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The Tallgrass Restoration Handbook: For Prairies, Savannas, and Woodlands Paperback – March 1, 1997


Prairies are among the most severely degraded ecosystems on the North American continent, with virtually no original prairie land extant in a pristine state. Because of the amount and severity of environmental damage visited upon them, prairies have become a proving ground for the fledgling craft of ecological restoration.

The restoration of ecosystems is a practical science, with little theoretical knowledge available to guide the work of practitioners. Information is acquired primarily through an arduous process of trial and error, and the need for sharing information is immense. The Tallgrass Restoration Handbook is thus an essential contribution to the literature.

The book is a hands-on manual that provides a detailed account of what has been learned about the art and science of prairie restoration and the application of that knowledge to restoration projects throughout the world. Chapters provide guidance on all aspects of the restoration process, from conceptualization and planning, to execution and monitoring. Specific chapters cover:

  • conserving biodiversity
  • restoring populations of rare plants
  • plowing and seeding
  • obtaining and processing seeds
  • conducting burns
  • controlling invasive plants
  • animal populations
  • monitoring vegetation and more Other resources include a key to restoration options that provides detailed instructions for specific types of projects and a comprehensive glossary of restoration terms. Appendixes present hard-to-find data on plants and animals of the prairies, seed collection dates, propagation methods, sources of seeds and equipment, and more.

    The Tallgrass Restoration Handbook is a state-of-the-art compendium that can serve a vital role as a sort of "parts catalog and repair manual" for the tallgrass prairies and oak openings of the Midwest. Written by those whose primary work is actually the making of prairies, it explores a myriad of restoration philosophies and techniques and is an essential resource for anyone working to nurture our once-vibrant native landscapes to a state of health.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

In The Tall Grass Restoration Handbook over two dozen authors discuss the rehabilitation and management of native prairies, savannas, and oak woodlands. This "how-to" restoration manual provides a detailed account of what has been learned about the art and science of prairie and savanna restoration and the application of that knowledge to restoration projects. Restoring such areas not only allows us to learn about the process of restoration but also to learn about the relationship between nature and humans. The Tall Grass Restoration Handbook explains step-by-step the multiple activities involved with reviving damaged lands to vibrant good ecological health. The Tall Grass Restoration Handbook covers every step of the restoration from conceptualization and planning through execution and monitoring. Specific chapters are devoted to conserving biodiversity, restoring populations of rare plants, plowing and seeding, interseeding, obtaining and processing seeds, conducting burns, controlling invasive plants, restoring animal populations, and monitoring vegetation. Several comprehensive appendices include hard-to-find data on the plants and animals of prairies and savannas, seed collection dates, propagation methods and sources of seed and equipment. The Tall Grass Restoration Handbook is an incredibly valuable addition to the ecological studies reference shelf and is a "must" for conservation groups and environmental restoration activities. -- Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Steven I. Apfelbaum is Chairman of Applied Ecological Services Inc., a company he founded in 1975. He has worked on design, construction, management, monitoring, and research of ecosystems and has taught ecosystem restoration to land trusts, conservation organizations, and families interested in restoring their property.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Island Press
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 1, 1997
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ First Edition
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 463 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1559633204
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1559633208
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.45 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.98 x 6.02 x 1.22 inches
  • Best Sellers Rank: #1,371,662 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)