Author Archives: Jeanne Dodds

Pride Month, LGBTQ+ and the Environmental Movement

“A fabulous planet is the fundamental right of everyone in our shared environment. Systems that strip the natural diversity from society and the earth must be toppled so that every expression of humanity, and all species, can thrive.” – Gerod Rody, Founder and President Emeritus of OUT for Sustainability This year is the 50th anniversary of Pride Month. Pride began in 1970, in recognition of the Stonewall Uprising, and recalled the uprising’s protest against discriminatory laws, social treatment, and policing… Continue reading →

Protecting Western Monarchs

By: Angela Laws, Endangered Species Conservation Biologist, The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation; Marlene Milosevich, conservation volunteer and Jeanne Dodds, Creative Engagement Director, Endangered Species Coalition   The western monarch population has declined by more than 99% from its size in the 1980’s, with an 86% drop in the size of the overwintering population from 2018 to 2019.  In response to this decline, The Xerces Society released a Call to Action, to identify the steps we can all take to… Continue reading →

Native Milkweed for Monarch Conservation

Diane Jones, owner of Draggin’ Wing High Desert Nursery and Jeanne Dodds, ESC Creative Engagement Director – Growing up in Idaho, I recall late afternoons watching Monarch butterflies winging through the garden, their orange patterning matching the striking summer light as they flew through the yard. It was thrilling and awe inspiring to observe a tiny part of their long journey. I knew that Monarchs were the state insect of Idaho and connected with these beautiful butterflies as a symbol… Continue reading →

Nowheres Wolf: A Call Not Answered

Interview with Suzanne Moulton, Director, Lead Fabricator, and Workshop Presenter Nowheres Wolf Recently, the Endangered Species Coalition had the honor of interviewing Suzanne Moulton, Director of Nowheres Wolf, a stop-motion animation with the goal of shifting perceptions of wolves. The film, currently under production, demonstrates the sentience of wolves and reveals caring relationships within wolf families. To learn more about this incredible project, visit:  https://www.nowhereswolf.com/   Jeanne Dodds, Endangered Species Coalition, Creative Engagement Director: What inspires and ignites your work… Continue reading →

Youth Innovators for Endangered Species Conservation

One of the most critical pieces in addressing endangerment of global species is to develop and apply innovative conservation solutions. Innovative solutions to the accelerating loss of species are rooted in creative, outside the box thinking – while still being practical and attainable when applied to conservation problems in the real world. The recent IPBES report on biodiversity indicated that “transformative change” is needed to address the crisis of biodiversity loss. Innovative conservation solutions are just that: a change in the way we think about and approach conservation.

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Milkweed is a Life Preserver for Monarchs

During the Pacific battles of WWII, military occupation of Java eliminated the Allies’ source of kapok, the material that filled life jackets used by soldiers in the war.1 Kapok is a cotton-like, fibrous substance surrounding the seeds of the kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra). Without this critical material to fill life jackets, the United States turned to an abundant native plant with seed carried on the wind by fuzzy, lightweight floss: milkweed (Asclepias spp.). Citizens were asked to collect milkweed pods… Continue reading →

Ten Actions to Conserve Endangered Species

One of the most important questions people ask about endangered species protection is: ‘What can I do to help?’ The fourth infographic in our series shows ideas for actions you can take to protect and recover species and support biodiversity conservation. From small to large there are ways for everyone to become involved, make a positive impact, and increase awareness of the urgent need to protect biodiversity. Use this infographic to express to others how individuals and groups can help… Continue reading →

Endangered Species Act Success Stories

Our third infographic features a sampling of success stories of animals and plants recovered under the Endangered Species Act. From high profile, iconic species such as the bald eagle, to less well known but irreplaceable species like the Deseret Milkvetch, species recovery under the Act signifies the importance and strength of this legislation. Use this infographic to express the critical role the Endangered Species Act plays in recovering species populations. To learn more about the positive effects of the Endangered… Continue reading →

What is the Endangered Species Act?

The second in our series of new infographics describes the remarkable efficacy and impact of the Endangered Species Act. The Act, created in 1973, remains one of the world’s strongest protections for biodiversity conservation. Yet in order for the Endangered Species Act to remain strong, it needs your support. Use this infographic to talk with others about the positive impact of the Act and spread awareness of the critical role this legislation plays in species protection. For more information about… Continue reading →