Prescott College Kino Bay Center 2018-2019 Annual Report

2018 - 2019 Annual Report

OVERVIEW: A Letter From The Director

TABLE OF CONTENTS Overview Background, Mission, and Vision....................2 Biocultural Context...............................................3 Impact By The Numbers.....................................4 Visitation & Use.......................................................5 Prescott College Classes..........................................6 Research & Conservation..........................................9 Marine Mammals.................................................10 Waterbirds...............................................................12 Wetland Conservation & Community Projects..................................................14 Environmental Education & Community Leadership...........................................17 Indigenous Community Partnerships...............19 Information Center.....................................................21 Institutional Development.....................................24 Moving Forward...........................................................26 Spotlights.............................................................27 Our Partners...................................................................28 Our Supporters.............................................................29 Prescott College Kino Bay Center - Page 1

Dear Kino Bay Center Community,

The impact of the Center over 28 years is the result of the cumulative efforts of thousands of people. All of you are present in our activities every day. Even as the socio-political context in which we work presents never-ending challenges, we strive to lead in conversations of multi-cultural collaboration, equitable partnerships, and the co-creation of conservation strategies large and small to move toward collective change. Thank you for being a part of the effort!

During this season we celebrated the results of five years of intensive focus on institutional development, leading to palpable improvements in every aspect of our operation. We had one of the most complete and capable staff teams ever, leading to higher levels of productivity and impact that build upon all of those who came before. Thanks to the vision, guidance, and dedication of our Executive Council, staff, donors, Prescott College senior leadership, and Consultant, Annette Candanedo, we are embarking upon a 5-year $500,000 investment plan to improve our facilities and fund the personnel to create a sustainable future for the Center.

I am pleased to share with you the progress we’ve made over the past year. This Annual Report pulls from a series of much longer technical reports that are available online and upon request. We welcome your comments and participation!

Lorayne Meltzer

Executive Director and Prescott College Faculty

OVERVIEW: Background, Mission, & Vision

MISSION To protect priority species and habitats through the integrated application of science, education, information exchange, and community participation

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, positioning the Center to promote change towards biocultural conservation goals. Each year, we host approximately 1,400 researchers, students, faculty, fellows, community members, visitors from dozens of institutions, and community groups from Mexico, the United States, and other parts of the world.

Prescott College is a private liberal arts institution of higher learning in Arizona offering B.A., B.S., B.F.A., M.A., M.S., M. Ed., and Ph.D. degrees.

Prescott College 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.

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VISION To promote and model collaborations between people from different cultures and institutions to co-create solutions to complex conservation challenges

OVERVIEW: Biocultural Context

UNDERLYING CAUSES

The biocultural landscape of the Eastern Midriff Island Region of the Gulf of California is unique in the world. The diversity and productivity of the offshore marine environment is linked to estuarine nurseries and offshore upwelling.

The islands are well-protected and provide habitat for regionally and globally important waterbird nesting colonies, California Sea Lion reproduction, and Sonoran Desert flora and fauna, including many endemic species. Historically Comcaac territory, the region is now home to several diverse human communities that have different and overlapping social, cultural, and economic relationships with these natural environments. 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.

Ineffective regulation and enforcement Insufficient scientific information

Few sustainable economic alternatives

THREATS Overexplotation of fisheries resources Habitat alteration

Global market influence Historical disempowerment and ineffective community organization

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Contamination Climate change

1,366

OVERVIEW: Visitation & Use Number of Visitors

User Days*

Researchers

36

184

Prescott College Classes Fellows, Interns, and Seasonal Staff IS/Senior projects/ Thesis Multiday Educational Groups One Day Educational Groups

83

2516

10

2182

4

209

123

798

320

412

Workshops

627

760

Meetings

30

35

Day Visitors

43

579

Volunteers

16

79

Other Visitors

74

260

1366

8014

Total

*A user day represents one visitor for one day.

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8,014 Days of Use by Individuals An all-time record 10000

User totals from 2010 - 2018. Bars represent user days and line represents number of individual visitors.

9000

Total Number of days of Use per cycle

User Category

Individual Visitors

8014

8000

7457

7005

7000 6000

6388

6063

6540

5573 5060

5000

4855

4000 3000 2000 1000 0

559

921

1398 772

1099

1539

1586

1314

1366

EXPERIENTAL EDUCATION: Prescott College Classes

IMPACT

Many of the 10 Prescott College courses this year emphasized overlaps between environmental and social justice themes. Another common theme was the application of student work to community and Center-based projects. Each course also had unforgettable field experiences and opportunities for learning in an applied, real-world context.

Classes at the Center inspire and train students to make a difference through advanced study and satisfying careers in fields related to socially just environmental conservation.

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EXPERIENTAL EDUCATION: Prescott College Classes Fall 2018 Semester • • • • •

Marine Conservation I: Global Marine Issues Marine Conservation II: Gulf of California Conservation Case Studies Marine Conservation III: Applied Conservation Practicum Landscapes of Neoliberalism (4-day case study) Independent Studies

Winter 2019 Block • • • •

Coastal Ecology Sea Kayaking and Natural History Spanish Intensive and Cultural Immersion Independent Studies

Spring 2019 Semester • • • •

Gulf of California I: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Gulf of California II: Biological Field Methods Gulf of California III: Island Biogeography Independent Studies

Some highlights from this year’s courses include: • The Marine Conservation cohort and the Social Justice and Community Organizing Master’s cohort collaboratively examined the social justice, environmental, and community organizing elements of shrimp aquaculture.

• The Gulf of California students did GIS mapping of plant communities in Estero Sargento in collaboration with Comcaac researchers.

• Spanish Intensive students participated in community events with home-stay host families.

• Coastal Ecology and Sea Kayaking students explored the varied coastal habitats learning scientific methods and technical paddling skills.

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A CLOSER LOOK: Mentored Studies

“The experiences were a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will cherish forever, and apply toward my future in the scientific community in my home in the Pacific Northwest.”

- Ashley Ulrich, Prescott College Student “I learned of the importance and need to foster ties between different cultures for a common purpose and for the preservation and care of the earth.”

- Frida Alfonso Calles, CICESE Student “The Center has been a huge part of my Prescott College education. From my time there getting opportunities to work on real world projects, I have confidence in my ability to contribute to meaningful work and feel more passionately about spatial analysis for community-based conservation.”

- Zoe Hall, Prescott College Student Prescott College Kino Bay Center - Page 8

The number and quality of individualized student projects and professional experiences facilitated through the Center increased again this year. These students worked within the Center’s projects, receiving months of one-onone training, and developing hands-on experience. Their work contributed to an array of conservation initiatives including photo-identification catalogs of marine mammals, application of spatial analysis to protected area zoning, analysis of waterbird trends, methods of science communication, and documentation of indigenous ways of knowing.

Student projects were mentored by Center staff members with years of professional experience in the region with supervision from their respective university faculty, and in collaboration with academic institutions, government agencies, and community groups. As strategic planning efforts continue in dialog with community, we are able to more clearly define increasingly impactful student projects. This year students made deep and lasting contributions to community-based conservation in the region and gained important experience to take forward in their lives.

Students: Abby Guatemala, Ashley Ulrich, Beatriz Leticia Partida Arvizu, Cameron Leonard, Daniela Ahuatzin Gallardo, Emma Ober, Frida Beatriz Alfonso Calles, Jesús Fernando Alapisco, Joel Alejandro Arredondo Sáinz, Owen Ryerson, Phoebe Modica, Reid Christianson, Zoe Hall Mentors: Abram Fleishman, Abril Heredia Morales, Jaime Martínez Reyes, Greg Smart, Héctor Pérez Puig, Jorge Miros Gómez, Kayla Sargent, Laura Monti, Lorayne Meltzer, Maria Johnson

6 4 1 2 4

Independent Studies Senior Projects Undergraduate Thesis Master’s Theses Internships & Professional Practicums

13 Students from

7 Academic institutions

of the U.S. and Mexico

RESEARCH & CONSERVATION PROGRAM The Center's Research and Conservation Program (RCP) conducts on-going research projects and supports projects conducted through collaborative agreements with other Mexican and American research, government, NGO, community, and academic institutions. This year the Center’s researchers, faculty, and students conducted ongoing marine mammal monitoring, waterbird monitoring, and plant studies.

All of the projects focused on trends analysis and worked with partners to implement standardized protocols.

Collaborations with researchers throughout the region were strengthened this year and had more active participation from students and community members. In addition, the Center provided logistical, operational, and informational support for dozens of independent researchers conducting projects that cover a wide assortment of disciplines such as geology, community-based fisheries management, linguistics, and desert ecology.

Some examples of this year's independent researchers include: • Lourdes Martínez Estévez, of the University of California Santa Cruz, conducted Gulf-wide monitoring of Hawksbill Sea Turtles.

• Brendan Fenerty, of the University of Arizona, researched the geomorphology of the Rio Sonora.

• Carolyn O’Meara continued her long-term study on the Comcaac language of Cmiique Iitom.

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RESEARCH & CONSERVATION: Marine Mammal Program This season the Center continued monitoring cetaceans, consolidated long-term species-specific databases, and described important ecological trends relative to decreased sightings overall. An important focus this year was contributing to the academic development of undergraduate and masters students through the mentorship of independent studies and thesis projects, which deepened the Center’s results and contributed to cetacean conservation in the region.

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IMPACT

Monitoring, research, outreach, and educational efforts increase the understanding of the importance of the region for cetaceans and contribute specific information to conservation initiatives for these species.

RESEARCH & CONSERVATION: Marine Mammal Program Ongoing Monitoring • Recorded 64 sightings of 9 cetacean species to provide information about species richness and diversity • Conducted 25 cetacean surveys to provide detailed information on the habitat use and spatial-temporal distribution of species

Interinstitutional Collaboration • Collaborated with 2 academic institutions to obtain valuable information about the first Blue Whale stranding event recorded in the region • Submitted a scientific paper on the first recorded leucistic Bottlenose Dolphin sighting in the Gulf • Participated in the publication of a scientific paper on the hormones and seasonal reproduction of the Fin Whale in the Gulf

Capacity Building • Facilitated a workshop and 2 surveys with 10 Kino Bay community members as part of a collaborative cetacean monitoring project building capacity in local leaders • Completed 11 surveys with Prescott College classes and Visiting Groups to teach students species identification and field research methods

Mentorship • Mentored 1 Independent Study and 3 Senior Projects with Prescott College students to provide hands-on experience in applied science research • Mentored 2 graduate and 1 undergraduate students in co-direction with 2 academic institutions in Mexico • Celebrated the completion of the first master’s thesis conducted in collaboration with the Center with the intent to publish Prescott College Kino Bay Center - Page 11

RESEARCH & CONSERVATION: Waterbird Monitoring Program

IMPACT

Throughout this season, waterbird surveys were completed at four regional estuaries, Alcatraz Island, and at sea. This work was reinforced by collaborative projects with other researchers, organizations, and local community members. An increased number of youth from the Comcaac community participated in waterbird conservation efforts. Monitoring protocols were updated to facilitate further regional collaboration and organize information for trends analysis and diffusion. The Brown Pelican breeding season showed two active nest peaks, one on February and one in March. The Program also participated in educational activities through local school classes, independent studies, and guiding external visiting groups.

Greater coordination with regional partners and community members strengthens relationships and improves processes for the conservation of priority waterbird species and their habitats.

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RESEARCH & CONSERVATION: Waterbird Monitoring Program Ongoing Monitoring • Completed 90 surveys on Alcatraz Island, in 4 regional estuaries, and at sea • Revised all monitoring protocols

Regional Collaboration • Contributed to northwest regional data on wintering shorebirds, Brant and beach nesting priority species • Participated in the inaugural meeting of the bi-national Brown Pelican Monitoring Network to strengthen information exchange and broader monitoring of trends • Contributed data and habitat information to the development of a management plan for the Laguna La Cruz Ramsar Site

Capacity Building • Contributed to environmental education activities with theoretical knowledge and field-based experiences • Facilitated the participation of Grupo Cooijac youth members of the Comcaac community in monthly monitoring surveys of Estero Santa Rosa

Mentorship • Instructed students in class projects and outings with visiting groups • Hosted an undergraduate intern who developed skills in field work techniques, information organization, and presentation of waterbird data Prescott College Kino Bay Center - Page 13

WETLANDS CONSERVATION & COMMUNITY PROJECTS PROGRAM

During 2018-2019, the Wetlands and Community Projects Conservation Program was mainly focused on preparing the management plan for the Laguna La Cruz Ramsar Site. This process consisted of the application of 5 key strategies: community participation, environmental education, economic alternatives for sustainable use, information management and coordination with civil and government institutions for the implementation of management instruments. With this effort, a reference framework was created that allows conservation through management tools based on the problems and needs of the community.

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IMPACT

The application of unique interdisciplinary management strategies and processes among a diverse array of stakeholders results in truly community-based conservation of priority species and habitats.

WETLANDS CONSERVATION & COMMUNITY PROJECTS PROGRAM Information & Management • Created an ecological and economic zoning map, an updated floristic listing, and a cultural and archaeological site map of Laguna La Cruz to contribute further knowledge to the management of the area • Completed the management plan in collaboration with the University of Sonora and CONANP (National Comission for Natural Protected Areas) and submitted for review by stakeholders

Citizen Participation • Hosted a public consultation workshop with 30 participants to discuss the management plan • Facilitated a community clean-up of Laguna La Cruz to commemorate World Wetlands Day where a ton of garbage was collected with the help of +100 people

Economic Alternatives • Designed a proposal for sustainable development based on ecotourism that includes interpretive trails, interpretive centers, and informational signs

Community Awareness • Facilitated 2 workshops in collaboration with the Solidarity Action Fund (FASOL, A.C.) to provide legal tools and knowledge for the protection of territory and resources through social organization • Gave 3 presentations in local schools and universities about the importance of coastal wetlands Prescott College Kino Bay Center - Page 15

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION & COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

IMPACT

The Environmental Education and Community Leadership Program completed a revision of evaluation strategies for the different Program components. It also collaborated further with the Center’s Information Center to train ecology club students and coordinators on communication tools and new technologies. Overall, the Program had a greater presence in primary schools due to the reimplementation of 4th grade ecology classes and increased number of trainings for students. In total, 367 students, 15 teachers, 5 Center fellows, and 33 organizations participated in Environmental Education Program activities this season.

Student-centered and community-based experiential education programs lead to multi-generation dialog and youth involvement in environmental themes including sea turtle conservation, estuary restoration and traditional knowledge about plants.

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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION & COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Classes & Field Trips • Gave 33 ecology classes in local schools to 4th and 6th grade students • Facilitated 4 field trips for 91 students from the region

Club Facilitation • Co-coordinated youth conservation network with 6 regional ecology clubs through facilitating projects, workshops, and meetings between leaders and coordinators • Assisted in developing the network’s new logo to fortify a sense of collective identity

Community Participation • Contributed to 4 community clean-ups and a tree-planting event in Bahía de Kino and Punta Chueca • Supported campaigns for recycling at a local middle school and for informational signage in Laguna La Cruz • Participated in a regional television program with an interview about the Center and the importance of environmental education that reached 400+ people

Mentorship • Mentored 3 high school and university students in social service and professional practicum projects to develop skills and abilities • Completed 10 capacity building workshops reaching 100 students to further empower youth leaders Prescott College Kino Bay Center - Page 18

INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

The Indigenous Community Partnership Program completed its ninth year contributing to the protection of biocultural diversity by connecting research, education and conservation efforts in the region with Comcaac (Seri) traditions, knowledge, self-determination and conservation practices in their territory. We developed stronger partnerships promoting Comcaac-led projects involving plants that protect critical habitats in desert and estuarine environments and generate cultural and economic benefits to the community.

Focus was placed on leadership development geared toward self-governance through equitable partnership negotiation and policy creation in line with traditional norms. Young Comcaac interns and Prescott College students demonstrated their ability to apply biocultural approaches in place-based education and research projects as they learned together with Comcaac leaders and Prescott College faculty members.

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IMPACT

Supporting local leaders in self-determined initiatives and creating multi-cultural educational spaces for further understanding and sharing of experiences results in increased value and protection of species, habitats, territory, and indigenous knowledge.

INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM Equitable Community Collaborations • Facilitated quarterly consultations with tribal authorities to ensure informed consent on projects with partners informed by national and international standards • Supported collaborative projects with academic and governmental institutions that are equitable to the community and promote Comcaac leadership

Capacity-Building • Implemented 4 Biocultural Field School courses and 3 internships supporting 15 Comcaac youth in leadership development and increased abilities for sustainable livelihoods and professional careers • Developed Community Research Groups and a Comcaac Healers Association which created Community Biocultural Protocols and curricula around key species and habitats of high cultural, ecological and economic value • Supported a community research project in habitat conservation leading to heightened community awareness of ecological importance, cultural heritage, and sustainable use practices • Consolidated sustainable livelihoods initiatives focusing on biocultural guide training, mesquite and herbal product sales, and capacity building for financial management

Intercultural Learning • Engaged each Prescott College course and visiting group with Comcaac students and guides in field studies that provided opportunities for biocultural learning and cross-cultural exchanges • Facilitated a collaborative project between a Prescott College and a Comcaac student to produce a biocultural guide to Estero Santa Rosa that incorporates different knowledge perspectives and will be used for future trainings Prescott College Kino Bay Center - Page 20

INFORMATION CENTER

IMPACT

Substantial progress was made this season in fortifying the Center’s communication channels and mentoring students in media-related projects. Our e-mail newsletters increased to monthly frequency and contained more information through publishing with Prescott College Newsroom website articles. This was the first season that the Information Center offered internships for students to become involved in the processes of producing media content and contributing to the Center’s photo and video database. Students furthered their communications abilities by learning and practicing photography, media management, social media strategies, and writing skills. The Information Center and Environmental Education Program collaborated to offer workshops for ecology clubs to enable them to share their conservation efforts and stories.

Consistently communicating the work of the Center to the broader community and creating spaces for students to gain media experience to share their own conservation efforts helps to protect priority species and habitats and promote appreciation for diversity in perspectives.

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INFORMATION CENTER Online Communications • Gained 350+ new Facebook likes and 125+ new Instagram followers since last season through increased posting and innovative uses of social media • Sent out 9 monthly e-mail newsletters to further inform the public, our partners, and our donors

Teaching & Mentoring • Facilitated 3 learning experiences through internships to further develop communication skills in undergraduate and high school students • Gave 2 classes on science communication to Prescott College courses • Facilitated 2 workshops on Information Management for the Coordinators of a local ecology club

Content Production • Created Facebook infographic to educate the public about nesting birds on Isla Alcatraz during Semana Santa that was shared on Facebook 130 times, reaching 6,000+ people and garnering 233 reactions • Completed 6 new videos to show the Center's work featuring staff, students, and community members including an organizational summary video that demonstrates the totality of the Center’s work and programs

Information Management • Updated the Center’s photo database containing over 65,000 images of the Center’s research and conservation programs as well as documentation of the bicultural diversity of the region • Built a video-library with clips representing the Center's work as well as the natural wonders of the region Prescott College Kino Bay Center - Page 22

A CLOSER LOOK: Collaborative Community Workshops The Center collaborated with the Solidarity Action Fund (FASOL, A.C.) to offer two workshops on “Social Organizing for Environmental Protection and Territorial Defense.” The first workshop took place in October 2018 and focused on teaching the rights and responsibilities of citizens in the protection of the environment, natural resources, and territory. This workshop was attended by members of the Bahía de Kino, Comcaac, and Hermosillo communities, as well as students from the Prescott College Marine Conservation and Social Justice & Community Organizing classes.

The second part of the workshop took place in June 2019 and focused on identifying the principal problems in Laguna La Cruz as well as the needs of community members who live, work, and depend on the wetland.

The 28 attendees shared their experiences and expectations about conserving the area and made plans to formalize and strengthen their collaborations to further conservation goals.

Workshops like these offered in collaboration with FASOL help support an informed and empowered community who can take an active role in informing and implementing the Management Plan for Laguna La Cruz.

The community members who participated in these workshops come from diverse sectors, backgrounds and experiences, and their participation makes a large contribution to the work of the Center, and to conservation in Bahía de Kino.

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“This comprehensive information on indigenous rights and protection of territory is extremely important to our community.

Our community needs to understand indigenous rights and apply them in our territory and communities in many areas, especially in fisheries.”

- Leonel Perales Hoeffer, Ecologist and Teacher of the Comcaac community “The Territorial Defense and Community Organizing workshop was a phenomenal opportunity for the MA students in the Social Justice and Community Organizing program to learn directly from organizers in Mexico. One of the many things we learned from the workshop, that continued to come up in our studies of organizing strategy for the rest of the year, was the concept of 'organizing to govern'.”

- Zoe Hammer, Prescott College Faculty

A CLOSER LOOK: Visiting Groups Over the past few seasons, the Center has been increasing its capacity to host visiting groups for short 1-2 week courses and to facilitate day visits from regional school groups. Visiting groups learn about the natural and cultural history of the region through experiential education and interact directly with each of the Center’s program areas to see applied conservation in action. This has been our most successful season yet as we hosted 9 different 1-2 week groups and 320 regional students in day visits. Revenue generation from visiting groups has increased by 30% over 2 years. Not only have numbers increased, we’ve refined our short course curriculum, deepened the cultural orientation given to students at the beginning of programs, and developed internal systems to better manage and implement programs. As part of a $500,000 investment plan, we are improving facilities to support increased numbers of these groups, visiting researchers, independent student opportunities, and staff members. Construction began in June 2019 on expanding the corner palapa area into a two-story building with additional student housing, kitchen, bathroom, and classroom space. During the course of next season, we are also looking forward to hiring a Visiting Groups Coordinator to recruit, manage, and implement these short courses and take our programs to the next level.

Visiting Groups Olivet College Colorado Rocky Mount School Treehouse Learning Community Natural History Institute Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy Cochise Community College One Revolution Credo High School Border Community Alliance Duke University Prescott College Kino Bay Center - Page 23

INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Center is seeing the cumulative benefits of ongoing institutional development and strategic planning efforts funded by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and FONNOR (the Northwest Fund) and guided by our consultant Annette Candanedo. Members of our Executive Council provided significant leadership in program advisement and fundraising efforts this year. This year's emphasis was placed on increasing collaboration with the main campus of Prescott College and further integrating operations within the administrative systems of the College. Investment in collaborative strategic planning and integrative trainings has led to one of the most effective and qualified staff teams in the Center’s history. Through strategic planning and assessment, we further refined our organizational personnel structure to more effectively and sustainably accomplish our goals.

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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INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPEMENT: Major Accomplishments This Season

• Completion of a diagnostic assessment of the Center as a whole, helping to guide our strategic planning efforts toward increased focus, depth, and impact • Continued funding of the Assistant Director for Development and Communication position with the direct result of increased revenue generation and fundraising

2018-2019 Income by Source Funding Source

Amount

Grants Received

$161,000.00

End of Year Campaign

$27,908.00

Other Restricted Individual Donations Non-Prescott College Revenue

$64,441.52

Prescott College Fees

$19,750.00

Prescott College Tuition*

$316,720.00

Total

$662,007.42

$72,187.90

• Increased collaboration with other Mexican NGOs toward accomplishing collective conservation and community goals • Development of a $500,000 investment plan for the next 5 years and approval by the College’s administration and Board of Trustees, with a commitment from the College and an initial donor pledge of $200,000 • Registration in Mexico’s national registry of research organizations (RENIECYT) and completion of final steps toward being an NGO with tax deductible status in Mexico *Total tuition collected by Prescott College for courses taught at the Center Prescott College Kino Bay Center - Page 25

OVERVIEW: Moving Forward

During the next season, the Center will be finalizing its 2020-2025 Strategic Plan. This work began this season with important discussions about the impact of our work and priorities for the future. Programs will be working with their advisors on the Executive Council to fine-tune program activities and goals to be increasingly effective, efficient, and adaptive to current conservation and community issues. Some key focus points for the Center in 2019-2020 include:

Marine Mammal Studies

Publishing and distributing results from 10 years of data in a variety of different formats for different audiences, while continuing to collect data and train students

Waterbird Monitoring Studies

Increasing participation in a regional conservation efforts, applying standardized protocols to deepen data collection and analysis relative to the Brown Pelican and other species throughout the region

Wetlands Conservation & Community Projects

Implementing the Laguna La Cruz Ramsar Site management plan and working with the Comcaac on management, conservation and education initiatives within the Infiernillo Canal Ramsar Site

Environmental Education & Community Leadership

Further updating the field outing program for local youth and consolidating activities with regional ecology clubs

Indigenous Community Partnership

Further integrating community projects and environmental education in collaboration with other Center programs for strengthened leadership training and estuary protection in Comcaac territories

Information Center

Deepening work with Programs to communicate the results of the Center’s work to a broader audience

Institutional Development

Solidifying effective implementation of administrative systems and managing major capital improvement and deferred maintenance projects

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SPOTLIGHTS: Our Kino Bay Center Community "Over the last 5 years working for the Center, I had the fortune to meet wonderful people that gave me a lot of inspiration and lessons. I experienced a whole new level of environmental education, community organizing, and multicultural collaboration. I fell in love with the Gulf of California and reaffirmed my passion for environmental conservation. This will be my drive to keep contributing both from a professional and personal standpoint to make this world a better place for all living and non-living things."

- Olivia Osuna Grijalva, Environmental Education Program Fellow

“The opportunity to work alongside the dedicated staff of the Kino Bay Center was an inspiring experience.

Contributing to long term conservation efforts has motivated me to continue and develop my involvement here and in my other communities.”

- Owen Ryerson, Waterbird Monitoring Program Intern

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"While interning, I learned how to edit a report and take a good photo. I will use these skills in daily life and in school. I also had a lot of beautiful experiences and met incredible people that became good friends and earned my trust."

-Abigail Guatemala, Media and Communications Intern

"When I was a Fellow at the Kino Bay Center, it was the first time that I had contact with and worked with conservation programs related with the communities in the región. For me, it is very satisfying to see how the Center’s conservation programs continue to evolve, and to see that other students and graduates have the opportunity to have these kind of experiences, which impact your life and career."

-Gabriela Suarez, Research Assistant and Administrative Consultant

OVERVIEW: Our Partners

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In the protection and conservation of natural and cultural heritage, we are not alone.

We are very grateful for these partnerships and collaborations that help make our work possible. These are the friends of the Center:

OUR SUPPORTERS Our work is not 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 who believe in the work of the Kino Bay Center.

Executive Council Members • Geoff Barnard • Paul Burkhardt • Ed Boyer • Emily Clark • Richard Cudney • Jennie Duberstein • Lisa Floyd-Hanna

• Gisela Heckel • Joel Hiller • Doug Hulmes • Laura Martínez • Jose Maria Martínez Rodríguez

• Caro Navarro • Eduardo Palacios • Jerry Secundy • Benjamin Wilder

Current Foundation Support: David and Lucile Packard Foundation KAKATU Foundation The Coleman Family Estate The Christensen Fund Sonoran Joint Venture Marisla Foundation The Leiter Family Foundation

Past Funders: The National Science Foundation The Margaret T. Morris Foundation The Estate of Sylvia Hulmes Wild at Heart Foundation Global Green Grants Cleo A. Bluth Charitable Foundation Community Foundation of Breat River Bend

Photos courtesy of:

Dylan Barnes, Naomi Blinick, Jorge Miros Gómez, Olivia Osuna Grijalva, Abigail Guatemala, Maria Johnson, Lorayne Meltzer, Laura Monti, Abril Heredia Morales, Héctor Pérez Puig, Micah Riegner, Kayla Sargent, Ashley Ulrich

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2018 - 2019 Staff Members Program Staff & Fellows

Abril Heredia Morales Verónica Maldonado Bracamontes Jaime Martínez Reyes Jorge Miros Gómez Laura Monti Rebecca Natoli Olivia Osuna Grijalva Héctor Pérez Puig Kayla Sargent

Administration & Operations

Cosme Damián Becerra Megan Hennings Lorayne Meltzer Julio Paredes Carrasco Gregory Smart Virginia Yañez Parra

Connect with us!

Prescott College Kino Bay Center

@kinobaycenter

For more information about our work this year or our organization, please visit our website at www.prescott.edu/kino-bay-center/ or e-mail us at kino_bay@prescott.edu.

We look foward to hearing from you!