Women in Landscape-Scale Conservation: Beth Conover

Women's History Month

Conservation at landscape scales takes cooperation, patience, and people! In honor of Women's History Month in March, we want to highlight the work of influential women who dedicate their time and energy to protecting our cultural, recreational, and natural resources. 

How did you get started working in landscape-scale conservation?

I helped organize one of the first Land Trust Alliance (LTA) rallies back in 1988 in Estes Park as an early employee of Colorado Open Lands. Later I supported large landscape work as a funder at the Gates Family Foundation.

What does the term connected conservation mean to you?

Landscape across boundaries to protect landscape and habitat integrity - whether across property lines/property type, political (local/state/federal) boundaries, or across cultural boundaries - toward a common vision for the future health of that landscape.

Beth Conover is the Executive Director of the Salazar Center for North American Conservation at Colorado State University.

Tell us about a project that you have worked on that you are especially proud of.

I worked on several large landscape projects while at Gates Family Foundation all over Colorado - in the southeast canyonlands (mostly private, where water is a major issue), in the San Luis Valley (also mostly private, where water is a major issue), and on legacy ranchlands in North Park and Middle Park near the headwaters of the Colorado River. More recently the Salazar Center is helping facilitate a series of conversations about landscape conservation across the Canadian border, including strong Tribal representation.

If you could collaborate with anyone or any organization who would it be?
Such a good question! Probably Native Americans in Philanthropy - based on the presentation at our symposium last year they are very sophisticated in their thinking and work on related issues.

Any advice for women wanting to get into the field?

Have a clear sense of what you want to do (this can evolve over time) and pursue it at every opportunity! Seek out mentors and advisors. Find fellowship and support from your peers wherever possible - it helps to grow professionally together.

Women in Landscape Conservation