The core mission of conservation organizations is to preserve plants, animals, and their habitats. How do we best go about this essential work at the level of your interest: state, local, or your own backyard? Over several class sessions, we discuss the definition of biodiversity, why we care about it as a society, the pervasive threats, and on-the-ground solutions. Using power-point presentations to illustrate concepts and case studies to apply our ideas, we cover protection strategies and stewardship tools.  We talk about how climate change alters our thinking about traditional conservation approaches. The intention is to provide a background in the principles of conservation biology for you to become a more effective conservation advocate and/or steward of your own land. A series of articles and web links are provided to aide in the discussion.

NOTE: This is the last opportunity to take the class with Frances Clark, principal of Carex Associates of Lincoln, Massachusetts, before her sabbatical.