I am an ecologist specializing in biological diversity and landscape conservation across western North America, from the Sonoran Desert in Mexico to Canada’s Salish Sea. I’m particularly interested in working collaboratively to bring the power of science to conservation efforts that honor local and traditional knowledge. Long term success comes from bringing people together to develop a shared understanding, so they can pursue shared conservation goals. Science can play a key role in this process, one of many interwoven ways of increasing our understanding of nature.

 

My work experience includes roles with state and federal wildlife agencies, several nonprofit conservation groups, and 25 years as a professor of environmental science and policy. ​Drawing on research and teaching experience, as well as lessons from collaborative planning for wildlife conservation and ecological restoration, I strive to bring knowledge from many sources to bear on environmental challenges that unfold at landscape scales. I also dedicate time to helping increase the effectiveness of conservation organizations by advancing ambitious plans for sustaining wildlife populations, ecosystem function, and environmental health during this period of rapid environmental change.