An integrated approach for measuring urban forest restoration success

Rapid urban growth has increased the importance of restoring degraded vegetation patches within these areas. In this study, we reforested a site that was previously dominated by exotic grasses within an urban area. The goal of this study was to evaluate restoration success in a reforested site using four variables of vegetation structure, five groups of organisms, and eight variables of ecosystem processes, and compare these values with a pre-reforested site and a forested reference site using the Subjective Bray Curtis Ordination. The change in vegetation structure provided arboreal habitats that increased species diversity and ecosystem processes in the reforested site. Specifically, the development of a vertical vegetation structure was associated with: (1) a decrease in herbaceous cover, which allowed the colonization of woody seedlings; (2) a change in microclimatic conditions, which enhanced the colonization of ants and amphibians; (3) colonization of arboreal reptiles and birds; and (4) an increase in litter production, which enhanced nutrient inputs. Moreover, the Subjective Bray Curtis Ordination demonstrated an overall recovery of approximately 70%. Planting woody species was sufficient to stimulate rapid recovery of many ecosystem attributes. Future restoration projects should include multiple variables that reflect important ecosystem attributes to determine the success of a project and to direct future management efforts.