The work of conservation is not easy. As conservationists, we know that other issues get more attention, politically and socially, yet we are aware of its importance not only for individual species and ecosystems but for human health and well-being. As a community, we have begun to focus on managing for ecosystem resilience in response to climate change and other environmental disturbances. To be successful we also need to increase the resilience of how we work–from mindsets to teams to organizations. Resilience is the ability of a system to cope with change and continue to exist. I will provide additional definitions of resilience including ecological, engineering, evolutionary, psychological, and organizational as a starting point to increasing our collective understanding of this often-used word. I will summarize ways to strengthen individual, team, and organizational resilience and along the way make the case that doing so is necessary to achieve the goal of ecological resilience.
Thursday, February 2, 2023
3:35 pm - 4:25 pm
Presenters

Audubon Canyon Ranch
Tom Gardali, CEO of Audubon Canyon Ranch, has worked in the field of conservation for nearly thirty years, focusing on climate change, ecological restoration, at-risk species, and collaborative conservation. His impact includes developing innovative ways to design restoration projects that are resilient to climate change resulting in thousands of acres implemented; partnering with local, state, and national organizations and agencies to develop and deploy practices that increase ricelands as surrogate wetlands for migratory birds; and facilitating the development of the California Landscape Conservation Partnership Strategic Plan. Tom has authored or co-authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications. He has been recognized as an American Ornithological Society Fellow and for excellence in science by the Central Valley Joint Venture. He is a board member of two Joint Ventures – California Central Coast and San Francisco Bay.