SAN FRANCISCO — In honor of Earth Day, San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) presents an in-depth panel that delves into California’s pioneering nature conservation efforts, led by California Natural Resources Agency’s (CNRA’s) Secretary Wade Crowfoot and featuring leaders in local conservation and environmental justice.  

"Many of our patrons, as well as the wider San Francisco community, are concerned about our climate future," said Gregory Hom, Environmental Center Manager. "In recent years, California has taken steps to deliver nature-based solutions in the fight against climate change. The program is the perfect opportunity to not just learn from, but be inspired by, these leading environmentalists and the steps that have been taken to address the ongoing climate crisis." 

The panel, which takes place on April 21, from 5:30–7 p.m. at the Main Library, explores the creative ways California is achieving climate and biodiversity goals, including collaboration with Native American tribes, that have earned recognition from the UN Climate Change and Biodiversity Conferences. The discussion is followed by closing remarks from Tyrone Jue, Director of the San Francisco Environment Department. 

“Nature-based solutions that support biodiversity help connect every San Francisco neighborhood to the natural world,” said Tyrone Jue, Director of the San Francisco Environment Department.  “They also promote healthier, more livable communities across the city.” 

Guest speakers include Dr. Hollis Pierce-Jenkins, Executive Director of Literacy for Environmental Justice, Jean Fraser, CEO of Presidio Trust, Sara Moncada, Director of Native Ecology at Association of Ramaytush Ohlone and Scott Sampson, Executive Director and William R. and Gretchen B. Kimball Chair of California Academy of Sciences. 

Secretary Crowfoot and CNRA have been longstanding advocates for environmental protection, both internationally and domestically, spearheading Californian delegations at the United Nations’ Climate and Biodiversity Conferences to negotiate the preservation of the world’s natural habitats. CNRA partners closely with California Native American tribes for inclusive and collaborative stewardship of the state’s natural places, wildlife and biodiversity, most recently enacting the state’s first-ever Tribal Stewardship Policy. 

Presented by SFPL’s Wallace Stegner Environmental Center and the San Francisco Environment Department.