2022, “R. P. (2022). Programs & Data. CalFish Home. Retrieved February 1, 2023, from https://www.calfish.org/ProgramsData/ConservationandManagement/RestorationProjects.aspx 

The Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (FRGP), is a very interesting program with several outreach programs related to declining fish populations in California. Salmon and steelhead trout are the indicator species that their surrounding ecosystem is not good. The FRGP program partners with the government, watershed restoration organizations, local personnel, and California and AmeriCorps, and private landowners in the state. There are priorities for the urgency of working on habitat restorations, related to solving problems in areas which put fish and aquatic species in danger, areas where they can implement change to large areas of a watershed, and projects that encourage education around the topic or involve the community in the process. The improvements this Grant creates allows areas across the state to benefit from the services and enjoy stable ecosystems.

This topic about aquatic ecosystems and their restorations helped me learn about the process to starting a project and what goes into the planning. I like how the article broke up the purpose of their organization into simple and logical steps. This example included the importance of involving the community in the planning process, and saving the work for the most important areas. It is interesting to me that the FRGP manages projects over such a large area and works with many different watersheds.

iolliesa, M., & Specialist, C. R. S. R. M. (2022). Habitat restoration. Ecological Concerns Incorporated. Retrieved February 1, 2023, from https://ecologicalconcerns.com/services/habitat-restoration/?wlrst1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAz9ieBhCIARIsACB0oGKyyPYRmS0XG2ZzKYBWTEpidrOSZC7wxQmKEqREJKM8wViMROeHOAAaAo43EALw_wcB 

ECI, which stands for Ecological Conserns Incorporated, is an organization which oversees the restoration projects and other areas related to the environment. Managing vegetation, plant growth in areas, and removing invasive species are only a few of the tasks ECI works on. With over 20 years of experience, ECI has successfully managed and practiced new plans for habitat restoration and reducing the amount of habitat loss in urban areas. Their work includes areas from varying climates around California and they are able to restore and reduce damage in all of those areas. 

Learning about this organization gave me more information about what they do for the world of habitat restoration. I read about this organization in a previous article and decided to explore more thoroughly about their work. The widespread effect they have on the environment in California is relieving to think about for the future. I am excited to see their projects around our area and to see its effect on the rest of the United States. 

Harader, C. (2022, November 11). New State Water Board permit speeds habitat recovery across California. Sustainable Conservation. Retrieved January 31, 2023, from https://suscon.org/blog/2022/11/swb-permit/ 

Recent approval for The US Fish and Wildlife Service increases the amount of restoration projects in California. Along with this, the Statewide Restoration Permit and Programmatic Environmental Impact Report were both approved to support habitat restorations and benefit the environment. These new approvals encourage immediate action on habitat restoration. Sustainable Conservation created a permit for aquatic and riparian restorations, which provides rules and regulations for the projects. The opportunities for habitat restorations will increase with the new permits and rules in place, and the overall outcome will benefit the environment. 

I am very excited to hear about these new plans for habitat restoration. I am looking forward to reading about what the organizations will do in our surrounding areas. Along with the approval for the projects, funding opportunities will be available once the projects are accepted. Restoring habitats by adding plants and keeping the area free from debris relates to environmental science by ensuring that there will be undisturbed natural areas in the future. 

2022, “E. P. R. (2022). Edith Park Restoration at Adobe Creek. Ecological Concerns Incorporated. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://ecologicalconcerns.com/adobe-creek-at-edith-park/ 

The town of Los Altos and Ecological Concerns Inc. (ECI) started habitat restoration at Edith Park in Los Altos to add several native plants, remove invasive species, and create a better area for residents. The town of Los Altos Hills granted ECI with $83,000 to restore elements of the Adobe Creek and surrounding areas. Community members and environmental science students replaced invasive plants with native varieties to add biodiversity to the park. The future plans of the project include erosion control and management for the restoration progress going forward. Diversity in the plants draws animals to the area and makes the park more enjoyable for people.

This example of riparian restoration shows that the improvements to the area have an impact on the community and the environment at the same time. This article made me grateful for the areas I have around my city that bring nature into the urban setting. Investing money and energy into restoring nature is very important well spent for the future since a nice area repays itself when the benefits outweigh the cost. Going forward I think there should be rules and regulations to require more projects similar to this one. 

Gil, C. (2022, November). Redwood creek restoration. Grassroots Ecology. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.grassrootsecology.org/redwood-creek 

Located at the intersection of Veterans Blvd and Main St. in Redwood City is habitat restoration very close to home. This project from Grassroots Ecology began in 2018 to restore the riparian area along the Redwood City watershed. Native plants and trees such as buckeyes, oaks, and maples took the place of several invasive palm trees and weeds. Part of the restoration process involved trash clean up around the area and weeding out other invasive species. The project has been successful in attracting native amphibians and small animals. Replenishing the land with native species increased genetic and biodiversity. 

Biodiversity within the urban setting creates resistance to disturbances. This factor increases the importance of continuing projects similar to this one. Grassroots Ecology has support from the community and works closely with organizations to complete their work at a low cost. Community volunteer workers planted native trees at this Redwood City site to expand the urban tree canopy. This will attract birds and insects to the area and benefit people in the area as they get to watch the animals interact with their new surroundings. The significant before and after of the riparian area proves that there is much to change in urban settings where the population fails to upkeep natural areas. Worthwhile projects related to habitat restoration will continue to happen throughout the Bay Area with Grassroots Ecology. 

Fisheries, N. O. A. A. (2022, February 4). River Habitat . NOAA. Retrieved August 26, 2022, from https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/habitat-conservation/river-habitat 

Rivers are very important for several plants and animals that live around them. Man-made dams negatively affect native animals and their reproductive abilities. Habitat loss is another challenge for rivers. Habitat loss is most often from human activities and recreation. Pollution in and around the rivers detur native plants and animal species from thriving. The NOAA has partnered with many organizations to restore native species and safely install bridges and dams, without disrupting the surroundings.

Reading this article made me hopeful for a brighter future. The NOAA organization has many projects to combat the impacts of climate change. I can relate this river project to environmental science because it directly involves native species and their natural habitat. This project also applied data collection into a natural setting, by understanding the environmental threat, and replenishing the correct amount. 

Quiñones, L. (2022, June 27). Exploring the largest ocean reef restoration project in the Americas: ‘One Million Corals for Colombia.’ United Nations. Retrieved August 24, 2022, from https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/06/1121292 

Replanting coral can increase the biodiversity of the marine ecosystem. This project successfully planted coral in oceans across the world, starting small in coral nurseries. Large underwater coral propagation beds are used to safely and efficiently begin the growth of coral reef ecosystems. Replenishing this artificial reef system encourages ocean life to migrate to these areas, and builds a healthy ecosystem. Coral restoration projects involve the community to engage their interest in repairing our damage.

Maintaining balance in the marine setting can begin to reverse and rebuild the ecosystems in the ocean and on land. If you eat seafood or rely on the ocean in a different way, projects like this are very important. Without a solid ecosystem in the ocean, humans and other animals will lose a vital portion of their diet. I am excited that people are starting to do more research and conservation efforts because I care about the ocean and its wellbeing. 

Bivens Dana Bivens, D. (2022, March 17). Building back a better wetland: U.S. fish & wildlife service. FWS.gov. Retrieved August 24, 2022, from https://www.fws.gov/story/2022-03/building-back-better-wetland 

This reading on wetland restoration involves Robert Little, following his path in joining the Dusky Marsh restoration project. Robert and his team aim to replenish natural harmony in the wetland ecosystem for geese to migrate to. This project eliminates the negative impacts of crop destruction. By working out where to get water from, Robert and his team created more areas for native fish to live to attract the geese. Not only did they have to make it attractive for the geese, they also needed the fish to thrive. There are many components to habitat restoration.

I found this article very captivating, and enjoyed following along on a journey with Robert Little. I initially did not fully understand what wetland restoration was, but at this point I feel a lot more comfortable on this topic. Restoring the ecosystem in the wetlands ripples into far more than the immediate surroundings. I learned that this project benefited the animals, plants, and humans.  

Ellis Last Modified Date: August 10, J. (2022, August 10). What are the different types of habitat restoration? All Things Nature. Retrieved August 24, 2022, from https://www.allthingsnature.org/what-are-the-different-types-of-habitat-restoration.htm 

Habitat restoration projects can renew habitats ranging from the ocean, wetlands, forest, and prairie lands. This article highlights the importance of habitat restoration, along with the process of restoration. Bringing awareness to this topic can jumpstart the efforts of combating climate change. Native plant and animal species are a vital part of an ecosystem. Ensuring that there is balance between plants and animals can help our country avoid a corrupt food chain within the ecosystem. 

Learning about the potential projects of restoration in the US made me realize that there are several opportunities to restore harmony in the ecosystem. Exploring these projects showed the connection to environmental science, dealing directly with the environment and being flexible to the environmental needs. Going forward I will be more aware of native plants and animals, by connecting their function to the ecosystem.

Butler , J., Minkoff, D., Kain, K., & Crehan, R. (2022, August 2). Habitat restoration: U.S. fish & wildlife service. FWS.gov. Retrieved August 23, 2022, from https://fws.gov/project/habitat-restoration 

Readers learn that habitat restoration comes in a variety of ways. There are simple and complex practices, all which lead to a more sustainable environment. Human impacts have demolished ecosystems around the United States and around the world. One of the ways the United States has tried to combat climate change is restoring the riparian buffers that are an important part of ecosystems for many plants and animals. These projects are funded by the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, and take place on private land. 

This article was very informative and introduced me to the different types of habitat restoration. All forms of habitat restoration are very important for the environment, and learning about how to reduce human impact can greatly benefit us. This overview of the approaches expanded my understanding of habitat restoration and why it is important to maintain balance in the ecosystem.