National Conservation Lands make up some of the country’s most scientifically important landscapes where scientists from all over the world make important discoveries, fine-tune valuable research to inform land management practices, and reintroduce endangered species. We’re proud to support programs that enrich these scientific endeavors, especially those that look to develop and empower the next generation of scientists such as the Mojave Desert Land Trust’s successful “WISDOM” program.
“It’s important to us to create the next generation of scientists, conservationists, and advocates.”
-Mary Cook-Rhyne, Mojave Desert Land Trust Education Coordinator
The Women in Science Discovering Our Mojave (WISDOM) Program works to increase understanding of environmental science and land management aspects of the Mojave Desert In California while addressing the gender disparity in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. This innovative program connects female college students with researchers and professionals to develop the next generation of public lands managers and stewards. These students then work to gather important scientific information that informs best land management practices.
“It’s just so great to have those opportunities now that familiarize women and women of color with the tools of the trade, the tools that science requires.”
-Elizabeth Paige, College of the Desert WISDOM Intern
This past year, through Conservation Lands Foundation’s partnership with the Mojave Desert Land Trust, WISDOM participants contributed directly to the future management of the Mojave Trails National Monument by focusing on avian and bumblebee data collection. Past research projects have focused on bighorn sheep and the tamarisk beetle populations. In 2021, WISDOM interns gathered dark sky surveys to help advocate for a Dark Sky Sanctuary designation for the monument.
The WISDOM internship program is made possible through sustained funding from Edison International.
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Conservation Lands Foundation published this page in Latest News 2022-11-22 14:23:12 -0700