Are restoration benefits equitably distributed across the United States?

Abstract Introduction Global restoration initiatives call for the consideration of marginalized communities in restoration decisions and goals. However, the extent to which marginalized communities benefit from restoration has not been studied at scale. Objectives In this meta‐ and geospatial analysis, we sought to determine the number of restoration projects implemented in marginalized communities across the United States and how restoration benefits vary across community‐level socioeconomic characteristics. Methods We screened and mapped restoration projects published in the academic literature since 1990 and examined the impact of restoration on communities across different socioeconomic statuses. Results We found that studies quantifying ecological restoration benefits were conducted at restoration sites in neighborhoods that were more White, affluent, and educated than the national average. We found that benefits accrued did not differ by socioeconomic characteristics. Conclusions Our results suggest that marginalized communities in the United States receive the fewest benefits from published restoration work but would benefit more from increased investment.