Dimensions of effective volunteer restoration techniques in North America
Restoration Ecology
11 March 2025
Key voices in ecological restoration are advocating for participatory, community-based practices to lower costs, enhance resilience, and improve outcomes by engaging volunteers in restoration practice. We reviewed methods from 19 studies that focused on techniques that specifically involved volunteers. Our review identified metrics of success (e.g. establishment, cost savings) and limitations (e.g. ability to scale) to understand what attributes constitute an effective restoration technique in the context of community-led efforts. The results from a survey of practitioners (n = 82) validate and expand the findings by identifying important criteria that are not studied in the literature (safety), by clarifying modes of technique transmission (e.g. word-of-mouth) and by highlighting key areas of work where volunteer capacity is often directed (e.g. invasive species removal, planting). We conclude with a set of criteria that can be applied to develop and evaluate techniques for evidence-based ecological restoration by volunteers. This work helps managers choose scientifically sound techniques and further accumulate evidence for volunteer-driven restoration.
What makes a convivial community tool? Investigating grassroots ecological restoration
Ecology & Society
12 July 2024
Grassroots associations support people in growing native plants, but within the research on restoration ecology, there remains little study of how non-professionals engage in the practice. We adapt and expand Ivan Illich’s concept of a convivial community tool (i.e., a tool that is open and accessible rather than restricted to certain users) to ecological restoration through a case study of the Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library.
Motivations for volunteers to participate in ecological restoration: a systematic map
Restoration Ecology
19 April 2024
Volunteer motivation can be understood to be either intrinsic or extrinsic and fit into four broad categories: environmental, personal growth, obligation, and enjoyment. Within that typology, 14 individual motivational categories are widely studied in the literature and can be used to inform volunteer program design.
Ecological Restoration Research in Canada: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?
FACETS
January 1, 2023
Much has been achieved by research into ecological restoration as a nature-based solution to the destruction of ecosystems, particularly in Canada. We conducted a national-level synthesis of Canadian restoration ecology research to understand strengths and gaps. This synthesis answers the following questions: Who is studying restoration? What ecosystem types are studied? Where is restoration studied? Which themes has restoration research focused on? Why is restoration happening? And how is restoration monitored and evaluated?
EDITORIAL: Creating Testable Questions in Practical Conservation: A Process and 100 Questions
Conservation Evidence Journal
2022
It is now clear that the routine embedding of experiments into conservation practice is essential for creating reasonably comprehensive evidence of the effectiveness of actions. However, an important barrier is the stage of identifying testable questions that are both useful but also realistic to carry out without a major research project.
What Will a PhD Look Like in the Future? Perspectives on Emerging Trends in Sustainability Doctoral Programs in a Time of Disruption
World Futures Review
2020
In this perspective paper, we aim to provide insights that can help academic institutions and transdisciplinary doctoral programs position themselves within a changing research landscape and prepare for future disruption.
Tim Alamenciak 