, a non-native invasive species and a non-native non-invasive species?

Native, invasive

Native invasive plants are native to the region, but not native to the ecosystem. These plants intrude into the restoration sites and degrade the ecosystem. For example, the native Douglas Fir is invasive in the South Puget Sound prairies. While the Douglas Fir is native to Washington, it can disrupt prairie ecosystems by changing the grassland ecosystem into a forest ecosystem.1 In the South Puget Sound Prairies, the Douglas Firs are removed to allow the grasslands to support native animals.2

Native, non-invasive

This includes any plant that is native to the region and does not disrupt the ecosystem or the restoration project. These plants are usually native to the type of ecosystem being restored.

Non-native, invasive

This category includes any plant that is not native to the region and disrupts the ecosystem by taking the resources that other plants need.

Non-native, non-invasive

Any plant that is not native to the region but does not negatively affect the ecosystem. These can be neutral, such as planting a Japanese Maple in your yard, or beneficial, such as non-native plants that support pollinators. Some non-native plants are used in restoration because they improve the quality of the soil, which supports the growth of native plants.3

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Elwha River Dam

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         The Elwha River Dam was originally built in the early 1900s and allowed economic growth for the local community.4 However, the ecological costs were devastating, particularly towards salmon, as the dam became a physical barrier preventing the salmon from migrating upstream.5 Salmon effect the surrounding forests by bringing vital nutrients into the ecosystem, so the resources for the surrounding forests became more limited when salmon became unable to travel upstream.5 Additionally, the dam prevented sediments and small rocks from being carried downstream by the river, which created a build-up of sediment deposits behind the dam.5

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The dam removal and restoration began in 2011,4 which started the restoration and re-vegetation process. Native and non-native plants were used for revegetation, as native plants support local fauna and non-native Lupine fixes nitrogen in the soil, which supports the growth of the native plants.6

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The native plants used were as adapted to the microclimate as possible, with seeds and specimen gathered as close to the site as possible. These plants were gathered and grown by the Matt Albright Native Plant Center. While this nursery is located in Sequim, volunteering there was an absolute joy. They put so much thought into each little action to make it as sustainable as possible. I highly recommend it and the experience is definitely worth the drive.

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South Puget Sound Prairies

Prairie environments may not be the typical ecosystem you think of when you think of the Pacific Northwest, as most of the vast expanse of prairie lands that used to be in Washington have been converted to farmland.7 Historically, these prairie lands were maintained by local tribes through fire control.7,8 While the prairies of the south Puget Sound may be small and fragmented, these ecosystems contain endangered species of flora and fauna.7 To conserve these species, restoration takes place on the Glacial Heritage Preserve and the Mima Mounds.

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The species of fauna that are being controlled for on these sites are the Mazama pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama), the Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha taylori), the Mardon skipper (Polites mardon), and the streaked horned lark (Eremophila alpestris strigata). The Mazama pocket gopher is a species made up of four native sub-species of varying color.7 These gophers have populations that are small and scattered, and their low populations are likely due to lack of suitable habitat.

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The larvae of the Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly feeds on the native plant, the Harsh paintbrush and possibly the native and endangered Golden Paintbrush.7 These native species are planted in restoration areas to support the recovery of the Taylor’s checkerspot. However, the Taylor’s checkerspot larvae have also adapted to feeding on the non-native weed, the Lance-leaf plantain (Plantago lancolata).7 Although it is non-native and often invasive, the Lance-leaf plantain is considered for use in restoration efforts to support the Taylor’s checkerspot.7

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Another native butterfly that is supported by the south Puget Sound prairie restoration sites is the Mardon skipper. This native butterfly has a different food source from the Taylor’s checkerspot, as they feed on fescue grasses.8 The Mardon skipper has small, fragmented populations,8 much like the streaked horned larks, whose populations were abundant in the 19th century but are currently small and fragmented.8

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The conservation areas that accommodate these species are only open to the public for a single day each year for the annual Prairie Appreciation Day. This festival is open to the public and includes opportunities for hiking and hayrides. Activity booths are available to provide information and fun activities. For information, please visit the Prairie Appreciation Day website.

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Warren G. Magnuson Park

Warren G. Magnuson Park was established between 1976-1978 when Seattle City Parks received a portion of land formerly used for a Naval station.9 Restoration planning for the park began in 2001 after vegetation surveys were conducted and a vegetation management plan was designed.9 This plan used restoration strategies to plan for the establishment of native plant species and supporting habitat for native animal species.9 Magnusson park provides habitat for a variety of animals; there have been 125 species of bird observed at the park and some vernal wetlands in Magnusson Park provide habitat for the native Pacific chorus frog and native freshwater snails.9

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Pacific Chorus Frog

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The area is restored and monitored by a variety of organizations, such as Green Seattle Partnership, Magnuson Environmental Stewardship Alliance, and Seattle Audubon Society. Additionally, students from the University of Washington has conducted restoration projects since 2012 through the University of Washington’s Restoration Ecology Network.10

Forest areas are primarily controlled for invasive species.9 The invasive Himalayan blackberry prevents growth of native coniferous trees, which provide habitat for birds.9 By removing blackberry and planting conifers, the Himalayan blackberry would be unable to compete with native species in the shady understory provided by the forest canopy, which allows the native understory species to recover.9

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In late summer, the Himalayan blackberry produces berries. These edible berries can be harvested and eaten directly or used for cooking. My dad makes an amazing blackberry pie after harvesting the invasive species. When the berries are left on the vine, the berries fall and allow the blackberry to spread.11 By removing the berries and eating them, you remove the seeds from the ecosystem and limit those seeds from spreading. On public recreational lands such as Magnuson park, you are allowed to gather up to two gallons per person per day.12 Magnuson has both Himalayan blackberry and the native trailing blackberry,9 so you should identify which species it is before harvesting. A video included below outlines how to identify Himalayan blackberry.

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Blackberry Pie Recipe

4 cups blackberry

1 cup sugar

2.5 tbsp tapioca

Cinnamon to taste (approximately ¼ tsp)

Allspice to taste (approximately ¼ tsp)

1 Pie crust, enough to line pan and cover top. Whole wheat crust recommended. The crust can be handmade or store-bought.

4 tsp butter

1 tbsp cream

 Mix blackberries, sugar, tapioca, cinnamon, and allspice in a bowl.

Pour in berry mixture in crust. Add slices of butter to the top of the berry mixture.

Add top crust, add slits or lattice to top crust, then brush with heavy cream.

Cover and bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 375 degrees and bake for 20 minutes. Let pie cool before eating. Serve with vanilla ice cream.

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Thornton Creek

Restoration of wetlands and riparian areas can be very beneficial to the surrounding communities.13 Wetlands provide valuable ecosystem services such as higher water quality, wildlife habitat and flood reduction by storing excess water.13 Thornton creek had problems with flooding prior to the restoration, which caused problems for Nathan Hale High School and for the Meadowbrook Community center.14 This has led to a restoration of the area, which includes removal of invasive plant species, improved habitat and planting of native species, a larger culvert under 35th Avenue and space for the river to meander to reduce flooding.14