The rate of habitat destruction caused by human land use and climate change is accelerating. To reverse this loss of biodiversity and habitat degradation, ecological restoration, or ‘the process of assisting in the recovery of a damaged habitat’ is becoming a priority worldwide.
Kids need to know what ecological restoration is because they can take an active part in it!
With simple descriptions, colorful pictures and a hopeful tone, this book will introduce children (aged 6-11) to ecological restoration, including summaries of some of the largest projects going on worldwide and examples of how anyone young and old can get involved in restoration – in their backyard, school or local park.
You can find the book on amazon.
A Kids Guide to Ecological Restoration is written by Dr. Elise Gornish and illustrated by Daniela Cafaggi. Released June 7, 2022.
Dr. Elise Gornish is a Cooperative Extension Specialist in Ecological Restoration at the University of Arizona. Her research and outreach program largely focuses on identifying strategies for successful restoration in arid land systems and integration of restoration approaches into weed management.
Originally from New York, Dr. Gornish received her MS and PhD from Florida State University in 2013. She then completed two years of a post doc at the University of California, Davis.
Dr. Gornish is an early career leader in the fields of arid land restoration and weed management and has published over 60 papers and has presented over 200 times at various venues.
In addition to vegetation management, Dr. Gornish is passionate about STEM inclusion and in 2018 become the Director of UA GALS (Girls on outdoor Adventure for Leadership and Science). This new program focuses on providing science learning and leadership opportunities to traditionally underserved female high school students through backcountry programming.