I am a Professor in and Director of the School of Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria.

My research concerns how we relate to nature in a technological culture, and especially the cultural significance and practice of ecological restoration. My approach ranges from philosophy and anthropology, to hands-on fieldwork on landscape change and ecological restoration (primarily in the Rocky Mountains, of Canada), to applied policy work on ecological restoration. Most of the graduate students who work with me now are focused on one aspect or another of ecological restoration, including historical ecology using repeat photographic techniques and cultural values in restoration.

The teaching I do is a reflection of my scholarly work: courses in environmental studies, ecological restoration and ecological design.

My previous long-term appointment was in Anthropology at the University of Alberta (1990-2001), and I have held visiting and short-term appointments at the University of Waterloo, Oberlin College, MIT, and the University of British Columbia.

My professional service has concentrated on the Society for Ecological Restoration International, where I served as Chair (2001-2003).

E-mail: ehiggs@uvic.ca

Tel: +1 250/472-5070