General Issues

By Region

Land, Open Space, Smart Growth

Land, Open Space, Smart Growth

Implementation of locally based, long-term open space conservation plans are a critical element in achieving smart growth. Switzer Fellows conduct research and advise policy makers to ensure the existence of natural green infrastructure, the preservation of important environmental and ecological functions, and the enhancement of community quality of life far into the future.

Spotlight on Leadership

Conservation Development
Conservation Development

As an associate conservation scientist with the Wildlife Conservation Society, Sarah Reed studies conservation development as a way to develop property by clustering homes and protecting or restoring ecological resources.Read more >

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Fellows in the News

Fellows in the News | May 17, 2023
These Trees Tell a Story solves ecological mysteries by reading landscapes
Fellows in the News | May 17, 2023
Jensen advocates for protection of CA biodiversity jewel Molok Luyuk
Fellows in the News | Mar 21, 2023
Zeller co-authors research finding protected areas not likely to serve as steppingstones for climate-induced range shifts

Related Grants

Southern California Conservation Analyst: Year Two
Year: 2019
Region: California
California Native Plant Society (CNPS) hired Nick Jensen as its first Southern California Conservation Analyst in 2017, with support from a Switzer Leadership Grant. This second year of funding will provide continued support as CNPS integrates Nick’s position into the long-term plans for the...Read more >
Southern California Conservation Analyst
Year: 2017
Region: California
California Native Plant Society created a new position of Southern California Conservation Analyst for Nick Jensen, after his graduation with his PhD in Botany from Claremont Graduate University in 2018. Nick leads this statewide organization’s conservation and advocacy efforts throughout southern...Read more >
Protecting the character and biodiversity of the Sierra Nevada region - Year Two
Year: 2015
Region: California
Sierra Watch received $15,000 for a second year of funding to support Isaac Silverman’s position as Staff Attorney. This position was created in 2014 with help from a $40,000 Switzer Leadership Grant. In this second year, Isaac will be chiefly responsible for providing legal and regulatory...Read more >

Featured Fellows

Michael Stevens
Michael Stevens
1995 Fellow
Washington State Director
The Nature Conservancy
Melissa Nelson
Melissa Nelson
1996 Fellow
Professor of Indigenous Sustainability
Arizona State University
Robert Heilmayr
Robert Heilmayr
2013 Fellow
Assistant Professor
University of California, Santa Barbara

View all fellows working on this issue

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