Connecting People and Place: Conservation Psychology in Action

OVERVIEW & LOGISTICS This unique hybrid workshop offers participants the opportunity to engage virtually with the New Jersey School of Conservation in Sandyston, NJ and the The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, CA to explore the challenges—and promise—of community-based conservation through the lens of Conservation Psychology. Local people determine the success of conservation projects, so learning from them on how to best engage them in ways that benefit them will make our nature conservation work more successful. Those who are local to the New Jersey School of Conservation are invited to gather onsite to participate in the Zoom session together, creating a shared learning environment while connecting virtually with partners in Palm Desert and beyond. Following the Zoom presentation, onsite attendees will take a break for lunch. Please bring your own lunch to enjoy on the grounds as we prepare for the afternoon portion of the workshop. After lunch, onsite participants will take part in a guided hike on the grounds of the School of Conservation. This immersive, place-based experience will extend the morning’s conversation, using the natural landscape as a living classroom. By combining virtual dialogue with in-person exploration, this two-part workshop offers both broad connection and grounded experience—linking ideas to action in meaningful and memorable ways.