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Foundations of Ecological Restoration

Each NRTG course includes free, lifetime admission. Enrol once – come back anytime.

Description

NRTG’s Foundations of Ecological Restoration is a five-day course that provides you with a foundation in the core concepts and practical approaches used in ecological restoration. Through interactive instruction and applied learning, you will explore the foundational principles, processes, and ethics that guide ecological restoration across diverse landscapes in Canada and beyond.  

The course covers the history and evolution of restoration, key ecosystem functions, services, and disturbance dynamics, as well as the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) principles as a framework for restoration projects. It also examines how Indigenous and community knowledge systems, including Traditional and Local Ecological Knowledge, support inclusive and effective restoration practices.  

Graduates will develop a strong foundation and practical insight to guide their continued learning and participation in ecological restoration. Completing this course counts towards Habitat Restoration Technician Program (HRTP) certification once the remaining courses are completed.  

This course is approved for 10 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) under the Society for Ecological Restoration’s (SER) Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) Program. Participants are responsible for uploading their certificates at ser.submittable.com to receive CECs.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to: 

  1. Explain the foundational principles and key concepts of ecological restoration, including its history, definitions, and distinctions from related fields (reclamation, rehabilitation, and remediation).  
  2. Discuss how restoration principles and core ecological concepts can be applied to evaluate and guide restoration efforts.  
  3. Identify key ecosystem processes and functions, such as soil dynamics, biodiversity, resilience, and disturbance regimes, and explain how they influence conditions and inform potential restoration approaches.  
  4. Explain the role of governance, policy, and ethics in ecological restoration decisions.  
  5. Describe the role of Indigenous and community knowledge systems and summarize collaborative approaches that support inclusive and effective ecological restoration. 

Certification

This course is assessed on attendance, assignments, and participation. To earn your certificate of completion you must meet all three requirements:

  • Attendance: 90% of course time 
  • Assignments: Average 70% across assignments 
  • Participation: Average 60% across the course days 

Your certificate of completion is required to claim your SER CECs and count towards your Habitat Restoration Technician Program certification. 

Prerequisites

No formal credentials required to register.  

Who attends? 

This course is for you if you work in or around natural environments and want formal, practical training in environmental restoration. You are a good fit if you:  

  • Work on or near land, water, or ecosystems as part of your job or community role  
  • Are an Indigenous land guardian, watchman, or community member involved in stewarding your territory  
  • Work in environmental consulting, natural resources, or industry and need applied restoration skills  
  • Have field experience but no formal restoration training and want credentials to back it up  
  • Are looking to move into restoration work and need a recognized certification to get started 

What should I bring or supply?

You will need:

  • Computer
  • Stable internet access
  • Pen and paper

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