In 1996, the Restoration of Natural Systems (RNS) program began as the first of its kind in British Columbia, with an emphasis on the view that ecological restoration is as much a social activity as a scientific one, and that any successful restoration depends on the thoughtful and meaningful integration of scientific rigor and expertise with the social or cultural dimension. Thirty years later, the RNS program’s partnership between the Division of Continuing Studies and the School of Environmental Studies continues to draw students from around the world who share a passion for ecological restoration.
Celebrate 30 years with 30 acts of restoration
February to December 2026
We're inviting you—our valued community partners, students and alumni—to help us honour our legacy of 30 years of commitment to ecological stewardship in a powerful, hands-on way.
Join us in the 30 Acts of Restoration Challenge—a collective effort to complete 30 meaningful ecological restoration actions throughout the year. Whether it's planting native species, removing invasive plants, restoring wetlands, planting a pollinator garden, or leading a community clean-up, your act will help us reach our goal and inspire a wave of positive change across the landscapes we care for.
How to take part: Submit a restoration activity you’ve recently completed or commit to an upcoming action—big or small, every act counts. We will post a photo or description with a link on our interactive map throughout the year. Submit your project with our online form.
30th anniversary t‑shirt design winner!
We are delighted to announce the winner of our 30th anniversary design competition! Congratulations to Ava Buckley whose submission captured the essence of restoration in a holistic circular design.
Ava is a recent graduate from Geography at the University of Victoria with intersecting passions for natural science and art. Her background in both fine art and geography has informed her goal of creating illustrations that are not only visually engaging but also effective in communicating important scientific concepts related to conservation. Drawing inspiration from the unique and interconnected ecosystems of Southern Vancouver Island, this design also highlights the important socio-ecological relationship at play which is central to the Restoration of Natural Systems program.
Learn more about Ava and her artistic creations by following her Instagram: @avajane.art
Purchase t-shirt or hoodie
To purchase your own t-shirt or hoodie featuring the design, follow the link https://polstermerch.deco-apparel.com/.
All proceeds from sales of our 30th anniversary merchandise goes directly to support former RNS faculty Dave Polster, who has been a generous educator and leader in ecological restoration and land stewardship over many years. In 2021, his health took a turn and he was forced to retire, withdrawing from the work that he loves. He and his family have been generous to those in need, but now face unexpected financial difficulties.
Summer event
Join us as we celebrate 30 years of the Restoration of Natural Systems program. This celebration event will bring together instructors, alumni, students, and community partners to reflect on the program’s impact and look ahead to the future. More details, including dates and registration information, will be shared soon.
Share your restoration story: RNS 30-year anniversary submissions
We want to hear from you! Whether you’re a student, graduate, instructor, or community partner, please share your story of how the program has impacted you and your surroundings.
Please send your comments, photos, written reflections or testimonials to tusas@uvic.ca.
By submitting content, you give Continuing Studies at UVic permission to feature your submission as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations. Submissions may be showcased during the anniversary event, displayed on the program website, and included in related marketing communications.
Ideas to share in your submissions:
- how has the RNS program supported your professional or personal journey?
- what are your standout memories of the program?
- what are you doing now?
Join us for free restoration talks throughout the year!
As part of our 30-year milestone celebration, we invite you to join our instructors and alumni for a special series of free Restoration Talks throughout 2026, beginning in February. Celebrate, learn, and be inspired as speakers share the latest techniques in ecological restoration, success stories from local and global projects, and ways you can make a difference in your own backyard or through community volunteer efforts. Connect with fellow restoration enthusiasts and be part of the next chapter in this remarkable journey.
View upcoming Restoration Talks
