Conservation & Advocacy
As outdoor enthusiasts we recognize the importance of protecting the spaces that we enjoy and being good stewards of the wilderness and wildlife so that we can continue to enjoy these spaces.
Cuyahoga Valley Conservancy
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is right in my backyard so to speak, with our National Parks having their budgets slashed and staff reduced
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Conservancies play an important role in supporting our National Parks. Volunteers provide educational information and advice on hikes/activities to visitors. Our ramble around Yosemite Valley post Half Dome was guided by suggestions from a conservancy volunteer,
Hunting Reforms
"When a child kills an animal for fun we fear mental illness. When an adult with the capacity for reason does it, we call it 'sport'."
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Hunters are in the minority of those who utilize public lands and yet policies and conservation are often catered to them. Wildlife is considered an extractive resource that we can keep taking from the environment without consequence although history and science have shown us otherwise.​
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Trapping, trophy hunts and killing contests are just a few aspects that this culture of cruelty uses against wildlife. Educating ourselves on the barbaric practices utilized in hunting and the antiquated regulations are an important step to help us advocate for wildlife and change. ​
Conservation
Conservation is an important but often overlooked aspect to outdoor enthusiasts. Without conservation, the natural places that we enjoy and the wildlife encounters that thrill us.
Conservation is more than just LNT, recycling and renewable energy. Conservation is about the protection and care of our natural resources (air, minerals, soil, water, plants and wildlife). It's maintaining the diversity of species that are native to the ecosystems and diversity of genes within those species.
Conservation also means working with nature and the changes that are happening in our world and not necessarily trying to preserve things as they are. It means following science that is changing and being open to learning from indigenous peoples who have been managing the land for time immemorial.
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And finally, conservation is about fighting against the systems that would seek to take these resources and natural wonders away from future generations.
Wolf Recovery
Empower
Growth
My fascination with wolves began in middle school after watching the documentary with Wolves, which focused on their reintroduction to the Sawtooth Wilderness in Idaho.
Often vilified, wolves face a variety of challenges to their reintroduction and recovery. Hunting, habitat fragmentation and even legislation pose huge threats to these beautiful animals.
Coexistence
Initially inspired by the tale of Hope and her cub Bounce, two bears targeted to be killed by Fish & Wildlife Services due to entering unsecured homes in their habitat, I began to notice a growing number of stories about conflicts between humans and animals, often resulting in unnecessary fatalities.
With climate change and development, interactions and between humans and animals are on the rise. this trend is expected to continue, we are advocating for a better understanding of wildlife, promoting coexistence, emphasizing the need for humans to take responsibility for their actions.
Arizona Jaguars
Jaguars are returning to the Southwestern US...or at least they're trying to. These beautiful animals are facing massive challenges including habitat division with the building of the boarder wall. Learn more about these elusive creatures and the efforts to help them thrive.
