Dear John,

Yesterday the U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released its blueprint for congressional action to address the climate crisis. Within the report, wildlife corridors feature prominently as a way to capture the full potential of natural climate solutions.

Protecting wildlife corridors is the foundation of our mission at Wildlands Network. We've been actively championing the Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act since its inception. This legislation, which will safeguard wildlife habitat and create more resilient landscapes for generations to come, will be voted on in the House today as part of a stimulus bill intended to remedy impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We're excited about this momentum, and invite you contact your legislators to ensure this bill and other provisions to protect wildlife corridors and crossings pass through Congress! 

Thanks as always for your support, and wishing all a safe and nature-filled start to the summer.

Katie Davis
Executive Director

Memories of Michael Soulé, Father of Conservation Biology
Since the passing of our cofounder and 'Father of Conservation Biology' Michael E. Soulé, we've seen and received countless stories and remembrances of Michael's spirit and his work from the across the continent—and around the globe. Here we capture some of the anecdotes and thoughtful words from our own community and beyond. If you would like to contribute your own story or memory, please email [email protected].

In the Name of the Law, Tear Down this Border Wall

Last week a federal appeals court ruled that the Trump administration illegally sidestepped Congress in its transfer of $2.5 billion from military construction projects to build sections of the U.S. border wall with Mexico. Our Borderland Program Coordinator Myles Traphagen explains the significance of this decision—and the necessary next steps to ensure both the human communities and native wildlife that inhabit the region are able to survive and thrive.

Crisis at Mexico’s CONANP: A Text for Beginners

The National Commission for Protected Natural Areas (CONANP is its Spanish acronym) is the federal agency of the Mexican Government in charge of establishing, managing and defending the different types of Natural Protected Areas in the country. Celebrities, citizens, experts, public servants and legislators have recently spoken up today for this practically unknown agency of the Mexican Federal Government. Mexico and Borderland Program Director Juan Carlos Bravo explains what CONANP is and why plans to decrease its funding matter.

For the Wild: Finding Inspiration to Preserve Nature

"Every day I am witness to this incredible natural world and in that I find inspiration to work to preserve it." Former Wildlands Network Executive Director—now Conservation Director—Greg Costello reflects on what he’s accomplished during his tenure at the organization, as well as what’s in store in his new role moving forward.

Photos (top to bottom): Pablo/Adobe Stock, Paula MacKay, Myles Traphagen, Courtesy Juan Carlos Bravo/Wildlands Network, Courtesy Wildlands Network