Urban sprawl and city centers can disrupt continuous landscapes in many areas when not planned with the greater connectivity goals in mind. How can cities positively contribute to landscape connectivity for plants and animals that need intact landscapes to survive? The final piece in the Salazar Center’s Urban Conservation Stories series will invite experts from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to explore how cities can contribute to national conservation targets through policy, federal support, and NGO-led work.

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This event is part of the Salazar Center’s Urban Conservation Stories webinar series. Each of the three events in the series is focused on a core theme: biodiversity, water in arid environments, and landscape connectivity. Experts from across North America will share their important work that can allow cities to contribute to national conservation targets, while creating thriving urban environments. Learn more about the other events.

Sarah Charlop-Powers, Executive Director and Co-founder, Natural Areas Conservancy

Sarah is the co-founder and executive director of the Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC), a nonprofit dedicated to managing New York City’s 20,000 acres of forests and wetlands. The NAC is a pioneer in the field of urban conservation, using data and science to develop new ways to manage urban natural areas so that they provide recreation opportunities for diverse users, protect biodiversity, and provide environmental benefits. Sarah has a MEM from the Yale School of the Environment.

Alejandro Callejas, General Director for Natural Resources, Guanajuato State

Alejandro, is a senior consultant for different international development agencies and the UN in the areas of sustainability, economy, biodiversity & climate change. He has work experience in politics, project development, and management. He is responsible for the Central West Mexico Biocultural Corridor, and General Director for Natural Resources in the Guanajuato State.

Laurel Carlton, Project Manager, Parks Canada

Laurel is involved in the development of the national program and National Urban Parks Policy. Laurel has a Master’s in Public Administration and joined Parks Canada in March 2020 after a decade spent working in the charitable sector on local and national-scale community development initiatives. Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Laurel has had a lifelong passion for outdoor spaces and for connecting people with nature – and now enjoys sharing those passions with her husband and 2-year old daughter.

Moderated by: Tom Herrod, Senior Program Officer, ICLEI- Local Governments for Sustainability

Tom Herrod leads ICLEI USA’s Membership Team, aligning ICLEI USA’s tools, resources, and support with the needs of the broader ICLEI member network. Tom’s vision is to make ICLEI the first choice of Local Governments for Climate and Sustainability support – leveraging his experience working at local, state, and federal government to improve member benefits and membership experiences continuously.