Restoration ecology is the study of returning degraded ecosystems and landscapes to a "reference" state where ecological communities and processes are re-established. The goals and objectives of restoration studies and projects are defined by the reference state which is selected. Restoration ecology was once labeled "the acid test of ecology" because every project requires a understanding of the field of ecology and tests the predictive ability of these theories. The principal outlet for publication of articles relating to this topic is Restoration Ecology published by Blackwell. Ecology can mean either: the natural environment, or an analysis or study using the principles and methods of ecological science. ...