Ecosystem Restoration

I have always been fascinated by the intricacies of nature.  The way that layers upon layers of life feed and complement each other, working in symphony at a mind boggling scale.  From the diversity of micro-organisms in the soil, to the towering sequoias, every layer of complexity overflows with life.  The apparent simplicity of nature has far more moving parts, inter-relationships and variables than any mathematical equation or engineered replica could ever account for.  This interconnectedness is what makes looking at the world from an ecosystem approach so exciting; there is so much to learn. 

Coming to the Red Cedar Watershed, I was eager to understand more about the local ecosystems and use an ecosystem approach on the phosphorus pollution problem.  From this perspective, the goopy masses of green in Lake Tainter and Menomin are the symptoms of an unhealthy ecosystem which has been pushed out of its natural balance.  This begs the question: what can be done to restore the ecosystem?  Our Biology research team thinks aquatic plants may be part of the solution. 

Previous research we have read, has indicated that aquatic plants have a role in removing phosphorus from the water column and trapping it in the sediment.  This could at least temporarily immobilize some of the phosphorus which is causing the excessive cyanobacterial blooms.  Our goal is to understand the aquatic ecosystems that are native to the watershed and the conditions they need to thrive.  In particular, we are focusing on Wild Rice, a species which has been declining in Wisconsin over the last several decades.  By the end of the summer, we hope to have a better understanding of what this plant needs to thrive.  With this knowledge we can locate specific areas in the watershed which could support Wild Rice restoration efforts.

I am excited to learn more about this plant which has been such a critical part of the northern Wisconsin ecosystem for so long.  Wild Rice seems particularly relevant since it is a species which has been declining for reasons we do not entirely understand.  Restoring this species and the ecosystem it thrives in could have cascading benefits; a diverse plant community can support healthy fisheries, wildlife and water quality.  Conversely, degradation also has an avalanche effect. 

“If the land mechanism as a whole is good, then every part is good, whether we understand it or not. If the biota, in the course of aeons, has built something we like but do not understand, then who but a fool would discard seemingly useless parts? To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering.” –Aldo Leopold