We envision a world where people and nature thrive.
OUR MISSION:
Empower conservationists to collaborate with their communities for a healthier planet.
WHAT WE DO:
Crowd Conservation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that promotes resilient communities and thriving ecosystems through collaborative engagement between organizations, stakeholders, researchers, and the public. We provide skills and support for effective teams and the discovery, discussion, and implementation of improved policy and decision-making processes.
Our programs, services, and initiatives empower conservationists through:
Partnership Building and Peer Learning
- We build partnerships and support networks of conservation professionals
- Promote knowledge sharing between practitioners and offer peer learning opportunities
Tools and Training
- Develop tools and training for building facilitation, communication, and collaboration skills
Technical Expertise
- We offer our expertise and services to engage communities in on-the-ground conservation projects
- Facilitate meetings, events, and workshops in-person, virtual, or hybrid settings
- Launch, develop, or support communication strategies or campaigns
- Plan and coordinate events as in-person, virtual, and hybrid
Applied Research
- Coordinate applied research across collaborative teams
FOUNDER AND FACILITATOR
Nicole Reese is the founder and lead facilitator for Crowd Conservation. Nicole’s passion is collaboration for conservation. In 2015 she completed her graduate degree in Conservation Leadership from Colorado State University. With over eighteen years of experience in natural resources, Nicole’s current work focuses on collaborative engagement, storytelling, and public participation in conservation. An advocate for effective facilitation proposed by the International Association for Public Participation, Nicole uses her knowledge in natural resources and critical skills to build connections between communities and their environment.
Contact nicole@crowd-conservation.org if you’d like to get involved with Crowd Conservation or are interested in the trainings or services we provide.
EMERGING LEADERSHIP COORDINATOR
Paula Short is the Emerging Leadership Coordinator, a shared position between Crowd Conservation and the Western Collaborative Conservation Network. Currently, Paula is working closely with the WCCN Emerging Leadership Working Group to develop a Mentorship Toolkit for emerging leaders, seasoned professionals, and organizations.
Paula has worked in natural resources for state, federal and non-profit organizations in Wyoming, Alaska and Montana. Originally from Wyoming, she has lived in the rural west for most of her life and has worked to preserve, protect and enhance critical landscapes.
Paula has a BS in Forestry from the University of Montana and an MA in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. In her free time, she enjoys her home in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, spending time in nearby federal and state forests, staying in fire lookouts and trying to keep up with a busy family that includes her husband, two great kids, several horses and a feisty border collie-corgie cross.
Paula is most excited about engaging with the WCCN and their partners to learn more about collaborative conservation, capacity-building and developing resources to empower emerging leaders.
Contact paulashort@crowd-conservation.org if you are interested in contributing to the Emerging Leadership Initiative!
