Hybrid vigor: Linking ecological restoration, academia, faith-based organizations and policymakers for a sustainable future

Perpetuating preparing ecologists solely for academic positions is analogous to ‘inbreeding depression’ in a dynamic academic and civic environment that welcomes inter- multi- and trans-disciplinarity to meet sustainability challenges of land, water, food and energy.  Faculty can respect students’ own culture and interests as well as their own ongoing education by networking students with community partners for service and internships in emerging career fields.  The faith- and science-based Marianist Environmental Education Center cultivates ‘hybrid vigor’ in participants who innovatively engage in combinations of hands-on ecological restoration, co-curricular land-service learning, faith community outreach and advocacy on climate change and biodiversity conservation.