Ecological and Forest Restoration
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
This course will introduce the key concepts, methods and processes for planning, carrying out, and monitoring effective ecological and forest restoration.
The lecturer will implement: (i) in-presence lecture sessions to stimulate the discussion with the students on the topics treated; (ii) field lessons to further develop the students' practical capacity; (iii) teaching labs to consolidate the learning; (iv) tests to verify the learning progresses.
The lecturer will implement: (i) in-presence lecture sessions to stimulate the discussion with the students on the topics treated; (ii) field lessons to further develop the students' practical capacity; (iii) teaching labs to consolidate the learning; (iv) tests to verify the learning progresses.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding.
o Understand the causes and consequences of forest ecosystem degradation and deforestation, and identify restoration goals.
o Describe and analyze forest climate and the physical, chemical, and biological properties of forest soils.
o Describe the different strategies of forest restoration via natural and artificial regeneration.
o Summarize the ecological characteristics of forest species and distinguish the dynamics of ecological succession.
o Recall forest restoration strategies, barriers and opportunities at an international, European and national level.
o Understand the different stages of forest restoration programs, from seed collection and nurseries to tree planting or proforestation.
Applying knowledge and understanding.
o Analyze the vulnerability of forest ecosystems to climate change and assess their resistance and resilience.
o Monitor the severity of disturbance, degradation and deforestation using remote sensing techniques.
o Plan an intervention to restore forest vegetation following deforestation, degradation or natural disturbances.
o Assess and monitor the outcomes of forest restoration in terms of carbon sink and biodiversity.
o Understand the causes and consequences of forest ecosystem degradation and deforestation, and identify restoration goals.
o Describe and analyze forest climate and the physical, chemical, and biological properties of forest soils.
o Describe the different strategies of forest restoration via natural and artificial regeneration.
o Summarize the ecological characteristics of forest species and distinguish the dynamics of ecological succession.
o Recall forest restoration strategies, barriers and opportunities at an international, European and national level.
o Understand the different stages of forest restoration programs, from seed collection and nurseries to tree planting or proforestation.
Applying knowledge and understanding.
o Analyze the vulnerability of forest ecosystems to climate change and assess their resistance and resilience.
o Monitor the severity of disturbance, degradation and deforestation using remote sensing techniques.
o Plan an intervention to restore forest vegetation following deforestation, degradation or natural disturbances.
o Assess and monitor the outcomes of forest restoration in terms of carbon sink and biodiversity.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of principles of vegetation ecology.
English language level B2.
English language level B2.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The learning outcomes will be successfully verified by passing a final exam with a score from 18 to 30. 40% of the score (0-12) will be attributed to an ecological and forest restoration project carried out individually according to the methods and criteria that will be published on the MS Teams page of the course. 20% of the score will be attributed to the oral presentation (with slides) of the project (0-6 points), and 40% (0-12 points) to in.course exercises to be carried out individually or in pairs.
Forest ecology and restoration design
Course syllabus
27/2 The forests of the world
1/3 Forest ecosystem services. Threats to forests: Deforestation and forest degradation. ASSIGNMENT 1
8/3 Forests as carbon sinks, climate mitigation in the forest sector
13/3 Impacts of climate change and extreme events on forests. Disturbance ecology, disturbance regimes, resistance and resilience.
15/3 What is restoration? How to define the desired state? EU Restoration Law
20/3 Restoration of urban forests and climate adaptation
23/3 Ecosystems functioning; population and community ecology; interactions between organisms and species; successions; site analysis and abiotic factors; the global reforestation potential
27/3 Field trip - Parco Nord
5/4 Climate change scenarios; global vulnerability of forests to climatic events; restoration in forests affected by natural disturbances. ASSIGNMENT 2
17/4 Field trip - Campo dei Fiori
18/4 Restoration of the specific composition following biological invasions; options for restoration in secondary forests
19/4 Restoration in deforested and degraded tropical forests; forest carbon accounting. ASSIGNMENT 3
26/4 Restoration in boreal and montane forests for hydrogeological protection and climate resilience; forest types of Lombardy
10/5 Restoration of riparian and alluvial woods; restoration of lowland forests; river restoration
15/5 Field trip - Ticino Regional Park
16/5 Restoration in drylands and Mediterranean areas; Restoration of other semi-natural environments: pastures, prairies, wetlands
17/5 Exercise - INVEST. ASSIGNMENT 4
22/5 Restoration of the natural disturbance regime. ASSIGNMENT 5
23/5 Role of animals in forest restoration
24/5 Rehabilitation of polluted sites: bioremediation and phytoremediation
29/5 Forest nurseries
31/5 Crisis and restoration of biodiversity; Levels of biodiversity and their measurement; rewilding; management of forest plantations; Principles of landscape ecology and ecological networks. ASSIGNMENT 6
7/6 Monitoring of forest restoration actions
12/6 Field trip - Val Malga
14/6 Legislation and forest restoration; Financial support for ecological restoration; Planning and design of restoration interventions; stakeholder engagement
1/3 Forest ecosystem services. Threats to forests: Deforestation and forest degradation. ASSIGNMENT 1
8/3 Forests as carbon sinks, climate mitigation in the forest sector
13/3 Impacts of climate change and extreme events on forests. Disturbance ecology, disturbance regimes, resistance and resilience.
15/3 What is restoration? How to define the desired state? EU Restoration Law
20/3 Restoration of urban forests and climate adaptation
23/3 Ecosystems functioning; population and community ecology; interactions between organisms and species; successions; site analysis and abiotic factors; the global reforestation potential
27/3 Field trip - Parco Nord
5/4 Climate change scenarios; global vulnerability of forests to climatic events; restoration in forests affected by natural disturbances. ASSIGNMENT 2
17/4 Field trip - Campo dei Fiori
18/4 Restoration of the specific composition following biological invasions; options for restoration in secondary forests
19/4 Restoration in deforested and degraded tropical forests; forest carbon accounting. ASSIGNMENT 3
26/4 Restoration in boreal and montane forests for hydrogeological protection and climate resilience; forest types of Lombardy
10/5 Restoration of riparian and alluvial woods; restoration of lowland forests; river restoration
15/5 Field trip - Ticino Regional Park
16/5 Restoration in drylands and Mediterranean areas; Restoration of other semi-natural environments: pastures, prairies, wetlands
17/5 Exercise - INVEST. ASSIGNMENT 4
22/5 Restoration of the natural disturbance regime. ASSIGNMENT 5
23/5 Role of animals in forest restoration
24/5 Rehabilitation of polluted sites: bioremediation and phytoremediation
29/5 Forest nurseries
31/5 Crisis and restoration of biodiversity; Levels of biodiversity and their measurement; rewilding; management of forest plantations; Principles of landscape ecology and ecological networks. ASSIGNMENT 6
7/6 Monitoring of forest restoration actions
12/6 Field trip - Val Malga
14/6 Legislation and forest restoration; Financial support for ecological restoration; Planning and design of restoration interventions; stakeholder engagement
Teaching methods
The course includes 2 CFU of lesson time, 2 CFU of guided exercises, and 1 CFU of field trips.
The lecturer will use:
a) Lectures and group discussion to provide theoretical concepts, and develop critical thinking skills;
b) Lab activities to consolidate knowledge learned during the lectures, and develop applied ecology competences useful in the professional practice;
c) Exercises and quiz to verify the acquisition of knowledge and competences;
d) Field trips to learn how to measure, describe and assess forest stands.
Attendance of lectures is strongly recommended.
The lecturer will use:
a) Lectures and group discussion to provide theoretical concepts, and develop critical thinking skills;
b) Lab activities to consolidate knowledge learned during the lectures, and develop applied ecology competences useful in the professional practice;
c) Exercises and quiz to verify the acquisition of knowledge and competences;
d) Field trips to learn how to measure, describe and assess forest stands.
Attendance of lectures is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Slides and course notes; study material provided by lecturers on MS Teams channels.
Recommended texts:
- Stanturf J., Lamb D., Madsen P. (2012) Forest Landscape Restoration, Springer.
- Stanturf J., Callaham M. (2020) Soils and Landscape Restoration, Elsevier.
- Lamb D. (2014) Large-scale Forest Restoration, Routledge.
- Mansourian S., Parrotta J. (2018) Forest Landscape Restoration. Integrated Approaches to Support Effective Implementation, Routledge.
- Van Andel J., Aronson J. (2012) Restoration Ecology: The New Frontier, Second edition, Wiley
- Howell E.A., Harrington J.A., Glass B.S. (2011) Introduction to Restoration Ecology, Island Press
- Rieger J., Stanley J., Traynor R. (2014) Project Planning and Management for Ecological Restoration. Island Press
- Holl K.D. (2020) Primer of ecological restoration. Island Press
Recommended texts:
- Stanturf J., Lamb D., Madsen P. (2012) Forest Landscape Restoration, Springer.
- Stanturf J., Callaham M. (2020) Soils and Landscape Restoration, Elsevier.
- Lamb D. (2014) Large-scale Forest Restoration, Routledge.
- Mansourian S., Parrotta J. (2018) Forest Landscape Restoration. Integrated Approaches to Support Effective Implementation, Routledge.
- Van Andel J., Aronson J. (2012) Restoration Ecology: The New Frontier, Second edition, Wiley
- Howell E.A., Harrington J.A., Glass B.S. (2011) Introduction to Restoration Ecology, Island Press
- Rieger J., Stanley J., Traynor R. (2014) Project Planning and Management for Ecological Restoration. Island Press
- Holl K.D. (2020) Primer of ecological restoration. Island Press
Remote sensing and functional ecology
Course syllabus
Functional Ecology (3 CFU):
(i) concepts of functional ecology, (ii) plant evolutionary ecology and local adaptation, (iii) plant traits and plant functions, (iv) drivers of plant growth, (v) plant responses in space and time, (vi) biodiversity, productivity and plant facilitation, (vii) fire and herbivory, (viii) ecosystem engineering and ecosystem functions, (ix) nature contribution to people.
Remote sensing (3 CFU):
02/03/2023 Introduction to the course, course porgramme, survey experience and background, tools and software. Practice: First look at multi-spectral images in QGIS
09/03/2023 RS history, Electromagnetic radiation, EM spectrum, interaction with surface and atmopshere
14/03/2023 RS acquisition, definition of spectral signature. Practice: Exercise in MS-Excel (analysis of spectral signatures)
16/03/2023 Remote sensing of vegetation, spectral signature of vegetation, bio-physical parameters. Practice: QGIS+Remote_sensing_EnMAP_QGIS
17/03/2023 Overview of satellite sensors and platforms, multi-spectral image acquisition, digital image, image data characteristics, GIS. Practice: Read data information in QGIS (resampling, spectral profile)
21/03/2023 Satellite missions, MODIS, Lansat, Sentinel, data access. Practice: Build Val Malga QGIS project (input data, definition of ROI)
22/03/2023 Vegetation indices, Vis time series, VI change detection. Practice: VIs computation in QGIS (NDVI, NBR, raster calculator), add to Val Malga project, maps
24/03/2023 Introduction to GEE, GEE Interface, GEE cataloge, repository for shared code, GEE assets, image collection, visualization, interactive tools. Practice: GEE image collection Sentinel-2, Landsat, MODIS for the Val Malga project
28/03/2023 Export data in GEE, computation of VIs in GEE
29/03/2023 RS time series (definition, information extraction), analysis techniques for time series (pre-processing, gap filling, classification, change detection, phenology metrics)
30/03/2023 Time series analysis in GEE, time series of vegetation indices/NDVI, interactive visualization of NDVI profiles in GEE
31/03/2023 Classification of multispectral images, thematic mapping, bio-physical parameters, supervised/unsupervised, random forest, training data collection, fuzzy classification
13/04/2023 Case study - fire monitoring: change detection applied to natural hazards, burned area detection from time series of multi spectral satellite data with random forest algorithm. Practice: GEE (time series selection, computation of VIs, training, random forest, raster to vector, export)
14/04/2023 Classification tools in QGIS (plugin dzetsaka). Practice: Val Malga classification QGIS
18/04/2023 Classification tools in QGIS (plugin Semi-Automatic Classification). Practice: Val Malga classification QGIS
20/04/2023 Case study for fuel type mapping applied to fire risk. Practice: App developed for collecting training data over forest classes, classification
21/04/2023 Classification in GEE. Practice: Val Malga classification in GEE (unsupervised classification, supervised classification, random forest)
27/04/2023 Validation and accuracy assessment of RS products (validation protocols, reference data, sampling, confusion matrix, accuracy metrics), Validation Val Malga project, validation of thematic map. Practice: QGIS reference data upload (shapefile), extract from classification ground truth, export to MS Excel, confusion matrix, accuracy metrics, agreement maps
28/04/2023 Summary of the course, concluding remarks, achievements, questions and comments.
(i) concepts of functional ecology, (ii) plant evolutionary ecology and local adaptation, (iii) plant traits and plant functions, (iv) drivers of plant growth, (v) plant responses in space and time, (vi) biodiversity, productivity and plant facilitation, (vii) fire and herbivory, (viii) ecosystem engineering and ecosystem functions, (ix) nature contribution to people.
Remote sensing (3 CFU):
02/03/2023 Introduction to the course, course porgramme, survey experience and background, tools and software. Practice: First look at multi-spectral images in QGIS
09/03/2023 RS history, Electromagnetic radiation, EM spectrum, interaction with surface and atmopshere
14/03/2023 RS acquisition, definition of spectral signature. Practice: Exercise in MS-Excel (analysis of spectral signatures)
16/03/2023 Remote sensing of vegetation, spectral signature of vegetation, bio-physical parameters. Practice: QGIS+Remote_sensing_EnMAP_QGIS
17/03/2023 Overview of satellite sensors and platforms, multi-spectral image acquisition, digital image, image data characteristics, GIS. Practice: Read data information in QGIS (resampling, spectral profile)
21/03/2023 Satellite missions, MODIS, Lansat, Sentinel, data access. Practice: Build Val Malga QGIS project (input data, definition of ROI)
22/03/2023 Vegetation indices, Vis time series, VI change detection. Practice: VIs computation in QGIS (NDVI, NBR, raster calculator), add to Val Malga project, maps
24/03/2023 Introduction to GEE, GEE Interface, GEE cataloge, repository for shared code, GEE assets, image collection, visualization, interactive tools. Practice: GEE image collection Sentinel-2, Landsat, MODIS for the Val Malga project
28/03/2023 Export data in GEE, computation of VIs in GEE
29/03/2023 RS time series (definition, information extraction), analysis techniques for time series (pre-processing, gap filling, classification, change detection, phenology metrics)
30/03/2023 Time series analysis in GEE, time series of vegetation indices/NDVI, interactive visualization of NDVI profiles in GEE
31/03/2023 Classification of multispectral images, thematic mapping, bio-physical parameters, supervised/unsupervised, random forest, training data collection, fuzzy classification
13/04/2023 Case study - fire monitoring: change detection applied to natural hazards, burned area detection from time series of multi spectral satellite data with random forest algorithm. Practice: GEE (time series selection, computation of VIs, training, random forest, raster to vector, export)
14/04/2023 Classification tools in QGIS (plugin dzetsaka). Practice: Val Malga classification QGIS
18/04/2023 Classification tools in QGIS (plugin Semi-Automatic Classification). Practice: Val Malga classification QGIS
20/04/2023 Case study for fuel type mapping applied to fire risk. Practice: App developed for collecting training data over forest classes, classification
21/04/2023 Classification in GEE. Practice: Val Malga classification in GEE (unsupervised classification, supervised classification, random forest)
27/04/2023 Validation and accuracy assessment of RS products (validation protocols, reference data, sampling, confusion matrix, accuracy metrics), Validation Val Malga project, validation of thematic map. Practice: QGIS reference data upload (shapefile), extract from classification ground truth, export to MS Excel, confusion matrix, accuracy metrics, agreement maps
28/04/2023 Summary of the course, concluding remarks, achievements, questions and comments.
Teaching methods
The course includes 2 CFU of lesson time, 2 CFU of lab time and 2 CFU of exercises and field trips.
The lecturer will use:
a) Lectures and group discussion to provide theoretical concepts, and develop critical thinking skills;
b) Lab and computer exercises to verify the acquisition of knowledge and competences and computer skills;
c) Field trips and exercises to learn how to measure, describe and assess vegetation functional traits.
Attendance of lectures is strongly recommended.
The lecturer will use:
a) Lectures and group discussion to provide theoretical concepts, and develop critical thinking skills;
b) Lab and computer exercises to verify the acquisition of knowledge and competences and computer skills;
c) Field trips and exercises to learn how to measure, describe and assess vegetation functional traits.
Attendance of lectures is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Lectures and lecture slides; further materials will be made available during the course.
For remote sensing:
- Wegmann M., Schwalb-Willmann J., Dech S. (2020) An introduction to spatial data analysis. Pelagic publishing
- Wegmann M., Leutner B., Dech S. (2016) Remote sensing and GIS for ecologists. Pelagic Publishing
For remote sensing:
- Wegmann M., Schwalb-Willmann J., Dech S. (2020) An introduction to spatial data analysis. Pelagic publishing
- Wegmann M., Leutner B., Dech S. (2016) Remote sensing and GIS for ecologists. Pelagic Publishing
Soil dynamics in ecosystem restoration
Course syllabus
Forest and natural soils in general: formation processes and factors, soil-based ecosystem services (carbon stock, climate mitigation, surface and groundwater quality control, biodiversity support, paleoenvironmental proxies)
Soi degradation processes associated to deforestation and forest degradation, erosion, desertification, vulnerability to climate change and extreme events.
Ecological properties of recovering sites and identification of reference soils to be used for recovery
Soil recovery in the main forest and natural habitats subjected to degradation, from tropics to boreal and mountain ecosystems
Soil recovery in arid, desertified and Mediterranean habitats
Soil reconstruction in seminatural habitats, grassland, peatlands, urban areas
Monitoring of soil recovery activities
Notes oflegislation and economy of soil recovery
Soi degradation processes associated to deforestation and forest degradation, erosion, desertification, vulnerability to climate change and extreme events.
Ecological properties of recovering sites and identification of reference soils to be used for recovery
Soil recovery in the main forest and natural habitats subjected to degradation, from tropics to boreal and mountain ecosystems
Soil recovery in arid, desertified and Mediterranean habitats
Soil reconstruction in seminatural habitats, grassland, peatlands, urban areas
Monitoring of soil recovery activities
Notes oflegislation and economy of soil recovery
Teaching methods
The course includes 2 CFU of lesson time, 1 CFU of lab time and 1 CFU of field trips.
The lecturer will use:
a) Lectures and group discussion to provide theoretical concepts, and develop critical thinking skills;
b) Lab exercises to verify the acquisition of knowledge and competences;
c) Field trips to learn how to measure, describe and assess soils.
Attendance of lectures is strongly recommended.
The lecturer will use:
a) Lectures and group discussion to provide theoretical concepts, and develop critical thinking skills;
b) Lab exercises to verify the acquisition of knowledge and competences;
c) Field trips to learn how to measure, describe and assess soils.
Attendance of lectures is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Lectures and lecture slides;
further materials will be made available during the course
further materials will be made available during the course
Forest ecology and restoration design
AGR/05 - FOREST MANAGEMENT AND SILVICULTURE - University credits: 5
Field activity: 24 hours
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 20 hours
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Vacchiano Giorgio
Remote sensing and functional ecology
BIO/03 - ENVIRONMENTAL AND APPLIED BOTANY
ICAR/06 - SURVEYING AND MAPPING
ICAR/06 - SURVEYING AND MAPPING
Practicals: 32 hours
Laboratories: 32 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Laboratories: 32 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Soil dynamics in ecosystem restoration
AGR/14 - PEDOLOGY
GEO/05 - ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
GEO/05 - ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
Practicals: 16 hours
Laboratories: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Laboratories: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Professor:
D'Amico Michele Eugenio
Professor(s)
Reception: