The impetus for the session springs from conversations held at the ESA meeting in Portland. Ecologists described scenarios where they were restoring ecosystems following disturbances and also wanted to learn best practices for reaching out to help people affected by extreme events. This session explores how ecologists can better improve outcomes for communities following major environmental disruption by incorporating social justice issues in the context of ecosystem resilience. To address this need, a diverse group of ecologists, social scientists, informal and formal educators, and state and federal government employees have joined together to address the aftermath of hurricane-specific extreme events. The goals of the session include 1. Identifying ways in which ecologists can successfully integrate restoration goals with community needs. 2. Describing ways in which community expectations can be managed when crafting ecological restoration plans. 3.Providing boots-on-the-ground experience and observations of post-storm successes, challenges and lessons-learned The session provides a unique opportunity for ESA members to learn from those working at the intersection of widespread ecological destruction. Presenters will explain how they have integrated human and ecological resilience when rebuilding communities. The work of ecologists during restoration is magnified by leveraging the experience of those working in justice and equity, as demonstrated by the work in Jamaica Bay (NY) following Sandy. Human resilience in affected communities can also be a part of ecological restoration, as is already visible in Texas and Florida following Harvey and Irma, respectively. The importance of considering cultural contexts is told by the relocation of the Isle de Jean Charles Tribe of Louisiana. Ecologists, must consider displacement of human communities alongside the displacement of other ecosystem elements. The multiplicity of approaches taken by the presenters benefits conference attendees by demonstrating how applied ecology helps in post-event recovery. The session complements several other proposed sessions and workshops focusing on the outcomes of extreme events. This session contributes to ESA’s aim of being of greater service as ecologists in planetary stewardship through education, policy and partnerships.