In the field and in the lab, we do the research that makes conservation possible. Our work helps all species—from humans to hummingbirds and everything in between—coexist in the face of increasing development and a changing climate. We live in one of 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world. Our region is home to many species that can't be found anywhere else on the planet, yet are endangered and threatened by habitat loss. We believe it’s our responsibility to protect this incredible biodiversity.
Much more than a museum, The Nat has been conserving this amazing place we call home for more than a century. Our conservation efforts span across time and across Southern California and the Baja California Peninsula. See what our researchers are up to.
The Baja California Peninsula holds the perfect recipe for biodiversity: temperate areas on its northern border and forests on its cape, both of which are connected by a large desert and surrounded by the ocean. Due to increasing development and other threats, some species have been negatively impacted—but our scientists are working alongside counterparts in Mexico to conserve the amazing wildlife in our region. Learn more.
Habitats along the U.S.-Mexico border are continuous bioregions that are artificially split by political boundaries. Although these ecosystems are one, they often differ in their management, anthropogenic pressures, and impacts. Scientists at The Nat are leading conservation work that helps safeguard species and understand how life in this region has evolved over time. Learn more.
When you think of conservation projects, you probably imagine remote areas or rural landscapes—think again! Conservation is happening in our own backyards, and our scientists are hard at work protecting wildlife in the cities, highways, and local canyons of San Diego County. Learn more.
Parklands and military bases are extensive areas of land that undergo significantly lower human impacts and pressures. As such, these places allow researchers to study species in their natural habitats and understand how wildlife interacts with its ecosystem and what it needs to thrive—our scientists are doing just that. Learn more.
The Peninsular Ranges extend from Southern California to the tip of the Baja California Peninsula. The preservation of these mountains and the plants and animals living there is vital for sustaining biodiversity, ensuring water security, and mitigating climate change impacts. Nat researchers are studying everything from wildlife to wildfire to support these delicate ecosystems. Learn more.
Although many people think of deserts as barren expanses of land, we beg to differ! Deserts are fascinating landscapes that are home to specialized plants and wildlife that can be found nowhere else on Earth. Our researchers are working here to understand how ecosystems have changed over time and reintroduce endemic species that have been impacted by development. Learn more.
More than 75 percent of California’s coastal marshes, lagoons, and estuaries have been destroyed, severely endangering many wetland-dependent species. These delicate habitats provide critical services for all life on Earth. Read how our scientists are working to protect and improve the dunes and wetlands that are integral to humans and wildlife in our region. Learn more.
Because of their relative isolation, islands are home to some of the richest reservoirs of plants and animals on Earth. Many species are unique—found nowhere else—allowing scientists to study how life evolves, adapts, and thrives. Our scientists are working on islands in both the U.S. and Mexico to become detectives of the ancient past, remove invasive species, and become stewards of binational conservation. Learn more.
San Diego County is home to a remarkable variety of ecosystems, plants, and wildlife—it’s the most biodiverse county in the continental United States. Our land and water ecosystems are vital to our local species and essential for people’s well-being. However, threats like development and climate change are putting these natural spaces at risk. Learn how local conservation leaders are tackling these challenges and helping sustain our region’s legacy of biodiversity conservation. Learn more.