Ecological Restoration

• Is a unique interdisciplinary & inter-institutional curriculum;
• Is at the leading edge of this new, and rapidly growing, environmental discipline;
• Courses have been specifically designed to offer advanced, specialized training in ecological restoration;
• Entails an interdisciplinary, hands-on approach to addressing pressing practical problems;
• Permits specialization in restoration of aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems;
• Focuses on using applied research to provide solutions to government, institutional, and industry problems;
• Has strong industry connections via client-based research projects; and
• Is a unique program in Canada, and is among very few similar programs in North America.

• Critically assess degraded ecosystems at different temporal and spatial scales and locations (local to international) and identify primary causal factors contributing to the declining state of target ecosystems.
• Design a restoration prescription (unique to target sites and project goals) by integrating ecological principles (theoretical) and physical processes with applied restoration techniques.
• Develop and initiate detailed monitoring programs needed to assess the success of restoration programs and to identify approaches to guide the restoration process.
• Adapt and modify the restoration approach as deemed appropriate based on monitoring results within an adaptive management framework.
• Establish strong scientifically-based approaches (research skills) to enhance reliable knowledge in the field of restoration ecology (the scientific foundation of ecological restoration).
• Act as a team leader and engage in respectful community engagement and planning of ecological restoration projects.
• Operate with a historically informed and policy sensitive understanding of the cultural practices and protocols of First Nations.
• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders as required to successfully initiate and conduct restoration programs.
• Develop and apply project management guidelines for each stage of a restoration project.
• Display and encourage behaviour that reflects integrity, responsibility, and the values and ethics of professional restoration practitioners.

Graduates will be qualified for employment with organizations whose mandates involve the restoration of natural ecosystems, particularly fish and wildlife habitats.

Upon graduation, students will have the skills and knowledge to qualify for existing positions and develop rewarding careers with municipal, regional, provincial and federal government agencies, private industry, stewardship groups and other NGOs as:

• restoration practitioners
• intermediate biologists
• habitat restoration specialists