Protecting and Restoring Habitat in Urban Ecosystems

 

Ecosystems provide humanity with the products and services needed to sustain a high quality of life on this planet. Unfortunately, urban development and mechanical disturbance destroy or damage over 400 square miles of ecosystems every year in the United States alone (Johnson, Brown, Loveland, & Theobald, 2005). However, with thoughtful preservation and restoration, living systems can be integrated into our built environments and can continue to provide services such as clean air, clean water, climate regulation, wildlife habitat, and improved human health and well-being.

This interactive online course will help you understand how the design and management of habitat in urban areas affects the services it provides to the community. It will discuss the processes that drive the development of ecosystems and how these processes can be used to restore and manage nature in urban settings. The course will cover strategies for habitat mitigation. It will also discuss the components of restoration and Integrated Pest Management plans. Lastly, the course will describe strategies for achieving community understanding and support for urban habitat conservation.