China’s native-tree islands restored only part of a damaged forest

 A 20-year study in southwest China found that planting small patches of native trees can help restore damaged tropical forests without planting entire landscapes. The approach successfully rebuilt forest cover, but researchers found that biodiversity and mature forest conditions recovered much more slowly, showing that long-term restoration still requires sustained effort. A 20-year study in southwest China found that planting small patches of native trees can help restore damaged tropical forests without planting entire landscapes. The approach successfully rebuilt forest cover, but researchers found that biodiversity and mature forest conditions recovered much more slowly, showing that long-term restoration still requires sustained effort.