NWF News: The Latest on Climate Adaptation

Updates from NWF & affiliates: innovations in climate adaptation; getting outside with Nature Niños; Louisiana Wildlife Federation; Great American Campout

By Delaney McPherson
Conservation
Jun 27, 2024

Climate-Smart Innovation

In the decade since the National Wildlife Federation released its 2014 report on climate-smart conservation, climate change has worsened, making the need for creative solutions more urgent.

“This is a new world we’re entering,” says Bruce Stein, NWF’s chief scientist emeritus. “We need to be thinking a lot more expansively and creatively, and in a way that sometimes makes us uncomfortable.”

An image of a baby desert tortoise walking.

To that end, NWF, the U.S. Geological Survey and the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Species Survival Commission released a new report in January, “Innovation in Climate Adaptation: Harnessing the Power of Innovation for Effective Biodiversity and Ecosystem Adaptation,” with Stein as lead author and NWF colleagues Corina Newsome and Arsum Pathak as co-authors.

The report examines novel solutions to conservation problems, such as using green lasers to protect threatened desert tortoises (above) from predation and wrapping giant sequoias (top) to shield them from forest fire damage. It also looks at ways to encourage and sustain innovation, so that new ideas can be successfully integrated into conservation strategy. And it emphasizes updating conventional tactics, as well as drawing on Indigenous knowledge—such as reintroducing beavers to watersheds to help restore salmon habitat, as the Tulalip Tribes, in Washington state, have done.

As climate change impacts continue to intensify, outside-the-box thinking isn’t simply encouraged. It’s crucial, Stein says. “We don’t have the luxury to do nothing and think things will be OK.” Read the report.

An aerial image of Louisiana's Barataria Basin.

Louisiana Hits the Lights, Empowers Young Leaders

Located along the Mississippi Flyway, Louisiana lies on the biannual migration route for hundreds of millions of birds. To support that critical flyway, the Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF), an NWF affiliate, launched its Lights Out Louisiana initiative last year.

The campaign encourages people to turn off lights during migration periods to prevent birds, such as the common yellowthroat (below), from getting disoriented and colliding with buildings—the second leading cause of bird deaths worldwide. LWF is also working with meteorologists to create a Lights Out Louisiana notice during local weather reports, informing people of the initiative when migration is taking place and when inclement weather could cause birds to fly lower than usual.

An image of a common yellowthroat at Lacassine Wildlife Refuge.

That’s just one example of how the group, chartered in 1940 primarily for hunters and anglers, has broadened its scope to address the state’s diverse ecosystems and concerns—including clean energy, coastal restoration (such as the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, top) and carbon capture—while still serving its original sporting mission. To help the public and government agencies navigate these issues, LWF develops resolutions providing information and feedback.

“We want to make sure that the public knows where we stand, so that they can be better informed,” says communications director Jimmy Frederick. “A lot of times, they’re getting one side of the story.”

LWF also mentors future conservationists through the Edgar Veillon Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC). In a free, semester-long program, participating undergraduates learn about environmental policy and advocacy from conservationists, industry and nonprofit experts, and CLC alumni. By amplifying young people’s passion for the outdoors, LWF helps protect Louisiana’s natural resources for years to come.

Donor Spotlight: Alan Penczek of Cockeysville, Maryland

WHY I GIVE “I got into camping and backpacking, and the more time I spent outdoors, I realized wildlife was the most special thing. My favorite photos [I’ve taken] were of wildlife.”

Interested in learning more about the impact you can have on wildlife? Please visit nwf.org/donate.

An image of children smiling while rafting.

Nurturing With Nature

Since 2019, Nature Niños has made the outdoors accessible and fun for kids ages 4 to 18. What started as a program of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, an NWF affiliate, has blossomed into its own organization, working with and for its community statewide to foster educational and creative experiences in nature.

Nature Niños’ programming falls into three categories: school partnerships, home-school support and community outreach. Altogether, this work offers a variety of activities, including white-water rafting (above) and building boats from natural objects (below right). To assemble unique and age-appropriate curricula, the organization often works with partners outside of the traditional outdoor arena, such as Story Connection, a storytelling group that shares nature stories related to areas the students visit. The program is designed to be collaborative, giving students the freedom to pursue what tickles their fancy, from climbing trees to playing with bugs (below left).

A collage of an image of a child holding a bug and an image of a child holding a boat built from natural objects.

“We give space and opportunity for kids to lead the class,” says Laura Lewis, youth program director. “If kids are excited about the river and asking questions, our educators adjust and focus on the needs of the kids.”

Fees are payable on a sliding scale, ensuring access regardless of financial situation. Nature Niños also organizes group hikes, so families can get outdoors together.

As it has grown, Nature Niños has received feedback from the community on new programming—including an internship for high schoolers—and has expanded to accommodate requests.

“We were born out of the need heard from the community,” says Sarah Candelaria, executive director. “We have our ear to the ground to make sure we’re listening, seeing gaps and how we can fill them.”

An image of a family resting with a tent in nature at sunset.

Bulletin: Great American Campout

This summer, NWF’s Great American Campout is once again partnering with Johnson Outdoors and the Clean Earth Challenge to encourage people to enjoy nature responsibly. Learn more about Great American Campout.