Ecological restoration is the process of returning polluted or otherwise disturbed ecosystems to a close approximation of their condition prior to contamination. Restoration is a broad term that encompasses a number of interrelated activities, including the reconstruction of antecedent physical conditions, chemical adjustment of the soil and water, and biological manipulation which includes the reintroduction of native flora and fauna. EPA promotes a holistic process of restoration achieved not through the isolated manipulation of individual elements but through a consideration of the inextricable links between all life forms and media within an ecosystem.

Recommended EPA Web pages

• River Corridor and Wetland Restoration
  Provides information on river corridors and wetlands restoration.
• Brownfields and Land Revitalization
  Document links to information on Brownfields.
• Ground Water and Ecosystems Restoration Research
  Provides information about the Ground Water and Ecosystems Restoration Research Division.

Aquatic Ecosystems
Aquaculture, Coral Reefs, Estuaries, Freshwater Ecosystems, Lakes, Marine Ecosystems, Oceans, Shellfish Protection

Ecological Monitoring
Ecological Assessment, Environmental Indicators

Ecological Restoration

Landscape Ecology

Mines
Abandoned Mine

Soils
Erosion, Leaching

Species
Endangered Species, Exotic Species

Terrestrial Ecosystems
Coasts, Forests, Urban Ecosystems, Watersheds, Wetlands