Connecting Country
Upland watershed restoration plantings Mount Alexander, Victoria Australia (credit: Connecting Country)
Repair of damaged landscapes and the recovery of wildlife species has been of long interest for this Journal. Restoration endeavors to apply ecological principals in actual practice. No two projects are alike but they all begin with a concern to repair landscapes denuded by deforestation, overgrazing, or habitat competition from invasive species.
In Australia, land and wildlife restoration is known as, bushcare. These efforts engage individuals and groups in specific, practical, on-the-ground programs that produce measurable results. Connecting Country is one such group in the Australian state of Victoria. Members gather to plant tree saplings, usually Eucalyptus species, and other native plants to reconnect bits of remaining woodlands to each other. Connecting Country is a good example of 'citizen scientists' who help in project design, implementation, as well as monitoring birds, animals and vegetation regrowth. These are the real indicators of ecological restoration success.
One of the Connecting Country's founders explains their thinking:
Landscape restoration helps biological diversity, improve water supplies, and creates a sense of wonder and hope. Such projects offer direct opportunities to apply science, are fun, and build community spirits. They are win, win, win situations all around.
WHB