Ecosystem Restoration

C. Leann White, Peter C. Frederick, Martin B. Main, and James A. Rodgers, Jr.

This document is CIR1473, one of a series of the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date May 2005. Revised September 2008.

Frank J. Mazzotti yJoy J. Vinci
Otros contactos: Venetia S. Briggs-Gonzalez, Eric Suarez, yAaron I. Chimelis

Rebecca G. Harvey, Michiko Squires, Jeff Beauchamp, Frank J. Mazzotti, yLaura A. Brandt
Otros contactos: Venetia S. Briggs-Gonzalez, Eric Suarez, yAaron I. Chimelis

The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is a top predator that lives along the southern tip of peninsular Florida. Crocodiles inhabit saltwater, brackish water, or freshwater near coastal areas in mangrove-lined ponds, creeks, coves, man-made ponds, and canals. In 1975, the American crocodile was federally listed as an endangered species. Conservation and management have helped the south Florida crocodile population rebound, resulting in its downlisting to threatened in 2007. However, habitat modification and decreased freshwater flow to estuaries still present ongoing concerns for this threatened species.

Kenneth G. Rice, Kenneth G. Rice, Frank J. Mazzotti, yJ Hardin Waddle
Otros contactos: Venetia S. Briggs-Gonzalez, Eric Suarez, yAaron I. Chimelis

This document is CIR 1484, one of a series of the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date February 2007.

Christine Rohal, Christine Rohal, Laura K. Reynolds, Carrie Reinhardt Adams, yCharles W. Martin

This factsheet describes the defining characteristics of the eleven pondweed species that are present in Florida. It serves as a pondweed identification guide for aquatic habitat managers, lake monitors, conservationists, and plant enthusiasts, and it gives some context on each species' life history and ecological role.

C. Spengler, Jamila Roth, and Laura K. Reynolds

This publication reviews the importance of seagrass, major threats to seagrass, and ways in which seagrass species diversity and genetic diversity can positively impact seagrass management and restoration. Written by C. Spengler, Jamila Roth, and Laura K. Reynolds, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, March 2024.

Rebecca G. Harvey yFrank J. Mazzotti
Otros contactos: Venetia S. Briggs-Gonzalez, Eric Suarez, yAaron I. Chimelis

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Emory H. Wellman, Bethany J. Lee, yAnna Braswell

In this publication, we describe methods commonly used to restore salt marshes, particularly those dominated by smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) and commonly found along the Gulf and East Coasts of the United States. This publication will be of particular use to land managers and property owners whose land includes salt marsh habitat. Restoration methods described here are discussed in an order reflecting increasing costs, effort, and spatial scale, meaning that methods most applicable to owners of small coastal properties will be listed first. We also provide a table summarizing the goal, advantages, and disadvantages of each method for quick reference.

Audrey C. Plauche, Gage D. LaPierre, and Michael G. Andreu

This publication provides an in-depth profile of Pinus serotina for academic audiences and interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology.

Catherine Kaylor, Laura K. Reynolds, Shirley Baker, Angela B. Collins, Leslie Sturmer, yAshley Smyth

Hard clams provide many benefits to Florida’s coastal ecosystems beyond supporting the clam aquaculture industry. One of these benefits is improved water quality through filtration and nutrient cycling. However, both pollution and overharvesting have led to a decline in native clam populations for many areas, resulting in a growing interest among restoration practitioners to rebuild clam populations. There are two clam species native to Florida currently used in restoration: the northern hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria, and the southern hard clam, Mercenaria campechiensis. This publication is intended for academics, restoration practitioners, and policy makers interested in shellfish restoration. The goal of this document is to describe the similarities and differences between these two species and to serve as a resource for selecting the best hard clam for a restoration project.

Charles Wallace, Edward Camp, and Ashley Smyth

As the climate continues to change, coastal areas and the people that live there face increasing risks from erosion and wave damage. This is made worse by declines in natural oyster reefs, which would provide some natural protection. However, oysters can be restored for the specific purposes of protecting shorelines. The practicality and cost effectiveness of using oysters in this way is described in this publication, which is intended to be used by coastal property owners, as well as local governments that must make decisions about protecting shorelines in the face of a changing climate.

Laura Reynolds, Carrie Reinhardt Adams, Enrique Latimer, Charles W. Martin, Christine Rohal, and Jodi Slater

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by Natural resources operations and Invasive Species

Adam R. Herdman, Raelene M. Crandall, Kelsey Sonnen, Lawrence W. Zettler, Michael E. Kane, Héctor E. Pérez, yCarrie Reinhardt Adams

The ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii, Bentham ex Rolfe, Orchidaceae) is a rare, leafless epiphytic orchid native to southwestern Florida and Cuba. In Florida, populations have declined significantly due to the compounding effects of habitat fragmentation, poaching, and shifting climate. These threats have altered the hydrology and ecological integrity of critical swamp habitats, further limiting the already restricted range of the species. In response, scientists and land managers have intensified efforts to study and conserve the remaining wild populations, while also developing propagation and reintroduction strategies. A more inclusive and comprehensive approach is needed—one that integrates in situ and ex situ conservation, improves habitat resilience, and ensures that less charismatic native orchids are not overlooked in ongoing conservation efforts. 

Rebecca G. Harvey, Frank J. Mazzotti, and Laura A. Brandt

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.