Conservation Science

This is the year for two notable, and related, anniversaries. As we observe the 200th birthday of the national anthem of the United States, “The Star-Spangled Banner” by lawyer and amateur poet Francis Scott Key, there’s a second anniversary to remember. It’s a dark stain for our country, but one that few recall in these early decades of the 21st century. It’s the 100th annual observance of the global extinction of the Passenger Pigeon, at one time the most abundant bird in North America, and possibly the world.

While the practice of biodiversity conservation has matured over the past decade, decisions for proposed actions still commonly lack evidence-based and return on investment (ROI) frameworks. That picture, however, is beginning to change. Planners and practitioners are beginning to embrace operating frameworks similar to the “effectiveness revolution” in public health. Relatedly, rather than ignoring the economics of conservation practice, planners and practitioners are adopting approaches that incorporate the costs of interventions into prioritizations.

One of the key values of the Robert & Patricia Switzer Foundation is environmental stewardship. We seek to protect, improve, and sustain our natural environment for the well-being of people and the planet. Island Conservation, a Santa Cruz nonprofit with UC Santa Cruz roots, has saved 389 species from possible extinction on 52 islands around the world. 1997 Switzer Fellow Brad Keitt is the Director of Conservation. "It's incredibly rewarding," said Keitt. "I feel lucky to have a job where I am making a difference that is so immediate yet lasting."

Josh Donlan was featured on a RadioLab show on the Galapagos. From the show notes: Today, the strange story of a small group of islands that raise a big question: is it inevitable that even our most sacred natural landscapes will eventually get swallowed up by humans? And just how far are we willing to go to stop that from happening?

Josh Donlan and Todd Gartner's work on pre-listing species conservation has resulted in a draft policy from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

When you look at your yard, you probably see some grass, a few flowers, maybe a bird or two. Susannah Lerman, 2010 Fellow and 2011 Leadership Grant recipient, sees a huge opportunity for wildlife habitat with little or no investment. Lerman began her career wanting to work with species in remote areas, but she soon realized that cities offer the best opportunities for educating people about nature. Now she finds ways to increase citizen participation in increasing wildlife habitat and reconnect people with nature, particularly in urban areas.