A native to California, Kat has a deep respect and reverence for nature. Originally from San Diego, Kat studied fish, wildlife, and conservation biology at Colorado State University. Before attending university, she always dreamt of becoming a large animal veterinarian. However, through her ecology studies, she came to understand the connection between habitat degradation and animal extinction, a significant realization that altered her life path. “If I can restore the habitat, then the animals can restore themselves,” Kat says.

As many know, California saw profound impacts from Hurricane Hillary and The Wildlands Conservancy’s California Desert Preserves were no exception. As we rebuild, we are provided with an opportunity to reflect on the incredible resilience the preserves have shown in over two decades of fires, floods and a global pandemic. It is clearer now more than ever that our resilience is a direct reflection of the love we all share for these wonderful places and our dedication to sharing them with those that need them most.

While the term “rewilding” is growing in popularity, it’s not a novel concept at The Wildlands Conservancy. Our latest success is unfolding at Bluff Lake Reserve where we’ve reintroduced two critically endangered species, the unarmored three-spine stickelback and the mountain yellow-legged frog, revitalizing the hope of a future for these creatures.