Conservation Leadership through Learning Program

Congratulations to CLTL alumna Talia Speaker on recently leading the first global horizon scan focused on technology for animal movement ecology!

The international collaboration brought together 38 experts from six continents to identify 28 innovations that could transform how we understand wildlife movement over the next 20 years. The research also demonstrates how these innovations can support biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, natural disaster response, and global health priorities.

We're proud to see our alumni leading conservation innovation on the global stage. Congratulations, Talia, and to all of the collaborators, including Warner College faculty member Dr. Jennifer Solomon, on this exciting achievement!

Read more in the WILDLABS feature: https://wildlabs.net/en/article/out-today-emerging-innovations-movement-ecology-address-planetary-challenges

Out today: Emerging Innovations in Movement Ecology to Address Planetary Challenges | WILDLABS Our new horizon scan, published today in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, is the first of its kind for movement ecology. Working with 38 experts across six continents, we identified 28 priority innovations that could transform the field and how we understand our changing world.

🦫🦫🦫Our colleagues over at Big Thompson Watershed Coalition are hosting "Living with Beavers: The Future of Our Rivers," a free pub talk and panel discussion focused on riverscape restoration, beavers, low-tech process-based restoration, and watershed resilience in Northern Colorado.

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, August 13
Time: 5:30–7:00 PM
Location: Verboten Brewing and Barrel Project, Loveland, CO
Cost: Free; RSVP encouraged
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1993964722160?aff=oddtdtcreator

Drought, limited water resources, wildfire, and a changing climate are putting more pressure on rivers across Colorado and the western US. As these challenges grow, restoring healthier, more resilient riverscapes is more important than ever.

Join Big Thompson Watershed Coalition for Living with Beavers: The Future of Our Rivers, a free pub talk and panel discussion at Verboten Brewing and Barrel Project in Loveland.

We’ll be joined by representatives from Big Thompson Watershed Coalition, Larimer Conservation District, the City of Loveland, and Colorado State University for a conversation about the role beavers play in healthy stream systems, how simple restoration techniques can support watershed health, and what it means to coexist with beavers in a changing landscape.

Thursday, August 13
5:30–7:00 PM
Verboten Brewing and Barrel Project | Loveland, CO

This event is free, and RSVP is encouraged.

A huge thank you to Breeze Thru Car Wash for sponsoring this event!

RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1993964722160?aff=oddtdtcreator

🌵Congratulations to Jacob Mull on the publication of his op-ed in CalMatters, “Thousands of Joshua trees are dying as the Mojave region develops. They must be saved.”

In the piece, Jacob explores the growing threats facing one of the American West’s most iconic species. From large-scale development projects and habitat loss to worsening drought and climate change, Joshua trees are facing unprecedented challenges that could push them toward extinction within this century. As communities seek solutions for renewable energy and economic growth, Jacob makes a case for balancing development with the protection of the landscapes and species that define the Mojave Desert.

🔗 Read the full article and learn why the future of Joshua trees matters for conservation, communities, and the American Southwest.

Opinion | Thousands of Joshua trees are dying for development in the Mojave. We must save them Solar and rare earth projects are displacing Joshua trees, which bring millions of tourists and revenue to the region and support some rare species.

🍄 Another student op-ed has been published, and this one shines a spotlight on an often overlooked part of our natural world.

Check out Jaida Spendelow’s article in Earth.org, “It Is Time We Give Fungi the Recognition They Deserve.” In the piece, Jaida explores the critical ecological role fungi play in sustaining ecosystems and makes the case for why fungi conservation deserves far more attention in environmental conversations and policy.

🔗 Read the full article: https://earth.org/it-is-time-we-give-fungi-the-recognition-they-deserve/

👏 Great work, Jaida!

Here's How You Can Support Fungi Conservation | Earth.Org You can support fungi conservation by joining a growing global initiative for fungi protection or adopting mycologically-inclusive language.

This Earth Day, we’re excited to spotlight another student op-ed!

Check out Alanie “Ally” Rael’s op-ed in Source NM, “New Mexicans over nuclear: Demand a governor that stands for us.” In the piece, Ally calls for stronger accountability around nuclear facilities and urges that protecting communities and environments be a top priority for New Mexico’s next governor.

It’s a compelling reminder that environmental stewardship is deeply connected to public health, justice, and leadership, as well as that advocacy matters.

Read the full article: https://sourcenm.com/2026/04/22/new-mexicans-over-nuclear-demand-a-governor-that-stands-for-us/

Good work, Ally!

New Mexicans over nuclear: Demand a governor that stands for us • Source New Mexico A native New Mexican and graduate student in conservation leadership says nuclear accountability should be top priority for next governor.

Another CLTL op-ed was published! We’re excited to share Carrie Rossman’s recently published article in the Loveland Reporter-Herald, “A winning solution for kids and pollinators.”

In the piece, Carrie explores the intersection of youth mental health and the decline of pollinator habitats while offering a hopeful, community-driven solution. By engaging young people in creating pollinator gardens, she highlights how connection to nature can support both ecological health and personal well-being.

Great work, Carrie!
Article (subscription needed): https://www.reporterherald.com/2026/04/15/carrie-rossman-a-winning-solution-for-kids-and-pollinators-guest-opinion/

It’s that time of year again - our current cohort is diving into timely conservation issues through op-eds, and we’re excited to see the first publication of the season!

Check out Natalya Swartz’s piece, “Michiganders need to demand transparency on data centers, AI”. It’s a call for accountability at the intersection of technology and environmental stewardship.

Read the full article:

Viewpoint: Michiganders need to demand transparency on data centers, AI The conversation around AI has always revolved around water which is exactly why residents of the Great Lakes State should be keeping an eye on AI.

🌲 CLTL Reunion & 15 Years of Impact Celebration 🎉
**CLTL alumni, please fill out this survey!**

The CLTL faculty and staff are exploring the possibility of hosting a two-day CLTL Reunion and 15-Year Impact Celebration in the upcoming academic year, and we’d love your input. We’re reaching out to gauge alumni interest as we shape this event. Our current vision includes a first day dedicated exclusively to CLTL alumni, featuring a social gathering and a series of alumni-focused activities. Day two would expand to include program partners, a keynote speaker, conversations about the future of the program, and collaborative sessions to strengthen a community of practice in conservation leadership. The event will be free to attend, and family members are welcome.

CLTL Reunion and 15 Years of Impact in Conservation Leadership Celebration The CLTL faculty and staff are exploring the possibility of hosting a two-day CLTL Reunion and 15-Year Impact Celebration in the upcoming academic year, and we’d love your input. We’re reaching out to gauge alumni interest as we shape this event. Our current vision includes a first day dedicated...

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is searching for individuals passionate about providing youth with transformative outdoor experiences to join the Outdoor Equity Grant Board. Board members are responsible for the governance of the Outdoor Equity Grant Program. The deadline for the application is Dec. 21, 2025.

CPW is seeking to fill the following four board member seats:
-One member with experience in providing outdoor education programs
-One member personally impacted by and with experience in disability-accessible outdoor programming
-Two youth members (age 25 and younger) who come from communities impacted by the grant program

The Board Member Application and additional application materials are available on the CPW website.

Outdoor Equity Grant Board The board is responsible for the governance of the grant program and may award grants to applicants that will directly utilize the grant to engage eligible youth and their families by reducing barriers to the Colorado outdoors.

Congrats to Cohort 14!!!