Restoring Damaged Land 203
Natural Succession
1. Degraded land with poor soil
and no plant life.
2. Small, hardy plants called pioneer plants grow
back first in places where soil can collect. Pioneer
plants hold water and attract insects and birds.
3. Water settles into
small catchments
created by pioneer
plants, bringing seeds
and nutrients. Birds
bring more seeds.
4. Larger plants and small
trees grow. Plant roots
break up compacted soil.
Soil builds up and holds
more water.
5. Bigger plants and shrubs grow
back, and the land is restored.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012