ANNUAL REPORT 2020 - 2021
A Letter from the Director Dear Kino Bay Center Community,
TABLE OF CONTENTS Overview Mission and Vision ........ 2 Biocultural Context ......................... 3 Visitation and Use ........................... 4 Academic Studies and Research ... 5 External Groups and Visiting Researchers ........................ 7 Spotlight - Ramsar Site Status Update for the Infiernillo Canal .... 8 Spotlight - Community Projects .... 9 Waterbird Monitoring .................... 11 Wetland Conservation & Community Projects ...................... 13 Indigenous Community Partnership ...................................... 15 Environmental Education & Community Leadership ................. 17 Marine Mammal Monitoring ........ 19 Spotlight - Information Sharing and Collaborations ......................... 21 Profiling Members of Our Community ...................................... 23 Media and Communications ........ 24 Institutional Development ............ 25 Spotlight - Community events ...... 27 Our Supporters ............................... 28
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During a year of significant challenges, we were even more appreciative of the opportunity to be engaged in field and community-based education, science and conservation. During a year of challenges, our activities felt even more impactful. Our ability to continue this work in the face of the social and economic challenges presented by the global pandemic is a credit to the commitment, investment, capacity, and hard work of staff, community members, donors, partners, advisors, and the Prescott College students, faculty and administration. The Center’s extended family, Executive Council, and donors came together to invest in local communities, as well as the Center’s infrastructure development and programming ; the staff and students very effectively adapted, learned and lead through a shifting landscape; local and indigenous community members took on new levels of leadership to defend their environmental rights; and Prescott College demonstrated its commitment to field-based education and expertise in risk management. As we enter the Center’s 30th season, it is satisfying - even heartwarming - to witness the tangible results of the long-term commitment and collaboration of so many. Those results are summarized in the pages that follow. As the Center matures, we are more financially stable, the results of our work are being increasingly shared in professional, scientific and community forums, community leaders are stepping up to defend their bio-cultural heritage, collaborative efforts are leading to more tangible results in bio-cultural conservation, and Prescott College students are engaging in ever more diverse field-based experiences. During a year of challenges, it has never been more true or important that the work we do today is built from the dedication, hard work, and support of the 1000’s of people. We look forward to sharing and collaborating with all of you as we celebrate our 30th year!! Thank you.
Our Partners ................................... 29
Lorayne Meltzer
Staff and Executive Council Members .......................................... 30
Executive Director and Prescott College Faculty
Overview: Mission & Vision The Kino Bay Center for Cultural and Ecological Studies (the Center) is a bi-national field station dedicated to experiential education and community-based environmental conservation. Our integrated programs are all grounded in a constant presence in the region. Each year, we host approximately 1,000 researchers, students, faculty, community members, and visitors from dozens of institutions and community groups from Mexico, the United States, and other parts of the world. Prescott College, a private university in Arizona, began offering classes in the Kino Bay region in the 1970’s. The Center opened in 1991 and in 1992 the Mexican non-profit organization (Prescott College A.C.) was established. Prescott College A.C. and Prescott College U.S. work together to operate the Center as a bi-national organization with the active consultation of the Kino Bay Center Executive Council.
GLOBAL OBJECTIVES
W Research & Monitoring
Conservation & Management
Community Participation
Education & training
Information Exchange
MISSION: To protect priority species and habitats through the integrated application of science, education, knowledge exchange, and community participation in
Prescott conservation initiatives. College Kino Bay Center VISION: To promote and model collaborations between people from different
cultures and institutions to co-create solutions to complex conservation challenges.
Academic Studies & Research
Marine Waterbird Indigenous Mammal Monitoring Partnerships Research
PROGRAM
Environmental Wetland Media & Education Conservation Communications
AREAS
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Biocultural Context The biocultural landscape of the Eastern Midriff Island Region of the Gulf of California is unique on a global scale. The great diversity of habitats and environmental conditions is linked to high productivity and species diversity. The region’s many islands are legally well-protected and provide habitat for waterbird colonies, California Sea Lion reproduction, and Sonoran Desert flora and fauna, including many endemic species. The coasts and islands of the area are also traditional Comcaac territory, and the region continues to be home to diverse human communities with overlapping social, cultural, and economic relationships with each other and the natural environment. Local leaders, indigenous communities, fishermen, students, faculty, researchers, and resource managers co-exist in the region and have complimentary perspectives for addressing threats and promoting and supporting healthy ecosystems and human communities.
Double crested cormorant (Phalacrocoax auritus) colony on Alcatraz Island
Overexploitation of recourses
THREATS
Contamination Climate change
Introduction of exotic species Habitat alteration
UNDERLYING CAUSES Conflict of interests
Ineffective law regulation and enforcement
Global market influence Historical disempowerment and ineffective community organization
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Few sustainable economic alternatives Insufficient scientific information
Visitation and Use Number of Visitors
User Days*
Researchers
8
99
Prescott College Classes
80
1179
Fellows, Interns, and Seasonal Staff
11
2510
Independent Thesis/ Senior projects
6
129
Multiday Educational Groups
42
172
One Day Educational Groups
0
0
Workshops
631
631
Meetings
12
12
Community Members / Day Visitors
116
116
Other Visitors
71
344
Total
977
5192
User Category
977 Individual Visitors
5,192
Days of Use by Individuals
*A user-day is 1 person visiting for 1day
Total visitors from 2010 - 2021 Bars represent user days and line represents number of individual visitors
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Academic Studies and Research
Students rescued a burried green sea turtle in the mud
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Facilitation of field experiences for 9 Prescott College classes
Increased participation of Center staff as mentors in PC classes at the Center
The 9 Prescott College classes and 7 independent studies and senior projects offered through the Center this year covered an interdisciplinary range of subjects emanating from 5 different academic programs. The switch to the block system at Prescott College facilitated the use of the Center by adding more classes, including some taught by professors who had never previously taught in Kino. The field experiences and opportunities for learning in an applied, real-world context were even more meaningful, unique, and appreciated this year because of the pandemic; students were very respectful of the safety protocols put in place. We look forward with working with more Prescott College masters students during the years ahead.
Fall 2020 Semester Contributions of valuable conservation, science and arts projects by Prescott College students 5
• Marine Conservation: Global issues • Marine Conservation: Gulf of California case studies • Marine Conservation: Practicum • Independent Studies
Spring 2021 Semester
• Documentary Photography • Spanish Intensive and Cultural Immersion • Seabird Ecology • Island Biogeography • Biological Field Methods • Independent Studies
Some highlights from this year’s courses • The Marine Conservation students each contributed to applied conservation projects with Kino Bay Center mentors • The Path of the Paddle class engaged in a week of practical sea kayaking skills instruction • The Spanish Intensive and Cultural Immersion class was based at the Center with staff members “adopting” students (as an aternative to living with host families) • The Seabird Ecology and Island Biogeography classes conducted almost daily field trips to important bird habitats of the islands, estuaries and coasts • The Biological Field Methods class compared Cardon (Pachycereus pringlei) dispersion patterns on the mainland and Isla San Esteban
The Seabird Ecology class on Las Animas Island
Impact: Classes at the Center inspire and train students to make a difference through advanced study and/or careers in fields related to environmental conservation that is socially just.
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External Groups and Visiting Researchers This season we felt the impact of Covid in the overall reduction of both non-Prescott College visiting groups and external researchers. Nonetheless, we were thrilled to receive visits from 2 groups, the Tara Performing Arts High School from Boulder, CO, and the Treehouse Learning Community based in Prescott, AZ. Additionally, we were able to support 8 researchers from 4 institutions and 3 countries to complete research in fields as diverse as island biogeography, oceanographic research diving, paleoclimatology, and native plant restoration and ethnobotany. We are excited to continue to support a wide variety of research in the region which aligns with our mission and our vision in the coming months and years.
The week was marked by many incredible experiences. We rode in boats as a pod of 100 dolphins swam and jumped all around us. After learning about the importance of mangroves and estuaries, we traveled into the indigenous territory and received lessons in song from a Comcaac herbalist and healer, and we had the chance to contribute to a dialogue around the growing addiction rates in their small population. An amazing cook taught us how to make chimichangas and hibiscus flower water. There was snorkeling among the intertidal zone and more than a few jellyfish stings. We kayaked, body surfed, exercised, and even had time to play a volleyball game. We are incredibly grateful to the Kino Bay Center. This was our 5th trip to Kino and the feeling of belonging could not have been greater. This magical place and people left us once again deeply inspired to be a part of something much greater, and contribute to a future filled with natural ( and perhaps supernatural) wonders.
Blake Armstrong - Treehouse Student
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Treehouse group preparing for a boat outing
Spotlight
RAMSAR SITE STATUS UPDATE FOR THE INFIERNILLO CANAL
Waterbird monitoring in Estero Sargento
Since 2012, the Center has collaborated to use the Ramsar sites designation (Wetlands of International Importance) as a tool for promoting legal and community-based protection for Laguna la Cruz. This season we expanded that effort to the Infiernillo Canal within the Comcaac Territory. The objective is to update the Ramsar site status as one tool for supporting the Comcaac community in maintaining the ecological character and essential function and value of the Infiernillo Canal.
The Canal was designated as a Ramsar Site in 2009, which requires a renewal process every 6 years. The Center facilitated multiple dialog sessions with Comcaac groups in order to assess initial interest, develop plans for the study, and discuss the importance of estuaries and sea grass beds in order for the Comcaac to identify community conservation priorities. We then worked with the Comcaac, the University of Arizona, and CONANP to conduct an integrated rapid assessment process resulting in the documentation of ecological, human, and cultural factors in this incredibly rich and important wetland complex.
Canal del Infiernillo Rapid Assessment workshop
Red mangrove on the west side of the Infiernillo Canal
All of the Center's staff and programs, Prescott College students, and Comcaac community members contributed to this effort. Beyond the completion of the Rapid Assessment, this 9 month process facilitated community organization around important bio-cultural themes. Ramsar sites bring international attention to wetlands, and when combined with other conservation tools they raise awareness, funding, and best practices for conservation.
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Spotlight
COMMUNITY PROJECTS The Center has contributed to biocultural conservation efforts since 1991. We bring together people from different perspectives, institutions, and cultures to co-create solutions to socio-environmental challenges in the region. One important component is community participation and leadership. This season, the Center, with a lot of help from our donors, dramatically increased its support for collaborative community projects by funding and supporting 7 projects involving 83 local and indigenous community members. These projects represent partnerships between Center staff and community members towards common goals. Projects address local needs, provide economic alternatives, and integrate science, education, traditional ecological knowledge, and local leadership toward long-term biocultural conservation.
Community projects run at different levels of autonomy. Initially, Center staff take more of a leadership role and community members engage as participants. As community members gain more experience and initiative, they assume more leadership responsibility, with Center staff offering continuing support.
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Grupo Tortuguero de Bahía de Kino Goal: Protect sea turtles through monitoring and education
13 participants Results: 10 monitoring surveys and regular education and information sharing
Coijaac Group Goal: Advance 2 participants waterbird monitoring, training and traditional ecological knowledge Results: 8 monitoring surveys, application (TEK) in the Escuela Canal delBiocultural of data and TEK to conservation and Infiernillo education efforts
Laguna la Cruz Fishermen Goal: Promote conservation, awareness, and participation
12 participants Results: 5 estuary clean-ups
Biocultural Field School 35 participants
Goal: Connect Comcaac youth with TEK
Results: 7 field trips led by Comcaac mentors to important biocultural sites
Comcaac Leader Group Goal: Facilitate dialog between conservation leaders in the Comcaac communities
15 participants Results: 8 dialogs to identifying key priorities
Canal del Infiernillo Dolphin Monitoring Goal: Advance dolphin monitoring, training, and TEK in the Canal del Infiernillo
2 participants Results: 4 monitoring surveys of resident dolphins and 2 training workshops
Environmental Education: Sea Turtle Nesting Goal: Increase awareness and training
5 participants Results: 1 training workshop, educational material, and 2 public educational events
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Waterbird Monitoring
Jaime Martínez and Paulina Camarena monitoring at Estero Tastiota
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Collection of updated waterbird and habitat use data for application in the Canal del Infiernillo Ramsar Site update process Systematic nest searching and at-sea monitoring of Craveri’s Murrelets on and around the islands of the Midriff Region Presentations of data and educational information at multiple conferences, working groups, and community forums
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Regular monitoring was conducted on Alcatraz Island, in regional estuaries, and at sea. In addition, this season we expanded work in the Infiernillo Canal as part of the updating effort for the Ramsar site with valuable contributions from Comcaac waterbird experts. The Waterbird Monitoring Program (WMP) also increased its efforts to document nesting sites for the endangered Craveri’s Murrelet on several of the Midriff Islands. The WMP collaborated with external researchers, NGOs, community groups, and governmental agencies to implement coordinated field work and to apply results to conservation and management actions. Moving forward, we plan to continue supporting community participation and leadership in the ever-increasing knowledge, appreciation, and conservation of waterbirds.
Collaborations • Active participation in the Binational Brown Pelican Monitoring Network and post-reproductive monitoring • Contributions to regional projects including the Northwest Brant study, migratory shorebird counts, and shorebird nest searching
Long-term monitoring • 9 Canal del Infiernillo estuaries censuses, recording 54 species, 10 of which are protected as threatened species • 41 censuses in La Cruz, Cardonal and Tastiota estuaries; regular monitoring of 14 nesting species on Alcatraz Island
Craveri's Murrelets (Synthliboramphus craveri) at sea
• 10 Craveri’s Murrelet nest surveys on Alcatraz Island, nest searching on Datíl and San Esteban islands, and 3 noctural surveys on San Esteban
Education and Training • Increased Comcaac leadership of the Grupo Coijaac waterbird monitoring group • Facilitation of the first waterbird drawing contest for local youth, culminating in an experiential activity around Isla Alcatraz for all of the participants • Mentorship of 4 Prescott College students Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus)
• 2 training presentations to touristic service providers
Information Sharing
Brants (Branta bernicla) in the Infiernillo Canal
• Scientific presentations in the Forum for Environmental Health of Ramsar Site Laguna la Cruz and the Sonoran Joint Venture Science Working Group • Publication of a short article in the Sonoran Joint Venture eBulletin, consistent posting on E-bird, and progress on 2 article manuscripts for publication
Impact: Long-term waterbird monitoring, data analysis collaboration, information sharing, and community participation contribute to regional habitat and species protection and conservation efforts. 12
Wetland Conservation and Community Participation
Natalia Blancas Gallangos collecting data about mangrove health
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Organization and facilitation of the 1st Forum for Environmental Health of Ramsar Site Laguna la Cruz Completion of the Rapid Assessment of the Canal del Infiernillo Ramsar site Increased leadership and capacity of community conservation groups Increased institutional recognition for leadership in mangrove restoration and environmental protection
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Participative processes with the Kino and Comcaac communities strengthened organizational and leadership capacity and resulted in the implementation of collaborative conservation projects in Ramsar sites “Laguna la Cruz” and “Canal del Infiernillo”. An environmental characterization study of Laguna la Cruz was initiated in collaboration with other academic institutions, and significant diffusion efforts increased awareness and interest in environmental issues and conservation activities in both Ramsar sites. The Wetlands Conservation Program provided valuable support for local leaders responding to a variety of environmental issues threatening the estuaries and coasts of the region. Collaborative efforts will continue to develop strategies that benefit communities and protect ecosystems.
Community Participation and Economic Alternatives • Accompaniment and economic support for 2 community projects involving 25 community members • Increased support for community response to environmental threats (e.g. sewage treatment and aquaculture expansion)
Canal del Infiernillo Rapid Assessment workshop
• Facilitation of participative dialog in local communities
Conservation and Management • EnvironmentaL assessment of 4 Canal del Infiernillo estuaries • 10 Canal del Infiernillo Rapid Assessment workshops and forums with the Comcaac communities • Collaboration toward the designation of a municipal protected area in Laguna la Cruz • Development of a draft tri-institutional work plan (Prescott/ DICTUS/CONANP) Red mangroves in Laguna la Cruz
• 4 clean-up campaigns
Diffusion, Science and, Inter-Institutional Collaboration • 3 Center presentations and 4 community group presentations in the Forum for Environmental Health of Ramsar Site Laguna la Cruz • 14 meetings with the Specialized Technical Working Group for Laguna la Cruz • Initial environmental characterization of Laguna la Cruz in collaboration with the Technological Institute of the Yaqui Valley and the University of Sonora
Impact:Supporting the development of community leadership and inter-institutional collaboration leads to increased awareness and skills applied to scientific study, conservation actions, and sustainable practices in the region’s estuaries. 14
Indigenous Community Partnership
Comcaac author and historian Alberto Mallado facilitating field-based lessons
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Formation of the Comcaac Leaders group to create space for a dialog focused on the creation of an integrated community development plan
Coordination and support for 7 community projects
The Center’s collaborative work with the indigenous Comcaac communities this season focused on development, implementation, and support of ecological monitoring, field-based biocultural knowledge transmission, education, and community leadership projects. In addition, all of the Center’s programs integrated their work in the Comcaac territory toward updating the Ramsar site information. The Indigenous Community Partnership Program interfaced with external researchers, visiting groups, and networks to promote equitable collaborations with community groups in Comcaac territory.
Equitable Collaboration Community organization for Ramsar site workshop
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• Support for 5 external researchers collaborating with the Comcaac communities • Updated collaborative agreement between the Center and the Comcaac Traditional Government
Community Leadership • 8 meetings of the Comcaac Leaders group establishing a space for dialog on issues ranging from socio-environmental threats to quality of life • Reactivation of the Desemboque “Grupo Tortuguero” to focus on monitoring in feeding areas • Facilitation and support for 5 collaborative community projects in Punta Chueca and Desemboque • Contributions to 5 workshops to collect socio-cultural and environmental information for the updating of the Ramsar site
Comcaac Leader group meeting in Punta Chueca
Collaborative Learning • Community organization for the Biocultural Fieldschool activities •10 classes and field trips facilitated with 3 external groups and 3 Prescott College classes Biocultural field school students Visiting school learning about the Comcaac culture and cultural context
Networks and Collaborations • Participation as the regional coordinator for the Mexican Biocultural Patrimony Network • Collaboration in a National Strategic Project (PRONACE) proposal for water resource security • Participation in 4 meetings of the Network for Territories Conserved by Indigenous Groups and Local Communities (TICCA) • Participation in the “Ethnobotany of Seas and Coasts” lecture for the “Colegio de Michoacán”
Impact: Involvement of Comcaac leaders, youth, and women in collaborative projects promotes knowledge transmission and increases community leadership, interest, and support for protecting the resources of their territory. 16
Environmental Education and Community Leadership
Verónica Maldonado and Nebaí Soria working with youth in Punta Chueca
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Development of audiovisual material for use in virtual primary school ecology classes Expansion of biocultural field-based educational outings connecting youth with traditional knowledge and first-hand experience of local ecosystems
Facilitation of a virtual “experience exchange” forum for environmental educators from northwest Mexico
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The realities and needs of the youth and communities we work with changed during the pandemic. The Environmental Education Program (EEP) adapted by developing interactive audio visual materials shared online, by teaching virtual classes with 4th and 6th grade classes, by facilitating outdoor activities with small groups of youth, and by working with community groups to develop environmental education projects. In addition, the Center expanded the “Biocultural Fieldschool” which works with Comcaac mentors to facilitate outings connecting youth with traditional knowledge rooted in place-based experience. The EEP also designed and implemented a virtual forum connecting environmental educators from 7 organizations working in Northwest Mexico to discuss challenges, goals, and future collaborations. Moving forward, we plan to expand community-based environmental education programming.
Ecology Classes and Field Trips • 12 ecology classes delivered virtually to 254 4th and 6th graders from Kino Bay • 14 “Biocultural Fieldschool” outings with 24 Comcaac youth and their mentors
Biocultural field school students and mentor
Ecology Clubs
Mural for project “School for Planet Earth 2021”
• 45 hours of experiential outdoor projects and activities in collaboration 2 ecology clubs • Support for the 4th grade ecology club in developing a project to raise awareness about the use of disposables • Mentorship for the middle school ecology club students participating in a national environmental forum
Cleam up campaign in Punta Chueca Ecology club students participating in the Forum for Environmental Health of Ramsar Site
Community Events and Information Sharing • Participation in the organization and implementation of 3 clean-up events • Presentation in the Forum for Environmental Health of Ramsar Site Laguna la Cruz • Facilitation of an “experience exchange” forum involving 12 environmental educators from 7 environmental NGOs
Impact: Community-based, experiential, and student-centered education contributes to the development of young people with the capacity and motivation to articulate their biocultural and ecological knowledge. 18
Marine Mammal Monitoring
Hector Perez-Puig and Elise Maynard photographing a Blue Whale for the photo-ID catalog
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Communication of program results in scientific forums and to the public at large
Presentation of 3 student thesis projects in the annual meeting of the Mexican Society for Marine Mastozoology (SOMEMMA)
Training and mentorship for university students and community members 19
The Marine Mammal Program (MMP) has conducted continuous monitoring for the past 12 years. This season we invested significant energy in communicating the results of our work, and in strengthening interinstitutional collaborations. Through these efforts, the Center is becoming increasingly recognized as a reference point for cetacean research and conservation in the Eastern Midriff Region of the Sonoran coast, with a specific focus on the ecology and special-temporal distribution of cetaceans. The MMP continued to mentor university students, contributing to their academic and profession development, while simultaneously gaining valuable detailed data analysis for the marine mammal projects conducted by the Center. Moving forward we will continue working with these students to publish the results in scientific journals.
Education and Training
• Mentorship of 4 undergraduate and masters students • 2 community training workshops and 2 webinars sharing program results
Monitoring • 78 sightings of 7 species (4 whale species and 3 dolphin species) in 23 field outings this season • 1,603 sightings total recorded over 12 years • 18 sightings of 27 individual Blue Whales, representing more than a 100% increase in sightings from previous seasons • 35 acoustic recordings (totaling 95 minutes) of 3 cetacean species in 10 sightings
Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) near Tiburon Island
Collaborations • Preparation of 4 publication manuscripts based on Center data, prepared in collaboration with 1 NGO and 3 academic institutions • Co-direction and mentorship of masters students from the Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada (CICESE): 2 concluding this season and 2 more recruited to begin next season Monitoring of dolphins in the Infiernillo Canal
• Active participation as the northern representative and project reviewer for SOMEMMA
Information Sharing
Long-beak common dolphins (Delphinus delphis bairdii)
• Presentation of 3 projects at the annual SOMEMMA conference, given in collaboration with students and researchers from the region • Sharing of information about cetaceans in 1 local newspaper and on the University of Guanajuato radio
Impact: Long-term monitoring, information sharing and capacity building efforts produce increasingly detailed information about critical cetacean habitat in the region which can be used to inform conservation and management decisions. 20
Spotlight
INFORMATION SHARING AND COLLABORATIONS
As the Center matures, we are able to make deeper contributions to environmental conservation, science, and community development and leadership. Achieving conservation results requires investing in information sharing and inter-institutional collaboration. This season, partly facilitated by the expansion of virtual platforms, Center staff dramatically increased participation and leadership in professional conferences and collaborative regional networks and projects.
Informative training session with service providers to become conservation ambassadors
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The Wetland Conservation Program played a lead role in the organization of the Forum for Environmental Health of Ramsar Site Laguna la Cruz. The forum attracted 458 participants from 3 countries, 28 Mexican states, and 81 academic, research, community, governmental and non-profit organizations. This forum contributed enormously to the momentum for conservation of Laguna la Cruz at all levels.
The Marine Mammal Program supported the completion of 1 master’s and 1 undergraduate thesis and delivered 3 presentations at the annual Mexican Society of Marine Mastozoology, and is in progress with 3 articles for submission to peer-review journals.
The Indigenous Community Partnership Program participated in 4 international and national organizations that work toward the protection of indigenous territorial defense, thus integrating these important perspectives into all the work done by the Center.
The Environmental Education Program facilitated the first Environmental Educators of NW Mexico Exchange, bringing together educators from 7 organizations to learn about the work carried out by other organizations with the aim of sharing challenges, strategies, results, and collaborations to face challenges around conservation problems.
The Waterbird Monitoring Program’s active participation in collaborative projects and networks contributed valuable data and perspectives during a year when few organizations were able to do fieldwork.
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Profiling Members of Our Community
Aarón Barnett Romero
Field Assistent for the ICPP
Mónica Esquer
Community member I have collaborated with the Kino Bay Center as an assistant for the Spanish Intensive classes and received students in my house for several years. I have also enjoyed teaching students about cooking and about the sea turtle monitoring and clean-up efforts in Laguna la Cruz. As a member of several community conservation groups in Laguna la Cruz, it has been very important for me to learn about conservation, and to be able to carry the message to others. I like to build awareness in my community, and it is especially satisfying to be able to involve my children and grandchildren. Our community needs to work as one to protect our resources.
My first interaction with the Kino Bay Center was a visit to the field station in 2008. During that year I also learned about the Center’s activities in the Comcaac community. I have really enjoyed working as a Field Assistant with the Indigenous Community Partnership Program. Getting involved and leading some of the activities has helped me to acquire the knowledge and conservation tools with which I have been able to carry out conservation projects in my community.
Elise Maynard
Prescott College student
Carlos Castillo Program Advisor / Council member As CONANP’s Northwest Regional Director, I had the opportunity to receive and support the proposal from the Kino Bay Center and the University of Sonora (DICTUS) for Laguna la Cruz to be designated as a wetland of international importance by the Ramsar Convention. Since its incorporation in 2013, I have collaborated in the development of its Management Program. It has been a very enriching experience to be a Program Advisor of the Executive Council for the Kino Bay Center!
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I first came to the Kino Bay Center during my first year at Prescott College, and spent many semesters learning about the region. I knew this environment was unique. From taking Marine Biology and focusing on the ocean, to stepping back and understanding how nature influences culture and how culture influences nature - I learned that it was more biodiverse than I could even imagine. The Center is a beautiful hub for cultural diversity, conservation, and community. It has taught me to think deeply about the world around me and to be curious, looking out with awe and amazement, and looking in with reflection and contemplation.
Media and Communications
Documentary Photography class during the "identity and culture" activity
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Improvements in design, consistency, content, and visibility of publications, social networks, and YouTube channel Creation of 10 bilingual videos promoting the Center’s work Strengthening collaboration with Prescott College’s Office of Marketing and Admissions
The Media and Communication Program incorporates a wide range of components that include: the maintenance of a large photographic database, creation and care of the Center’s exhibitions, and support for making diffusion materials, workshops, reports, teaching materials, etc. This season, the Program focused on supporting the creation of materials to promote the Center’s Programs, such as videos, infographics, pamphlets, and posters that highlight the work carried out by the staff during a year full of challenges and adaptations. In addition to updating the photographic database and accompanying visiting groups and Prescott College classes to document their experiences.
Media and Publications • Creation of diffusion and didactic materials to highlight the work of the Center • Set up of the first photographic exhibition focused on the biodiversity of the region • 10 bilingual videos to support the annual campaign and dissemination of work in community projects • 5 electronic bulletins communicating the work of the Center
Social Media 3,500 Likes 557 Views 873 followers 100 new Followers
Impact: Systematic and authentic communication transmitted across diverse platforms increases information exchange, fundraising, networking, and conservation action.
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Institutional Development
Kino Bay Center, 2021
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Financial resiliency due to revenue diversification
Adaptation of strategic and operational plans to safely serve students, communities, and the Center’s mission through Covid Record breaking fundraising. Thank you donors!
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Diversification of fundraising and revenue generation strategies enabled the Center to be more resilient in the face of the pandemic. Effective and positive collaboration with the Risk Manager at the main campus of Prescott College, combined with the deep commitment of our very qualified staff members has facilitated agile fiscal and operational responses to shifting and uncertain scenarios. Through strategic planning and assessment, we further refined our organizational personnel structure to more effectively and sustainably accomplish our goals.
Development • Record breaking fundraising efforts raising $168,300 in donations and $179,500 in grant funding • Cultivation of a strong and committed donor community • Revenue diversification to include a more balanced ratio between a broader array of sources
Operations • Implementation, revision, and communication of safety protocols • Completion of the second year of a $500,000 5-year investment plan including improved student housing, upgraded facilities, and the vehicle fleet
New palapa and patio
Administration
• Increased Prescott College student recruitment and retention into Kino Bay classes and programs • Effective budget management Updating our Donor Wall
Legal operation in Mexico • Revision of the Mexican NGO articles of Incorporation Authorization to comply with new regulations • Improved personnel contract systems
2020-2021 Income Distribution Grants Received Endowment Distribution
24%
Annual Campaign
33%
Investment plan donation ** 1% 11%
3% 1% 5% 22%
Donations Total (cash) In-kind donations Non-Prescott Revenue Prescott College Fees and Tuition
Impact: Advances in institutional development have direct impacts on the level and quality of program results, which lead to deeper impacts and achievements in community-based environmental conservation.
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Spotlight
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Waterbird drawing contest: During May of 2021 the Waterbird Monitoring Program invited youth of the region to participate in a drawing contest to promote interest in and awareness of the conservationfor these important species. We received 19 incredible drawings from Kino, Punta Chueca, Hermosillo, Desemboque, and Poblado Miguel Aleman. The contestants and their families visited the Center to learn about our programs, and all the kids got to enjoy a trip around Alcatraz Island, where they were able to learn more about many of the birds depicted in their drawings! We hope that this activity inspired them to keep sharing their art and opened the door to future involvement with the Center. Drawing contest participants on a field trip to Alcatraz Island
Beach and wetland cleanups:
Communiuty members helping during one of the beach cleanup events
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The Center approaches environmental conservation with the understanding that the best results are achieved when the community is deeply involved. This season we organized 4 beach/estuary cleanups, collecting almost 5 tons of trash. Thanks to the Kino Limpio y Seguro group, we were also able to work with local kids, Center staff, and community members to decorate 10 garbage cans with environmental images and messages. The fact that most of these activities were initiated by the community inspires us to keep promoting community participation and involvement in all conservation efforts.
Our Supporters Individual Donors Our work would not be possible without the generosity of many individual donors. No matter the size, each gift helps us to realize our mission and vision. We are very thankful for our community of supporters, and for their belief in the work of the Kino Bay Center.
Kino Bay Center´s Casa Palapa with mural
Current Foundation Support
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Our Partners Our work is made stronger through deep collaborations with these academic, NGO, government, and community groups.
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2020 - 2021 Staff Members
From top left to right; Ana Gabriela Martínez Vargas, Nebai de los Ángeles Soria Pérez, Paulina Camarena Gómez, Virginia Yañez Parra, Lorayne Meltzer, Gregory Smart, Martha Verónica Maldonado Bracamontes, Héctor Pérez Puig, Cosme Damián Becerra, Efraín Leonel Perales Hoeffer, Fracisco Jaime Martínez Reyes, Natalia Blancas Gallangos and Julio Paredes Carrasco. Not in the picture; Ramón Ulises Becerra Lamadrid and Aarón Azahel Barnett RomeroW
Kino Bay Center Executive Council Program Advisors
Leadership Committee
• Carlos Castillo • Gisela Heckel • Laura Martínez • Carolina Navarro • Carolyn O’Meara • Eduardo Palacios
• Jerry Secundy (Chair) • Geoff Barnard • Jennie Duberstein • Joel Hiller • Nat Cobb • Annette Candanedo
Ambasadors
• Ed Boyer • Zoe Hammer • Lisa Floyd-Hanna • Doug Hulmes
Photos courtesy of: Ana Gabriela Martínez , Nebai Soria , Paulina Camarena, Lorayne Meltzer, Martha Verónica Maldonado, Héctor Pérez Puig, Cosme Damián Becerra, Leonel Hoeffer, Fracisco Jaime Martínez, Natalia Gallangos, Jorge Miros, Abraham Fleishman 30
cott Colleg Pres eK in
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Connect with us! @Prescottkino
Prescott College Kino Bay Center
@kinobaycenter For more information about our work this year or our organization, please visit our website at https://kino.prescott.edu/ or e-mail us at kino_bay@prescott.edu.
We look forward to hearing from you!
