Ecometrid's Process

Our Process

Balanced, natural ecosystems take thousands of years to develop and consist of incredibly complex relationships between the components contained within. The flora within a given ecosystem directly and indirectly impacts the fauna and vice versa. Abiotic elements such as wind, water, sunlight, fire, and minerals also play a critical role in an ecosystem's overall composition and health.

Understanding how these natural systems interact and how humankind's influence impacts them forms the core of Ecometrid's services. Our philosophy, which we incorporate into our seven-step process, is to take a holistic approach to ecosystem health while maximizing natural assets and minimizing ecological threats

“Ecology is not rocket science. It’s way more complicated. This is not to downplay the difficulty of rocket science, but to point out the incredible complexity of natural systems where all the variables aren’t known and are often connected to and influence one another.” — Armel Castellan

A Holistic Approach to Environmental Services

1. Assess

The first step to any ecological restoration or habitat creation is to assess the site's existing conditions and determine the overall vision. At this stage, we will evaluate the property's general characteristics and ecological health, inventory the existing vegetation, and work with clients to gauge their short and long-term goals, timeline, available resources, and budget.

2. Research

Although field assessments are invaluable tools, on their own, they do not tell the entire story. By utilizing various research tools, such as soil, topographical, and antique maps; historical books, genealogy, and newspaper accounts; and by employing the latest in graphical information system (GIS) mapping technology, we can derive a comprehensive and intimate understanding of how a property's geological and cultural history have impacted its current biological composition and well-being.

3. Plan

By coupling hands-on site assessment and in-depth research with our clients' visions, we create restoration and habitat enhancement plans that provide the framework for long-term success. These design and management plans seek to maximize and build on existing natural features and add site-appropriate improvements while minimizing impacts from invasive species, public misunderstanding, and other threats.

4. Educate

We believe that education is the cornerstone of every successful ecological project. Without it, projects are at risk of failure from both internal and external forces. Ecologically-educated property managers and land stewards are better equipped to recognize and alleviate minor problems as they occur. Likewise, education is a critical tool in mitigating pressure from neighbors and community members who are used to seeing land maintained in a specific, often more formal way.

Because of this, we incorporate an educational campaign into every project. We routinely share information acquired in the assessing, researching, and planning stages with clients, and through regular reports, we keep them abreast of current efforts and site conditions. Educational methods of countering external threats include providing informative talks, guided hikes, online content, and producing signs and leaflets.

5. Implement

Unfortunately, even with the best research and planning, ecological restoration and habitat creation projects can still fail. Common causes of failure include improper site preparation and installation, improperly trained technicians, poor communication, and overly standardized methods.

Our implementation methods ward against these common pitfalls. Every project is suitably prepared and inspected prior to implementation. Since Ecometrid's owners are also the laborers, every step of each project, including execution, will receive expert treatment and customized care. By having a small, dedicated crew, we provide superior communication internally and externally with project managers and stakeholders.

6. Manage/Maintain

Improper management in the weeks and months following implementation is likely the leading cause of ecological restoration and habitat creation failure. Since disturbed soil is an open invitation for unwanted weeds to invade and because freshly planted vegetation requires additional care, failing to monitor and maintain newly implemented sites can lead to dire consequences.

Having seen firsthand many well-planned and implemented undertakings fail due to faulty maintenance, we provide the services and support to ensure our projects are on the best track to receive adequate short and long-term stewardship. Beginning in the planning stage, we lay out the monthly and yearly strategies and goals. Regardless of whether we perform ongoing maintenance or provide guidance and training for our clients to do it themselves, following implementation, we regularly monitor the site to ward off problems while they are still small and easily managed.

7. Evaluate/Adjust

The final phase of habit creation and land restoration is to evaluate the project's success and adjust the management plan as needed. Even the well-planned and maintained projects can still contain miscalculations and develop unforseen threats. Through frequenct site visits, we constantly evaluate progress and make changes to the managment plan as neccessary.