Seed bank hidden in the soil
Northwest plants evolved unique seed structures, hardy root systems, long-living bulbs and complex dormancy periods to survive in landscapes that faced regular disturbance by everything from volcanic eruptions to flooding, drought, fire and colonialism. Yet non-Native scientists often overlook their ability to regrow — natural regeneration. It’s a tool in restoration ecology that is both understudied and written off even though it’s cheaper — and better — at creating resilient biodiverse landscapes.
Some tribal scientists say that if traditional ways of caring for landscapes, through fire, harvests and seasonal flooding, return, plants will also return. So will pollinators, fish, birds, mammals and cultural connections to them, restoring a way of life, a long-term relationship between people and place. It’s a process that lacks a quick fix, or high-tech solution
Tropical forests, including mangroves, can regrow better on their own, without any plantings
A good story on this [1] from High Country News