The problems nature and people face today are not simple. They are complex, multidimensional and interconnected—and they are increasing exponentially. For conservation to succeed, scientists have to keep up. That’s why The Nature Conservancy in Arizona (TNC Arizona) is pursuing science that challenges conventions, bridges disciplines and accelerates the pace and scope of our impact. Building on decades of field work, our TNC Arizona science team uses a science innovation fund to harness emerging technologies and engages with diverse experts to translate research into actionable tools. We apply a rigorous methodology and we’re also nimble, constantly scanning the horizon to identify evolving threats and opportunities so TNC can make the best-informed decisions. Our science enables TNC to work at a large, regional scale and to pursue ambitious 2030 goals here in Arizona and worldwide. Click the tiles below to learn more about how we work:
Measure & Evaluate Conservation Impact
- We collect evidence in the field to demonstrate how conservation actions improve conditions for people and nature.
- We chart our progress towards achieving TNC's 2030 goals.
- We learn from evidence and adapt our approach to overcome barriers and bottlenecks.
Examples from the Field
Scale Conservation Impact
- Given the urgency of our changing world, we push the envelope to answer, “What happens if we apply our solutions at the largest scale possible?"
- We leverage place-based evidence, technology and models to illustrate how conservation actions can improve conditions across large landscapes within and beyond Arizona.
- We build collaborative scientific partnerships with partner organizations, agencies and NGOs to build, disseminate and translate science.
Examples from the Field
Map Future Conservation Impact
- In a world that is ever-changing, we identify places where future conservation actions reduce threats or leverage new opportunities.
- We deliver information that is a “call to action” on how collective effort and common priorities can accelerate progress toward TNC’s 2030 goals.
Examples from the Field
Forest Restoration can Reduce Future Forest Losses to Wildfires
Innovation Fund
- We use the Arizona Conservation Science Innovation Fund to work with the best scientific minds to solve our most vexing problems.
- This Fund builds interdisciplinary teams with leading experts in natural resources, social sciences, economics and Indigenous knowledge to tackle multidimensional challenges.
- Through the Fund, teams generate and test innovative ideas, including how to use technology and methods from multiple scientific fields to demonstrate how conservation actions can have impact at the largest scale.
Example from the field
Using Satellites and Machine Learning to Map Surface Water
Apply Our Values
- We commit to listening, learning and giving voice to all people, communities and cultures in the world around us.
- We believe conservation solutions are only enduring and robust when they also strengthen human well-being and community resilience.
- We are expanding our team learning around social science and Indigenous knowledge.
Learn more about what TNC stands for.
Be a Catalyst for Science & Conservation
More Stories from Arizona
Arizona Science Homepage
Learn how our team brings together leading experts to collect evidence and develop novel solutions for conservation.
San Pedro River Wet/Dry Mapping
Since 1999, TNC Arizona has been working with dedicated volunteers and partners to track water presence in streams in the San Pedro watershed during the hottest, driest time of year.
Protecting and Stewarding Arizona’s Lands
One of the most diverse states, Arizona boasts lands from deserts to grasslands to forests. Since 1996, TNC has ensured these landscapes remain for future generations.