WildFutures has been working on behalf of wildlife for 25 years.
Advancing Sound Science
Produced and hosted Free Wildlife Webinar Series to bring the science of mountain lions and respected ecologists into the homes and hearts of hundreds of people.
Co-edited Cougar Ecology and Conservation with Maurice Hornocker. The book contains chapters written by 20 of the world's cougar experts. Director Sharon Negri co-authored the conservation chapter. The book was the 2010 recipient of The Wildlife Society’s Publications Award for Outstanding Edited Book.
Produced Cougar Management Guidelines, the first publication written by leading cougar researchers to improve how the species is managed in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Co-founded the Wild Felid Research and Management Association, an organization for researchers, wildlife managers, educators, and others interested in the conservation and management of wild felids.
Identifying and Producing Effective Messages and Outreach Materials
Produced the Cougar Outreach and Education Plan for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, which included recommendations to increase public awareness and appreciation for this large carnivore and to reduce human-cougar encounters through community-based education.
Produced Living with Bears in Washington State-- a beautifully designed booklet about the importance of bears and how to take safety precautions.
Conducted focus groups seeking attitudes and public opinions on cougars in four rural counties in Washington State.
Provided Message Development Trainings to over 100 organizations and conservation, wildlife, and animal advocates by connecting diverse media specialists with local groups to help them reach the public more effectively on the importance of protecting wildlife and wild lands.
Produced bear and cougar door hangers for residents to raise awareness about the presence of these animals in their neighborhood, their importance, and steps to co-exist safely.
Creating Television and Social Media Tools
Produced and promoted The Secret Life of Mountain Lions, a 6-minute video revealing the fascinating social bonds of mountain lions and how critical these behaviors are to their survival. The video was selected for several film festivals and National Geographic’s Short Film Showcase.
Produced La vida secreta de los pumas, the Spanish version of our successful video, to reach thousands more in new audiences throughout the mountain lion’s range.
Co-produced a television PSA on cougar and bear awareness and safety that reached millions of viewers in Washington, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.
Co-produced the 35-minute film On Nature’s Terms: How People and Predators Are Co-existing in Harmony, an uplifting film illustrating how people are finding ways to live near wolves, cougars, and bears while safeguarding their habitat.
Building Capacity of Wildlife, Animal, and Environmental Organizations
Developed, promoted, and hosted monthly capacity building programs (peer-to-peer webinars, director calls, and trainings) presented to 74 Earth Island Institute leaders and their staff since 2014.
Coordinated the 2015 and 2017 two-day Earth Island Project Summits to build the connections and capacity of their leaders.
Delivered timely assistance, guidance, and support to state, national, and international mountain lion organizations as regards campaign strategy, message development, personnel issues, fundraising, and review of a wide range of documents.
Provided over 250 hours of coaching to wildlife and environmental advocates to reach personal and organizational goals.