SER is a global organization with more than 5,000 members in over 110 countries. We have collaborative partnerships with 16 regional chapters and support the activities of three thematic sections and 30 student associations around the world. 

In 2020, SER adopted the Membership for All Initiative to expand access and eligibility income-qualified pricing of our programs to increase and diversify membership. We also formed a standing committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to increase member engagement and organizational capacity to address DEI issues as they play out globally.

Membership for All

The Society embraces the principle that ecological restoration is an engaging and inclusive process that succeeds with full participation of all sectors of society wherever it is implemented across the world. Membership rates acknowledge that everyone does not have the same ability to pay. To reduce the cost barrier of SER membership for those with limited income, we offer two additional membership rate options. The Equity and Open Doors rates are for those who could not otherwise afford to become a member of SER and these opportunities are provided on the honor system.

• Reduced fee Equity Memberships for Individuals and Groups
• Open Doors Membership is available to anyone who would like to participate in the SER community, but who is unable to pay.

These options are directly available on the membership application via www.ser.org/membership

Practitioner Certification

Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner program extends need-based reduced rates to program applicants for both the initial application and annual maintenance fees. Equity rates are available regardless of SER membership status and offered on the honor system. Open Door CERP/CERPIT fees are only offered to active SER members. Learn more

Professional Conferences & Networking

SER offers reduced registration rates for students and emerging professionals, need-based equity rates, and, whenever possible, deeply discounted Open Doors registration for those who would otherwise be unable to attend SER's World Conference. Additionally, SER will now offer a virtual attendance option for its world conferences whenever feasible.

All SER2025 conference sponsorships include allocations to support our Open Doors Program. Open Doors grants help eliminate cost barriers to participating in SER programs, facilitate opportunities for learning across geographies, areas of expertise, and cultures; ensure the delivery of a high-quality program; and enhance networking across the field of ecological restoration..

Restoration Ecology Journal

The journal Restoration Ecology has a path for free publication for all authors worldwide where they can publish 8 journal pages without charge. Approximately 95% of all submitted articles are 8 pages or less so most authors will be able to meet this threshold.

The journal has long broadened its focus to include publishing opportunities for Early Career professionals and restoration practitioners. Additionally, the journal has made a point to publish policy and governance focused articles, along with papers that focus on equity, inclusion and diversity in restoration professional activities.

Learn more and support

SER has a long history of partnering with underrepresented communities within the field and prioritized diversification as part of our 2015 global restructuring. We have had important successes in expanding diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, but we still have much more to do. For more information on SER's efforts to expand access to its resources and network see:

• Breaking Barriers in Ecological Restoration: Meet the Inspiring SER2023 Travel Grant Recipients
• Activity Report for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (2020-2022)
• SER Announces 10th World Conference on Ecological Restoration to be Hosted in Darwin, Australia
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Help provide support to these programs by becoming a Restorer or Business Member, or with a gift!