Gophers' Day-Long Intervention Revives Mount St. Helens Ecosystem

A brief experiment with gophers in 1983 led to remarkable long-term ecological recovery on the volcanic landscape.

In 1983, scientists introduced gophers to Mount St. Helens to aid recovery after the 1980 eruption.
The gophers' burrowing activity helped bring beneficial microorganisms to the surface, crucial for plant regrowth.
Six years post-intervention, the gopher-affected areas supported 40,000 thriving plants, contrasting with barren surroundings.
Mycorrhizal fungi played a key role by enhancing nutrient exchange and protecting plants from pathogens.
The study underscores the importance of microorganisms in ecological recovery and highlights innovative restoration methods.