Program Coordinator Scott Moss
There is a growing need for training in restorative ecology in natural areas, wetlands and urban environments. Students in this program will learn to repair damaged land, enhance habitat improve ecosystem services, and to manage these systems for conservation and sustainability.
Combining restorative ecology skills development with general education courses gives students a firm foundation in basic academic skills as well as skills that are critical to work in conservation and the emerging field of restoration ecology.
Students will learn basic ecological inventory and assessment, how to manage and restore natural areas, and design, establish, and manage native plant and animal communities. Additionally, students will acquire skills and techniques in managing wetlands, creating green spaces, and working in the urban interface by establishing and cultivating urban gardens, using green roofs and walls, rain gardens, and bioswales.
The curriculum places emphasis on development of a common set of skills centered on environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable practices, as well as the acquisition of critical thinking, communication, and problem solving skills.
Program Learning Objectives
Develop plans for restoring ecosystems from design through long-term maintenance programs
Identify common native plant communities, their conservation concerns, and methods of stewardship required to keep them functional
Prepare for and earn key professional certifications recognized by industry employers including prescribed fire, herbicide application, chainsaw safety, and OSHA 10 safety, and career specific first aid
Demonstrate an ability to apply common horticultural techniques in the growth and propagation of plants for restoration, landscaping, and research
Describe the broader science and application of environmental science and sustainable practice to a career in conservation, restoration ecology, horticulture, or related fields