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Health screening desert tortoises while working as a biologist with USGS. Photo by: Christina Aiello
Dear John,
My name is Christina – I just joined the Wildlands Network team as the California Wildlife Biologist! It’s great to be here working toward a wilder future with you all.
Our team is still celebrating big steps forward for habitat connectivity over the last year, including Chuckwalla National Monument’s recent designation. This was an important milestone for landscape-scale connectivity as it marks a final piece in establishing the largest corridor of protected lands in the continental U.S., the Moab to Mojave Conservation Corridor. I joined local supporters last week in Joshua Tree, CA (my home base) for a toast: “Cheers to Chuckwalla!” rang out into the crisp desert air.
I’ve had the joy of conducting research on bighorn sheep in the desert now preserved by the new monument and the Conservation Corridor it completes. Wildlife connectivity is critical for species like bighorn to get access to food, water, shelter, and mates needed to survive in the arid desert environment with resources few and far between. Desert wildlife are some of the toughest animals out there, but even they struggle without the room to roam and adapt to challenges.
With Wildlands Network, we’re working to improve connectivity in this region by using a science-informed approach to place and build new wildlife crossings. Hopefully, in 50 years, a new generation of animals will be traveling along ancient movement corridors once again, with a little help from a bridge or two to get there.
I look forward to working toward this vision with this incredible community.
For the wild,
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Christina Aiello
California Wildlife Biologist
** Help us give Christina a warm welcome and learn more about her story, Chuckwalla, and a connected future!
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Meet Dr. Christina Aiello ([link removed])
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Photo by: Christina Aiello
BIG WIN FOR WILDLANDS
** Celebrating the New Chuckwalla National Monument
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This monument will help protect desert tortoises, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and mountain lions. Learn about the monumental win below.
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Photo by: Wildlands Network
BIG WIN FOR WILDLIFE
** A new federal grant for U.S. Hwy 64 Crossings could save endangered red wolves and other wildlife.
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Photo by: Adobe Stock
MORE CROSSINGS MEANS MORE CROSSINGS
** The Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program awarded 15 states and 1 Tribe $125 Million for wildlife crossing projects.
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** Protect the Future of Our Wildlands.
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** Your generosity connects and protects the lands and wildlife we love. Donate today to support Wildways and a thriving, wild future.
Thank you to those who donated to help us reach our 2024 fundraising goal, securing a $50,000 matching gift from the Biophilia Foundation. If you haven't had a chance to give yet, now is the perfect time to join us in supporting our critical mission.
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