Sustain • Strengthen • Succeed

Sustain the progress and momentum of 30x30’s first five years.

Strengthen the partnerships, policies, and innovations needed to achieve our conservation goals.

Succeed at securing a healthy and resilient planet for generations to come. 

Summit Program – At a Glance

Thursday, August 14th 

In person registration is closed. Register now to watch the plenary sessions virtually.

8:00 AM Check-In at the San Diego Natural History Museum (Main Entrance)

• Come early to explore the museum while enjoying coffee and conversation! Light refreshments will be provided.

9:00 AM Opening Plenary: Building Conservation Legacy (Theater, Atrium & Zoom)

• Dr. Stanley Rodriguez, Kumeyaay Santa Ysabel Band of the Iipay Nation

• Assemblymember Tasha Boerner, Representing California’s 77th District

• Judy Gradwohl, President and CEO, San Diego Natural History Museum

• California Natural Resources Agency, Deputy Secretaries Jenn Eckerle and Meghan Hertel (emcees)

9:45 AM Keynote Speaker (Theater, Atrium & Zoom)

• Collin O’Mara, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Wildlife Federation

10:25 AM Break

10:40 AM Keynote Panel – Many Paths to 30x30: Listening, Learning, and Leading Together (Theater, Atrium & Zoom)

• Secretary Wade Crowfoot, California Natural Resources Agency (moderator)

• Valérie Courtois, Executive Director of the Indigenous Leadership Initiative

• Exequiel Ezcurra, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Ecology, University of California, Riverside. Director, UC-MEXUS (UC Institute for Mexico & the United States)

• Tom O’Shea, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game

11:40 AM 30x30 Champion and Hidden Hero Awards Ceremony (Theater, Atrium & Zoom)

• 30x30 Champions presented by Jen Norris, Wildlife Conservation Board Executive Director

• Hidden Hero Awards presented by Valerie Termini, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Chief Deputy Director and  Kellyx Nelson, San Mateo Resource Conservation District Executive Director

12:10 PM Lunch Provided (Atrium & 2nd Floor)

1:00 PM Different Paths, Shared Purpose: Concurrent Sessions #1 

• Ahead of the Curve: The Power and Promise of Advance Mitigation (Coast to Cactus Exhibit, Level 2)

• From Protection to Perennial: Growing a Stewardship Movement (Unshelved Exhibit, Level 2)

• All Hands on Deck: Charting Our Course Toward 30x30 in Coastal Waters (Fossil Mysteries Exhibit, Level 2)

• Where Nature Works: Production and Biodiversity Together (Living Lab, Level 1)

• Nature’s Pulse: Monitoring California’s Living Landscapes with Sentinel Sites (Smargon Learning Lab, Level 1)

• BiodiverCITY: Where Nature and Neighborhoods Thrive (Theater, Level 1 & Zoom)

• Finding Common Ground in an Uncharted Federal Landscape (Parker French Learning Lab, Level 1)

2:10 PM Break

2:30 PM Different Paths, Shared Purpose: Concurrent Sessions #2 

• Surprising Co-Benefits: The Transformational Power of Integrating Social Justice and Conservation (Coast to Cactus, Level 2)

• Think Different: Expanding Views of Ecological Connectivity (Unshelved Exhibit, Level 2)

• How Unique Moments of Wow and Wonder Cultivate 30x30 Leaders: The Role of Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums (Fossil Mysteries, Level 2)

• Advancing Tribal Stewardship Through Tribal Access, Collaboration, and Ancestral Land Return (Living Lab, Level 1)

• Wired for the Wild: Tech Tools for a Thriving Planet (Smargon Learning Lab, Level 1)

• From Maps to Memes: Creative Tools to Build Power and Raise Awareness for 30x30 (Parker French Learning Lab, Level 1)

• Metrics with Meaning: Assessing, Tracking, and Supporting 30x30 Biodiversity Conservation (Theater, Level 1 & Zoom)

3:30 PM Break

3:45 PM Closing Plenary – From Nature’s Notes to Human Hearts: Emotional Connection to the Environment (Theater, Atrium & Zoom)

• Discover how music and performance can deepen our emotional bond with the natural world in this inspiring panel. Join artists and storytellers as they explore the powerful ways sound and movement connect us to the Earth and awaken our sense of wonder. 

• Featuring: Kumeyaay Bird Singers 

• Armando Quintero, Director California State Parks (moderator) 

• Sustain Music and Nature 

• San Diego Circus Center 

4:50 PM Closing Remarks (Theater, Atrium & Zoom)

5:30 PM Reception at the San Diego Zoo

• Step into the wild for a fun reception at the zoo, where you can explore amazing wildlife habitats while the zoo is open and mingle with colleagues in a unique, lively setting. It’s the perfect chance to connect, unwind, and share some unforgettable moments surrounded by nature and adventure! Explore the zoo starting at 5 pm, then gather for a reception at 5:30 pm.

• Reception is within walking distance of the San Diego Natural History Museum within Balboa Park.

Friday, August 15th: 30x30 In Action Field Trips 

(time and meeting location dependent on field trip) 

Join one of thirteen partner hosted regional tours showcasing on the ground projects and partnerships that are protecting and restoring biodiversity, expanding access to nature, and mitigating and building resilience to climate change. Learn more and sign up for a field trip here!