Habitat Restoration

Threatened Habitat

The rapid and accelerating growth of the planet's population, and the attendant development of our urban spaces, has made a significant and adverse ecological impact on our fragile ecosystems. Structural developments have destroyed natural habitats and replaced thriving natural ecosystems with the built environment. Due to population growth and the rapid industrialization occurring around the world, we continue to convert prime agricultural and natural lands into new industrial sites and residential neighborhoods, threatening the survival of many of our remaining species.

Habitat Restoration

There are simple and proactive steps communities and their residents can take to preserve and restore natural habitat, and to enhance and preserve the diversity of the plants and animals present in their urban environments. Nature-friendly practices protect natural systems and help to maintain the critical hydrologic functions that natural and undeveloped properties support.

The benefits go beyond the development and restoration of natural systems to include enhanced aesthetic, economic, and community benefits and values. These benefits include:

• Beautiful, green, and healthy neighborhoods
• Increased property values
• Improved water quality
• Increased energy efficiencies and lower energy costs
• Absorption of carbon emissions

The solutions available for habitat health are straightforward and generally involve the planting of trees and restoring or creating new vegetated areas. Best practices or solutions for habitat restoration include:

• Planting trees
• Landscaping with native plants
• Soil amendment and recycling of food wastes through composting
• Creating vegetated swales and rain gardens

Costs

Many municipalities or local organizations provide incentives to property owners to encourage them to take action and get involved in habitat restoration projects on their properties. These incentives can include direct grants and reduced or subsidized pricing for the root stocks of trees and plants.

We can help you navigate through the process of determining which solutions are right for your property. We also can help you estimate their costs, and connect you with vendors and landscapers in your area that stock the products or who can perform the required work.

ProjectDX

ProjectDX makes it easy for you to act for the benefit of the environment. ProjectDX allows property owners to easily assess their habitat potential, and to compare different approaches that will contribute to the restoration of habitat across their communities.

ProjectDX determines whether there are any financial incentives available, and provides a full marketplace of retailers and landscapers who can help you to compare, install, and maintain your habitat solutions.