#63: Connecting Habitats and Hearts: The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative with Kelly Zenkewich

Are you ready for an in-depth look at the challenges and solutions of wildlife connectivity? The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, or Y2Y, is working on a grand scale to connect and protect habitats from Yellowstone to the Yukon, for the benefit of both people and nature.

Today, we're joined by Kelly Zenkewich, Senior Communications and Digital Engagement Manager at Y2Y. We delve into the unique challenges of both the region and the scale of Y2Y’s vision.

As you’ll hear, even if thinking about this area conjures up images of vast open spaces, there are still numerous highways, cities, fences, railroads, ranches, farms, and other human infrastructure that fragments the landscape.

We discuss the charismatic animals of the area - from grizzly bears and wolverines to caribou and pronghorn - the diverse challenges faced by these animals, and the ways Y2Y is working to conserve them.

We'll also learn about the unique approach of Y2Y, which works across 5 states, and 4 Canadian provinces and territories, as well as the territories of at least 75 indigenous groups. Kelly describes how they positively engage people across these communities using communication techniques such as asset framing and community-based social marketing.

You can find more about Y2Y at y2y.net, and find them on instagram and facebook.

FULL SHOW NOTES

LINKS
People, Animals, and Organizations
Anat Shenker-Osorio - created approach similar to "Asset Framing"
COP15 - recent biodiversity agreement was announced at COP15
Doug McKenzie-Mohr - creator of community-based social marketing
Jodi Hilty, PhD - corridor ecology and connectivity expert
Mark Hebblewhite, PhD - studies ungulates including mountain caribou
Michael Proctor, PhD - studying grizzly bear movements in BC
Pluie The Wolf
Stoney Nakoda Nations
Tony Clevenger, PhD - wolverine researcher
Trabian Shorters - creator of Asset Framing

Books and Resources
Note: links to books are affiliate links
Article about the new Trans-Canada Highway wildlife overpass that Kelly mentions
Beth Pratt discussing P-22 and Wildlife Crossings (Nature's Archive Episode 38)

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Music: Spellbound by Brian Holtz Music
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Artist site: https://brianholtzmusic.com

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