Understanding Forests and Forest Restoration

In an earlier post about the upcoming roof gardening conference here in Toronto, I mentioned that Mathis Natvik from Natvik Ecological will be speaking about his urban green roof designs composed of regionally appropriate native plant communities including alvars, sand dune, prairie, oak savannah, cliff face and even wetland species.

I neglected to mention that Natvik is also the pioneer of “Pit & Mound” forest restoration. Stewards and aspiring forest restorationists: if you are unfamiliar with this technique two must-read articles are Pits and Mounds: the missing link in restoring Carolinian Forests, and Pits and Mounds.

You will also want to see:

• The Ultimate Old Growth Forest - Southern Ontario Woodlands" - FON
• “Why you can’t buy a forest in a can” by William Cullina
• Forest Gene Conservation Association: indigenous trees and shrubs list for your area
• Ontario's Natural Selections