Conservation Education

Inspire change by educating and motivating people to take action that will protect and nurture the natural world.

• Train new generations of conservation scientists through regional, national, and international education

In order to have an enduring impact, we are committed to training the world’s future conservation leaders through mentorship, technology transfer, capacity building, and empowerment of local communities. Endeavors such as our unique Conservation Research Postdoctoral Fellowship Program extend our reach by linking the scientific work conducted at CRES with skilled field researchers who are dedicated to implementing local outreach and education in the areas where we work.

• Provide conservation science experiences to diverse student populations around the world

We believe strongly in connecting people with the wonders of the natural world in order to make a difference for conservation. The CRES team achieves this by providing unique hands-on conservation research experiences that engage students fully, drive their sense of curiosity, and create a sense of ownership for conservation problems that inspires positive action. Every year, we host a significant number of student interns from around the world at the Beckman Center, as well as our field sites around the world.

• Create alternatives that encourage the sustainable use of natural resources

To reduce human impacts on species and habitats, we must show people how acting locally can make a difference globally. The CRES educational outreach team works closely with local communities to empower them with viable economic alternatives based on sustainable resource use. Our Native Seed Gene Bank facility features straw bale construction and solar power, soon to be complemented by a rainfall catchment system and a living roof. It serves as a model demonstration site, showcasing the value and feasibility of sustainable building and energy and water conservation. Internationally, we are working with rural communities in Mexico to help indigenous people develop alternatives to destruction of the forest, including ecotourism and international marketing of locally-crafted pine needle baskets.

• Engage local communities in effective stewardship of natural resources

As the human population grows and natural habitats shrink, conflicts between people and wildlife are inevitable. CRES carries out a number of programs aimed at reducing conflict and helping ensure that people and wildlife coexist in a mutually beneficial manner. Our current efforts are focused on elephants, bears, African wild dogs, and mountain lions. Our approach involves extensive education regarding the realities and benefits of living with wildlife, promotion of innovative management approaches, and a philosophy that entrusts ultimate responsibility for natural resources to local communities.

• Connect students and teachers to the science of wildlife conservation

With the creation of a dedicated Conservation Education Lab, CRES is uniquely suited to connect people to wildlife by connecting them to conservation science. We provide diverse experiences that enrich lives, make technology accessible and relevant, achieve new levels of conservation literacy, and creatively showcase CRES programs and approaches. The lab encourages informal learning among students of all ages, as well as highlighting for teachers innovative ways in which conservation approaches can be used to meet formal science education standards.