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Ecosystem Restoration Communities

Get Involved

Take up the Task of Earth Restoration

Ecosystem Restoration Communities offer hands-on experiences at sites around the world, where you can learn practical restoration skills, deepen your connection with the earth, and contribute directly to healing the land. Whether you join an online or in-person event to build your knowledge, or volunteer your time for a meaningful, immersive experience – on site or on the ground – you’ll become part of a global movement restoring ecosystems and strengthening communities.

Upcoming Events

QvdL - Month of Regen event_Nov 2026

Month of Regeneration

November, 2026

ERC Quinta Vale da Lama, Algarve (Portugal)

The ecosystem regeneration community of the Barlavento (Western Algarve) will present a variety of actions and events throughout November to support the regeneration of our local ecosystem. We are actively seeking volunteers to support these works and help scale our impact.

A full range of activities is planned throughout the month by the members of the Community. Participants and volunteers will help with landscape maintenance, reforestation, and waterworks building. Tours, trainings, and workshops will also be offered.

Join us and help make a difference in the western Algarve!

Ongoing Events

Drylands Agroecology Research (DAR) Vounteer Days

1st and 3rd Thursday of every month, 16h00 - 19h00

ERC Elk Run Farm, Colorado (US)

Join us from May until October alternating between our two gardens:

Food Solidarity Garden days will be spent tending DAR’s one-acre annual and perennial garden at Yellow Barn Farm.

Elk Run Farm days will take place up the road in the Forest Garden, DAR’s pilot site and conceptual model for much of our perennial ecological stewardship.

We’ll spend our time together planting, weeding, mulching, harvesting, food processing, snacking, building community and so much more!

Tuesdays of Regen

Every Tuesday, 10h00 - 13h00

ERC Quinta Vale da Lama​, near Lagos (Portugal)

Spend time learning about and engaging in regenerative agricultural practices by being directly involved in a variety of hands-on activities around the farm. Come get your hands dirty while enjoying nature, and being a part of a like-minded group of earth stewards.

Anyone wishing to explore or be involved in ecosystem restoration can participate, whether you are a curious beginner, have some previous experience, or have been doing regeneration work for years. Everyone is welcome. This program is open to locals and visitors to the area alike.

Each session is planned and facilitated by Hugo Oliveira, Landscape Ecologist and Permaculture Designer.

Field Good Fridays

Every Friday, 10h00 - 16h00

ERC Field Good Fridays, County Clare (Ireland)

Field Good Fridays is part of the Our Common Knowledge initiative, and is open to anyone looking to connect with nature and each other, through a hands-on restoration experience. Come join us on our 20 hectare/50 acre site in Kilfenora, Co. Clare, as we collectively grow our skills, restore ecosystems, build community, and feel good! Everyone is welcome, just bring along a bout of enthusiasm, a willingness to get your hands dirty, and connect in this special community!Typical activities include digging wildlife ponds, removing invasive plant species, planting trees, managing wildflower meadows or harvesting fresh organic vegetables. And of course a nutritious lunch and plenty of time to connect and share over a cup of tea!

Volunteer at an ERC

Know Before you Go

Before visiting an Ecosystem Restoration Community you will need to read and accept our Terms & Conditions and our Code of Conduct.

The restoration communities are mostly run by a very small team of dedicated volunteers who are rather stretched, especially because they spend most of their time physically restoring the land. So please understand if communications are a little slow.

Every Ecosystem Restoration Community is different: some have minimum/maximum stays for volunteers, and some charge a stipend (basic fee) for food and accommodation because many are non profit organisations not able to cover the cost of volunteer expenses. You’ll need to enquire directly about the duration and cost of your stay. 

If you’re volunteering, we suggest a video call check-in with the ERC leader before you arrive, to make sure you’re both prepared for the experience and to manage expectations. We also recommend some pre-departure reading about the ERC location including geography, culture and environmental challenges to ensure an informed and rewarding experience!

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