Restoration Ecology Lab
School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech
Advancing ecological restoration
We aim to improve ecological restoration outcomes for society and nature through applied research and effective capacity building. We work in a variety of terrestrial ecosystems including temperate grasslands and woodlands and tropical forests.
Lab News
May 2026 – Cecropia undergraduate researcher Ezra Staengl won the Phi Kappa Phi medallion! Congratulations, Ezra!
Apr 2026 – Congratulations to Dr. Gabrielle Ripa for successfully defending her PhD on invasive plants and stream restoration in the Chesapeake Bay watershed!
Feb 2026 – Congratulations to Desiree Shelley for winning a prestigious SECASC Fellowship for 2026-2027!
Read the latest blog posts on
Natural History of Ecological Restoration
- By Eve Allen, Geordie Elkins, and Sefra Alexandra Eve Allen is the US Northeast Regional Director at the Ecological Health Network. In this role, she co-coordinates the Northeast Seed Network. She is joined by Geordie Elkins, the Executive Director of the Highstead Foundation, Heather Liljengren, the owner and president of Local Land Consulting, and Sefra Alexandra- The Seed Huntress- co-founder […]
- Charlotte Lorick, Head of Biodiversity Conservation at Oak Spring Garden Foundation, discusses her initiative to restore a native meadow in Virginia. The project employs sod removal instead of herbicides to enhance biodiversity. Early results show a significant increase in native species richness and a decrease in non-native vegetation, indicating effective restoration.
- The project led by Tobin Mutiso and Andrew Gichira focuses on restoring threatened plant species in Kenya through community engagement and targeted ecological practices. By developing propagation methods for 22 species and involving local communities in monitoring and seed collection, the initiative aims to enhance biodiversity while providing livelihood benefits and sustainable conservation solutions.
Restoration Ecology Lab 