Restoring Nature: Perpectives from the Social Sciences and Humanities [Paperback]

Paul H. Gobster (Editor), R. Bruce Hull (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 2000 | ISBN-10: 1559637684 | ISBN-13: 978-1559637688 | Edition: 1

Ecological restoration is an inherently challenging endeavour. Not only is its underlying science still developing, but the concept itself raises complex questions about nature, culture and the role of humans in the landscape. Using a recent controversy over ecological restoration efforts in Chicago as a touchstone for discussion, "Restoring Nature" explores the difficult questions that arise during the planning and implementation of restoration projects in urban and wildland settings. Contributors examine: moral and ethical questions regarding the practice of restoration; conflicts over how nature is defined and who should be included in decisions about restoration and management; and how managers can make restoration projects succeed given the various constraints and considerations that need to be taken into account. Using diverse examples from projects across the US, the book suggests ways in which restoration conflicts might be resolved, and provides examples of stewardship that show how volunteers and local residents can help make and maintain restored environments. Throughout, contributors set forth a wealth of ideas, case studies, methodological approaches and disciplinary perspectives that shed light on the social underpinnings of ecological restoration and natural resource management. "Restoring Nature" is an intriguing exploration of human-nature interactions, of differing values and understanding of nature, and of how that information can be effectively used to guide science and policy. It provides new conceptual insights and practical solutions for anyone working to manage or restore natural ecosystems.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Advance Praise for RESTORING NATURE:

"Natural resource managers have long based their actions, from timber harvest to wildlife habitat improvement, on 'the best available science.' RESTORING NATURE rounds out the view of what constitutes the best science, with a thorough examination of human values and meanings people attach to landscapes. Understanding these values will improve not only the processes on which we base our land management decisions but also the long-term outcomes from them. RESTORING NATURE is required reading for anyone involved in the management of public landscapes." James S. Bedwell, Chief Landscape Architect, USDA Forest Service

"At first glance, ecological restoration appears to be a good thing, like mom and apple pie. What could be wrong with it? But it has proved to be very controversial. This is the best collection of essays on the conceptual and valuative dimensions of ecological restoration so far published. The discussion ranges from general philosophical considerations--such as the social construction of nature and the accusation that restorationists are faking nature--to social science case studies of restoration controversies." J. Baird Callicott, Professor of Philosophy, University of North Texas

"The social aspect of ecological restoration has been largely neglected--that is, until this book. Using lessons learned from the Chicago Wilderness and other projects, the authors explore social relationships that are as critical for success as the ecological techniques that are applied on the ground. RESTORING NATURE is an outstanding contribution to the art and science of restoration." Thomas R. Crow, Theodore Roosevelt Professor Ecosystem Management, School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Paul H. Gobster is research social scientist with the USDA Forest Service, North Central Research Station in Chicago, Illinois. R. Bruce Hull is associate professor of forestry in the College of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Contributors include:

Susan C. Barro, US Forest Service Mark W. Brunson, Utah State University Jane Buxton, San Francisco, CA Cheryl Foster, University of Rhode Island Robert Grese, University of Michigan Reid M. Helford, Whitman College William R. Jordan III, New Academy for Nature and Culture Rachel Kaplan, University of Michigan Eric Katz, New Jersey Institute of Technology Byoung-Suk Kweon, Texas A&M University Andrew Light, New York University Carol Raish, US Forest Service Robert Ryan, University of Massachusetts David Robertson, Virginia Tech Herbert Schroeder, US Forest Service Elizabeth Tyler, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Joanne Vining, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 319 pages
• Publisher: Island Press; 1 edition (January 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559637684
• ISBN-13: 978-1559637688
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,087,834 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Critical But Fair Look at Restoration, February 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Restoring Nature: Perpectives from the Social Sciences and Humanities (Paperback)

While ecological restoration is undeniably a valuable part of the growing "new" conservation movement, many of its adherents have been somewhat reluctant to look at the social side of their work. This book does a nice job of that. Several of the authors' contributions provide unique views of activities that many of us in the conservation movement take for granted. The editors' pieces (Gobster and Hull) are excellent and thought provoking. The philosophical works in the volume, though wordy and, at times, unnecessarily academic, are useful discussions of arguments we have been debating for years. Finally, a chapter by Dr. Helford, while a nice bit of ethnographic writing, just plain pissed me off, but I can't help to think he is on to something and may be right. I just am not ready to accept his ideas. I think that reaction sumarizes my feelings about the book. Maybe we in the conservation and restoration movements aren't ready for what some of these people in this volume are telling us. If you consider yourself an ecological restorationist or just a conservationist, you owe it to yourself and to these authors to read this book.