With an educator’s mindset, we provide learning experiences that prepare people of all ages to tackle the greatest environmental challenges of our time.
Conservation education programs like STRAW, intern training, and other public programs transform Point Blue’s science into knowledge, skills, and actions that foster stewardship of our planet. That’s because we believe there’s no substitute for hands-on learning and exposure to science-in-action when it comes to inspiring people to be leaders in conservation.
A note from Steve Herman, PhD / professor, Evergreen State College: “I feel very strongly that Point Blue is a leading champion of science-driven conservation, and the many students I have sent there have benefited uniquely from their experiences. I first sent a student to (then PRBO) in 1974, most recently in 2014. I have called the organization ‘my finishing school.’”
STRAW Program
The STRAW Program is combating climate change with every restoration project it takes on. STRAW (Students and Teachers Restoring A Watershed) is a collaborative network of students and teachers leading their communities to restore their local ecosystems.
STRAW empowers communities to heal the land, revitalize habitats, generate cleaner water, sequester carbon, empower children, train teachers, and inspire the conservation leaders.
Read on to learn more about our education and restoration efforts and how to get involved and click here to make a donation to support the STRAW program.
Bird Science in Action
Point Blue offers educational field trips to our Palomarin Field Station to observe science-in-action and connect with our field biologists as they safely band and release songbirds. Every year, approximately 1,500 students and community members learn how decades of data on bird populations uncovers evidence of climate change in our backyard, and beyond.
Intern Training
Our Intern Training Program equips conservation scientists in training with the skills to safeguard nature for wildlife and people, expertise that is foundational to their career development. Each year, approximately 55 interns gain immersive field experiences in science, from the Sierra to the Pacific Ocean and Antarctica. Working side-by-side with our scientists and educators, interns are mentored in this unique educational opportunity, catapulting them into careers in conservation.
Since 1965, our intern training program has had a global influence, having prepared over 1,500 interns from 22 countries for careers in conservation science, with approximately 80% of intern alumni developing careers these fields. In fact, the majority of Point Blue’s leadership staff and current biologists began as interns!
To learn about current internship opportunities, visit our Careers page.
Get Involved
You can help the environment and support our work in lots of ways: becoming a conservation volunteer, attending our events, or following and sharing our blogs and newsletters.
Consider making a donation as well. Give Today