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Ecosystem Restoration <br />79 <br />A tree's fibrous roots are premier pollution filtration and soi l e rosion prevention systems. <br />Intensely urbanized areas are covered with i mpermeable surfaces. A healthy urba n fo rest <br />can reduce annual storm water runoff by up to 7%. H ig h ly efficient t rees also utilize o r <br />absorb toxic substances such as lead, z i nc, copper, and biolog ical contaminants, <br />reducing the demand on loca l st ormwater filtration systems. <br />By clea ning the water and air, trees create a safe and hea lt hy s pace fo r w ildlife. <br />Pl a nting and protect ing t rees ca n provide h abitat for hundreds of birds and small <br />ani ma ls. H abitat f ragmentation can b e devast at i ng to a ni ma ls, p a rticu larly those in <br />need of safe passage for migration. Urbanization a n d the destr uct ion of valuable <br />ecosystems have led to the d ecline of many species. By adding trees, particularly <br />native trees, valuable habitat can be restored, corridors can be reestablished, <br />a nd prese rva tion areas can provide susta in able space for a variety o f w ildlife <br />species.