Ecological Restoration Services
We're Experts in Restoring Habitats
Founded in 1988, Pizzo Habitat Restoration provides ecological restoration services and is one of the Midwest’s largest firms with over 170 green industry awards. We have the experience and know-how to restore natural environments. Unlike many other landscape and ecology companies, we specialize and focus exclusively on ecological restoration services.
Stewardship & Maintenance
- Seeding
- Hand Weeding
- Mowing
- Herbicide Applications
- Controlled Burns
Invasive Species Removal & Control
- Targeted Herbicide
- Cultural Management
- Aquatic / Algae
- Weed Pulling
- Invasive Brush & Tree Removal
Erosion & Stormwater Management
- Flood Mitigation
- Improved Water Quality
- Shoreline Stabilization
- Engineered Stormwater Management System (ESMS) / Storm Basins
Prescribed Fire / Controlled Burns
- Adds Additional Growing Time
- Increases Plant Diversity
- Manage Invasive Species
- Spring Cleanup
- Fall/Winter Preparation
Traditional Landscaping vs Ecological Restoration Services
Why Use an Ecological Restoration Firm?
On the other hand, stewardship emphasizes the responsible management and care of landscapes with a focus on ecological health and sustainability. Stewardship aims to create landscapes that not only look beautiful but also support biodiversity, provide ecosystem services, and promote environmental resilience. Often requiring less resources and maintenance over time.
At our ecological restoration firm, crew members are highly trained in native plants, ecology, and habitat restoration. This includes identifying and implementing methods of improvement for the materials and processes used to ensure ecosystems thrive.
Questions With Ecological Restoration Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is restoration ecology?
Restoration ecology is the scientific study and practice of repairing and restoring damaged or degraded ecosystems to their natural or original state. It involves understanding how ecosystems function and applying that knowledge to help nature recover from disturbances like urban development, farming, deforestation, pollution, or climate change.
What is the current state of our ecosystem?
The loss of our local natural habitat is extremely severe and ecological restoration firms are critical in helping to restore habitat.
Before Euro-American settlers arrived in the early 1800s, the land which is now Illinois was covered with a 36 million-acre wilderness of tall grasses and wildflowers, wetlands, and forests. Of this 36 million acres, 21 million acres were tallgrass prairie. The tallgrass prairie supported abundant wildlife including bison, elk, wolves, black bears, and hundreds of species of birds.
Within a few short generations of Euro-American settlers’ arrival, over 99% of this biologically diverse landscape had been altered by agriculture and urbanization. Although Illinois still is known as the “Prairie State,” less than 0.01% of Illinois’ original 21 million acres of prairie remains. What once was a vast sea of rich prairie now survives only as tiny, isolated patches. Many species of prairie plants and animals have either disappeared or are in rapid decline due to loss of habitat.
How big of an area can you restore?
As a full service firm, we provide ecological restoration services for properties of all sizes, from private estates under an acre to state forest preserves covering thousands of acres. We utilize heavy machinery for large scale site preparation needs including seed drills and broadcast seeders. For the management of invasive species, we use brush cutters, chain saws, mowers, sprayers, and wicking applicators for targeted herbicides.
For all projects, safety is a top priority. Not only does our crew use personal protective equipment (PPE) but we go to great measures to ensure properties are protected. With controlled burns, our crew leaders are all certified burn managers and the team goes through regular trainings.
Tips from Our Blog on Ecological Restoration
How to Address Stormwater Management Inspection Report Violations and Fines
Stormwater Management Inspection Report violations and fines can be serious. Hiring a restoration company can help you fix any violations and keep you in compliance for the future.
The Best Low Maintenance Landscaping for Subdivisions
Native plants provide subdivisions with the best low-maintenance landscaping options because they already adapted to the local temperature swings, rainfall patterns, and pests.
How Communities Can Lead Ecological Restoration Efforts
Local communities and HOAs can embrace ecological restoration while enhancing the look of neighborhoods, subdivisions and entire communities. The use of native plants attracts pollinators, birds, and other wildlife to the area making it ideal for birdwatchers.
