Environmental Science

Study of environmental systems and human impact on the natural world.

Advanced Topics

Conservation and Restoration

Protecting Nature

Conservation means using natural resources wisely and protecting habitats so that plants and animals can thrive.

Types of Conservation

  • Wildlife reserves and national parks safeguard species and habitats.
  • Sustainable forestry and fishing let us use resources without destroying them.

Restoration

Restoration involves repairing damaged ecosystems, like replanting forests or cleaning up polluted rivers.

Why It Matters

Conservation and restoration keep ecosystems healthy for future generations and help balance our use of Earth's resources.

Success Stories

  • Bald eagle populations rebounded after bans on harmful pesticides.
  • Wetlands restored to improve water quality and provide wildlife homes.

Examples

  • Reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone National Park revived the ecosystem.

  • Planting native trees in urban areas to support local wildlife.

In a Nutshell

Conservation protects nature, while restoration repairs what’s been damaged.

Key Terms

Sustainable
Using resources in a way that meets current needs without harming future generations.
Restoration
Returning a damaged ecosystem to a healthy state.