An introduction to the science, policy, and social issues around ecological restoration. We consider fundamental questions about restoring natural areas:

• What areas need to be restored? What should they be restored to, and how?
• What are some techniques for restoration? How do restoration ecologists use prescribed fire, and why?
• Why should we restore natural areas? Why not just let nature be?
• What about invasive species? How do they affect restoration work?
• Who makes decisions about restoring natural areas? What is the legal and regulatory framework for restoration?
• Who does the work of restoration, and who benefits from it?
• What does restoration mean in a changing world? If global warming is changing the environment, how can we figure out the goals and targets for restoration?

These questions will be addressed in lectures, readings, and by several guest lecturers — local restoration practitioners who will describe projects ranging from restoration of prairies and forests to endangered species habitat to dam removal.

Course Requirements:

Students will study a restoration issue of their choice in a written case study and class presentation. Students gain hands-on experience in restoration through participating in local restoration projects. Finally, the core of the class work will be team projects to develop restoration and management plans for local clients including the Ann Arbor Natural Areas Program and the Washtenaw County Parks.

Class Format:

Discussion sections will feature field trips to visit local restoration projects and will also allow time for project site visits and team work. Field trips offer the opportunity to see restoration in action, and to learn to apply lessons from the classroom to real-world situations.