VENTANA WILDLIFE SOCIETY

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH: Using nature as a classroom, the Society helps children and adults understand and appreciate wildlife conservation and the outdoors while exploring ways they can contribute to its protection or enhancement. Largely funded by government grants intended for under served populations, the Society operates a year-round active youth education program that includes Natural Science Discovery Camp, Wee Ones in the Woods, Condor Wilderness Camp and After School Program for Teens during the school year. The Society serves as training grounds for recent college graduates by offering internships in a professional, hands-on setting. In addition, the Society provides timely and meaningful information through its newsletter, press releases, special events, exhibits, videos, films, and scientific presentations and publications.

SPECIES RECOVERY: FOCUSING ON NATIVE SPECIES OF WILDLIFE, THE SOCIETY REINTRODUCES, MANAGES, AND MONITORS WILD POPULATIONS OF ANIMALS. THE SOCIETY RESTORED A POPULATION OF BALD EAGLES IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA, ALONG WITH PARTNERS, AND CONTINUES TO RELEASE EAGLES AND OTHER BIRDS OF PREY AS NEEDED. THE SOCIETY IS ACTIVELY REINTRODUCING CALIFORNIA CONDORS TO CENTRAL CALIFORNIA. WORKING CLOSELY WITH LANDOWNERS AND GOVERNMENT, THE SOCIETY HAS BEEN EFFECTIVE AT ENCOURAGING A SWITCH FROM LEAD TO NONLEAD AMMUNITION IN KEY CONDOR AREAS SINCE THE INGESTION OF SPENT LEAD AMMUNITION REMAINS THE GREATEST THREAT TO THEIR RECOVERY. THE SOCIETY IS ALSO PARTICIPATING IN A COLLABORATION TO RESTORE CONDORS TO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST AND BUILDING A PROGRAM-WIDE, INTER-AGENCY, ONLINE DATABASE TO FACILITATE SHARING AND RESEARCH.