Science for Conservation Policy: Meeting California's Pledge to Protect 30% by 2030

California has set the ambitious goal of conserving 30% of its lands and waters by the year 2030. In this course, students will develop science-based recommendations to help policymakers reach this '30 by 30' goal. Through lectures, labs, and field trips, students will gain practical skills in ecology, protected area design in the face of climate change, and science communication. Students will apply these skills to analyze real-world data, formulate conservation recommendations, and communicate their findings in verbal and written testimony to policymakers. Prerequisites: BIO 81 or BIO/EARTHSYS 105 or BIO/EARTHSYS 111 or instructor approval.