In chapter 8 of Rambunctious Garden: Saving Nature in a Post-Wild World, Marris dips into the topic of designer ecosystems. While restoration projects are too small “to capture complex processes” that have been lost, an ecosystem that is designed with a specific purpose and goals—“nitrogen reduction, sediment capture, or the maintenance of…species”—and exists simply to be functional (Marris, 125). While restoration ecologists cannot produce carbon copies of historic ecosystems, they use many artificial “shortcuts” to achieve a functional landscape they desire (125). From baskets to wires to chains, ecologists use such materials to create streams and “nooks and crannies for animals” (126).
Ecologists “admit that no one has ever been able to comprehend all the dynamics of any real ecosystem” (130). Therefore, complex and fully functioning designer ecosystems have yet to be built from absolute scratch with “no resemblance to any historical ecosystem” (130).
In chapter 9, Marris further explores the idea of working with what you already have and whatever works in nature. She discusses the possibility of a “hybrid future”— an ecosystem that is “part habitat, part active industr[y]” (133). Conservational efforts within urban, suburban, and rural societies build upon the idea of increasing nature’s usefulness and functionality. Marris cites Yellowstone as a “crucial part of an expanded model” (136). As protected areas with enforced rules, these environments become “anchors” of “conservation goals” (136).
Newly discussed ideas focus on areas in the industrial landscape that “are not active work sites”—wasted spaces that are “ripe for conservation” (144). Even idle spots such as the strips of land that borders highways are good candidates for ecosystems full of native flora. Hydroseeding (a mixture of various native seeds and water that is sprayed unto land) is being increasingly used on roadsides and highway medians. Marris’ suggestion of “fast-food restaurants and big-box stores” taking upon conservation projects (like hydroseeding self-sustaining plant species) on their idle spaces around their stores and shops is a great idea not only to impact nature on a positively grand scale, but also to get rid of maintenance costs and managing issues (145).
This idea of conservation projects is fantastic because it is a project that can be taken up by practically anyone in society. From community gardens, nature parks, balconies with plant boxes, to private home gardens and rural ranch lands, private citizens do not need to wait for any orders or response from the government. From wooden bird boxes and feeders to planting different species, individuals can easily set up their own conservation goals.
