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John Cairns Jr.¹ and Sarah E. Palmer²

¹Department of Biology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
²Life Sciences South, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 USA

Abstract

Increased population pressure and human activities have significantly altered the effectiveness of functions of ecosystems ("ecosystem services") at the local and regional scale. Of primary importance is the decrease in water quality due to urban storm water runoff. A number of communities have initiated restoration strategies to improve water quality standards. One such strategy is the incorporation of riparian walkways with native flora. As a result of such restoration efforts, habitats for native fauna have improved, and the number and diversity of wildlife have increased in urban settings. Restoration of urban habitats also provides social and economic benefits to the surrounding community. Efforts to mitigate the loss of ecological resources by restoring native habitats on lots that cannot be developed or on abandoned lots hold a high, unrealized potential. Habitat restoration not only provides natural diversions to urban surroundings, but also enlightens and educates individual citizens about the importance of balanced ecosystems and the role of humans within ecosystems. Education is the primary step toward creating ecologically sustainable communities. Key words: ecology education, habitat restoration, sustainability, urban renewal, waterways. Environ Health Perspect 103:452-453 (1995)

Address correspondence to J. Cairns Jr., University Center for Environmental and Hazardous Materials Studies, 1020 Derring Hall, MS 0415, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA.

Received 26 September 1994 ; accepted 17 February 1995.