Youth engagement in ecological restoration

Abstract

There is a growing need to engage youth in ecological restoration in order to address rising environmental issues. Youth involvement in restoration ecology, and more specifically, participation and assistance with field‐based work is beneficial for all involved parties and should, therefore, be more widespread. Here, we describe different opportunities and approaches to engaging youth in restoration including programs and activities in classrooms, citizen science, formal internship programs, and opportunities through social media. We also discuss potential challenges associated with youth engagement in restoration and offer solutions. Youth engagement is critical for the development and continuance of the field of ecological restoration, and strategies to integrate young people into restoration projects should become more common in the field.