An integrated approach for measuring urban forest restoration success

• Published in: Urban forestry & urban greening 2006-02, Vol.4 (2), p.55-68
• Main Authors: Ruiz-Jaén, María C., Aide, T. Mitchell
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Ecological restoration; Ecosystem processes; forest ecology; forest litter; Forestry; forests; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; ground vegetation; herbaceous plants; land management; microclimate; reforestation; soil nutrients; Species diversity; urban areas; Urban forest patches; urban forestry; Vegetation structure; woodlands
• ISSN: 1618-8667; 1610-8167
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2005.09.002

Rapid urban growth has increased the importance of restoring degraded vegetation patches within these areas. In this study, we reforested a site that was previously dominated by exotic grasses within an urban area. The goal of this study was to evaluate restoration success in a reforested site using four variables of vegetation structure, five groups of organisms, and eight variables of ecosystem processes, and compare these values with a pre-reforested site and a forested reference site using the Subjective Bray Curtis Ordination. The change in vegetation structure provided arboreal habitats that increased species diversity and ecosystem processes in the reforested site. Specifically, the development of a vertical vegetation structure was associated with: (1) a decrease in herbaceous cover, which allowed the colonization of woody seedlings; (2) a change in microclimatic conditions, which enhanced the colonization of ants and amphibians; (3) colonization of arboreal reptiles and birds; and (4) an increase in litter production, which enhanced nutrient inputs. Moreover, the Subjective Bray Curtis Ordination demonstrated an overall recovery of approximately 70%. Planting woody species was sufficient to stimulate rapid recovery of many ecosystem attributes. Future restoration projects should include multiple variables that reflect important ecosystem attributes to determine the success of a project and to direct future management efforts.