Restoring Urban Nature: A 21^st Century Necessity

Jonathan Young is a wildlife ecologist for the Presidio Trust. In his talk he explained how Ecologists use the past to understand the potential for the future using science. He shared many examples of project done during the past 20 years including the restoration of Mountain Lake which was very contaminated with lead and other impurities. The water is cleaner due to bringing back fresh-water mussels (one example) that filter the water and improve quality and clarity.

Mr. Young explained a new management process that has been developed recently called Novel Ecosystems. Managing exotic and native plants that live side by side and create a new habitat that benefits both flora and fauna. Research is being done and one such management practice is in the Presidio with eucalyptus trees hosting native Monarch butterflies.

Pledges we can make to make our ecosystems healthier:

1. Don’t feed wildlife
2. Pick up after pets
3. Don’t abandon pets
4. Share this knowledge

Why does urban biodiversity matter?

1. Provides ecosystem resilience
2. Provides ecosystem services (air and water quality)
3. Provides sense of place
4. Gives mental and physical health to humans

What can you do?

1. Volunteer
2. Explore and share observations at inaturalist.org
3. Go to their website presidio.gov and sign up for walks and presentations