Translating Conservation Science to Policy-Driven Outcomes
The event featured a presentation by Clark Stevens, Executive Director of the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains and the lead architect for the Highway 101 Liberty Canyon wildlife over-crossing, a project that has some of its origins in the work of John Benson, one of our first La Kretz postdocs
In 2022, the annual La Kretz Public Lecture took place at Stunt Ranch. The La Kretz Public Lecture is an opportunity for the public to learn about ecology and conservation from science and policy leaders in California. Given the lingering effects of Covid-19, this year we held an intimate outdoor event featuring research that spans our unique Stunt Ranch – La Kretz Center collaboration with a combined field and workshop agenda. Five UCLA La Kretz Center postdocs led the thirty-six attendees on walks around Stunt Ranch while discussing local natural history and their specific work, ranging from butterfly conservation to fire ecology. Following the nature walks, and fortified with dinner and beverages, a panel of experts, including California Assemblyperson Richard Bloom and National Park Superintendent David Szymanski led a lively discussion of the Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing, the largest freeway wildlife overpass in existence, and how it moved from a science-based study to approval, funding, and construction. The event helped spread awareness about conservation concerns and allowed the public to learn more about Stunt Ranch, the La Kretz Center, and how the combination is bringing science to policy.