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Think there’s nothing to fear in species loss? Think again.
Biological diversity or “biodiversity” refers to the number and type of plants and animals in a given environment. As biodiversity diminishes, the integrity of an environmental system fails and species loss can occur more rapidly. While much has been learned about the importance of maintaining the biodiversity of our lands and water, this effort presents unique challenges to conservationists the world over, requiring an understanding of how ecosystems are formed and how they function. One of the greatest hopes for maintaining biodiversity lie in the thousands of habitat restoration projects going on around the world. Among these, an important effort has recently begun in Illinois.
What The Nature Conservancy is doing.
One of several large-floodplain rivers considered recoverable in the United States, the Illinois River Valley is home to Emiquon, a 7,100-acre Conservancy-protected floodplain, once deemed one of the most biologically productive floodplain wetlands in the Midwest.
Using state-of-the-art, scientifically driven methodologies, in 2007, the Conservancy began Emiquon restoration efforts. Land that had been corn and soybean fields for most of the last century is being returned to wetlands, forests and prairies. Emiquon’s restoration provides a vision for recovery for the Illinois and Mississippi River systems and those around the world where similar methods can be replicated. Find more on the Emiquon story at www.nature.org/illinois.
Action starts when people talk.
In the midst of urgent warnings about species decline and extinction, there are reasons for hope and things we can do as individuals. First, start a conversation about the issue with friends, family and colleagues. Take a look at our Conversation Starters related to habitat restoration for relevant and compelling facts. And, learn more about our work by visiting related projects on the Conservancy’s web site, nature.org.
