Facilitating the Human–Nature Connection
June 30, 2025
Those who had the good fortune of working alongside Rich Stallcup, a founding member of the Point Reyes Bird Observatory, our organization’s original name, describe his preternatural connection to birds and nature. Many who knew Rich—who was given the nickname “Mr. Magic” because of his knack for finding rare birds—speak about his brilliant scientific mind,
The Blue in Point Blue
June 28, 2025
The ocean produces roughly half of the Earth’s oxygen and plays a vital role in maintaining the livable world we all enjoy. But it is an incredibly dynamic system, changing quickly from year to year, often serving as the canary in the coal mine for climate change and shifts in our global systems. Seabirds and
Migration: From Landbirds to Shorebirds
June 26, 2025
For over 60 years, birds have been at the heart of Point Blue’s mission. The organization was founded to study bird migration along the Pacific Flyway, and we now have the longest running population study of landbirds in North America west of the Mississippi River and the largest coordinated research network of shorebirds in the
Leading with Heart and Vision: Melissa Pitkin Named CEO
June 24, 2025
The Point Blue Conservation Science Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the appointment of Melissa Pitkin as our next CEO, effective June 23, 2025. Melissa succeeds CEO Mani Oliva, who left the organization for a different position in November, after five years of collaborative leadership. Melissa was selected from a large pool of exceptionally
Habitat Should Not Be An Endangered Term
May 19, 2025
The science is clear that habitat is essential for the survival of wildlife populations. Point Blue is strongly opposed to removing explicit habitat protections from the ESA regulations.
Where People and Nature Meet: Shaping the Future of Conservation
April 8, 2025
As we embark on a new chapter at Point Blue, I am excited to share our 2025-2030 strategic plan with the uniting theme of “Connected Conservation.” It was designed with a vision to unite in the midst of today’s pressing environmental and social challenges. Over the years, I have often reflected on the deep connections
Announcing Jack Ladd Jr. Tribute Challenge Grant
March 25, 2025
To fund the Jack Ladd Jr. Tribute Apprenticeship at The Palomarin Field Station in Bolinas, California A Life of Service Jack was an incredible friend to Point Blue Conservation Science. Jack served on Point Blue’s Board of Directors from 1995 to 2009. During that time, Jack guided Point Blue, then PRBO Conservation Science, through a
The Social Side of Conservation Science is Blossoming!
March 17, 2025
Conservation is entering a new, socio-ecological era. For many years, the field of conservation was dominated by the natural sciences. Threats to biodiversity, and the ecosystems in support, had environmentalists putting in their best efforts to advocate for nature. The dominant mode was protection: safeguard certain key natural areas from human activity to preserve habitat
Celebrating Two Years of Climate-Smart Meadow Restoration
March 15, 2025
Two years ago, in 2023, we at Point Blue Conservation Science (Point Blue) embarked on an ambitious journey to restore critical headwater meadows across the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascades of California. With $24.7 million in funding from the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB), this initiative has already made substantial progress in revitalizing these critical ecosystems,
The Roots Program: 2 Years of Impact and Counting!
March 10, 2025
The Roots Program has approved funding to 100 projects in 36 counties across California. These projects will implement over 290 restoration practices to benefit wildlife and pollinators.
