UWßC. Henry

Steps to Restore a

Site

• How to find a project• Decisions• Proposing a project• Preparing a final design

UWßC. Henry

Ecological Restoration HandbookBy: Chuck Henry & Elena Olsen

Chapter 6 from:

UWßC. Henry

Review: what is a site that needs restoration

• Where the soil is disturbed, for example– A gravel pit– An old parking lot– A logging road

• Hot forest fires• Other natural events

– Erosion– Flooding

• Contaminated sites

UWßC. Henry

How to find a project

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

• Search for volunteer restoration activities, for instance at– Mountains to Sound Greenway, – King County Conservation District or – Cascade Land Conservancy

• Ask the city and county parks departments

UWßC. Henry

For gravel pits, check with WSDOT or DNR

• Gravel pits near King County

• Send an email• Make a call

UWßC. Henry

How much can you do?

Dream big, but start small• How many people do you have?• How much time do you have?• How much expertise do you have?

UWßC. Henry

• Lay out the site boundaries• Do the weeding• Prepare the soil including making the

amendment and till it into the soil• Lay out the planting scheme• Get and plant the plants• Provide weed control• Provide maintenance and monitoring

Can you think of all the things to do?

UWßC. Henry

There are decisions to make!

• Each particular site has unique features and settings

• Visit natural ecosystems in your area• Research the ecosystems• See what ecosystem fits your site• Consult with other groups

UWßC. Henry

You don’t have to do this alone!

• Partnering:– Government and non-profit agencies

• City or county parks departments• Roads departments• Biosolids managers

– For profit businesses• Donations from nurseries or composters

– Experts• Agencies• Universities