Habitat Restoration Technician Program — Foundations of Ecological Restoration – April 20th – 22nd & April 27th – 28th, 2026 – Online

Location: Fully online

The course will be conducted over two weeks:

• Week 1: April 20-22 (Monday-Wednesday)
• Week 2: April 27-28 (Monday-Tuesday)

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

The course introduces key ecological concepts and the history and evolution of restoration, while examining ecosystem functions, services, and disturbance dynamics. Participants will review the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) principles and learn how they provide a framework for restoration projects. The course also emphasizes the integration of Indigenous and community knowledge systems (e.g., Traditional and Local Ecological Knowledge) to support inclusive and effective restoration practices. 

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

What should I bring or supply?

You will need:

• Computer
• Stable internet access
• Pen and paper