California Conservation Leaders Convene for 25th Anniversary of the “California Missing Linkages” Symposium
Charting the next phase of ecological connectivity in California.
Media Contacts
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Marlene Cardozo
Media Contact
The Nature Conservancy
Email: marlene.cardozo@tnc.org
On January 8–9, 2026, conservation practitioners from across California gathered in Sacramento for the California Missing Linkages 25th Anniversary Symposium, a two-day event focused on advancing a shared vision to reconnect California’s diverse ecological landscapes and guide connectivity conservation actions for the next 25 years through 2050.
Hosted by a coalition of state and federal agencies, organizations and scientific partners, the symposium brought together experts in wildlife movement, land management and stewardship, policy, research and infrastructure planning to assess progress made over the past 25 years and outline actions for the decades ahead.
Honoring 25 Years of Connectivity Conservation
The event commemorated the landmark 2000 initiative Missing Linkages: Restoring Connectivity to the California Landscape, which identified more than 200 critical wildlife linkages statewide and catalyzed major connectivity efforts, including the South Coast Missing Linkages, California Essential Habitat Connectivity and the Resilient Connected Network.
“Twenty-five years ago, Missing Linkages changed the way California thinks about conservation. Today, we have the science, partnerships and momentum to turn that vision into reality,” said Scott Morrison, Interim Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy in California. “Connecting our landscapes isn’t just about wildlife—it’s about building resilience for communities and ecosystems in a rapidly changing climate.”
Participants reviewed conservation gains, losses, new threats and emerging opportunities tied to linkages first identified in 2000, and identified additional connectivity landscapes for conservation action. Updated research and mapping developed over the last 25 years was used to help inform regional and statewide implementation actions through 2050.
Quote: Scott Morrison
Twenty-five years ago, Missing Linkages changed the way California thinks about conservation. Today, we have the science, partnerships, and momentum to turn that vision into reality.
Collaborating for Connectivity
The symposium was organized by an interagency Steering Committee co-chaired by TNC and SC Wildlands, with participation from:
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife
- California Department of Transportation
- California State Parks
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- U.S. Geological Survey
- CalWild
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
“The original Missing Linkages effort proved that when we map what wildlife needs, we can act with purpose,” said Kristeen Penrod, Director, SC Wildlands. “This symposium honored that legacy and ignited the next phase, one defined by innovation, implementation and durable conservation of the wildlife movement corridors species depend on.”
Quote: Kristeen Penrod
The original Missing Linkages effort proved that when we map what wildlife needs, we can act with purpose. This symposium honored that legacy and ignited the next phase, one defined by innovation, implementation and durable conservation of the wildlife movement corridors species depend on.
Why Connectivity Remains Urgent
As development and infrastructure continues to expand, causing further habitat loss and fragmentation, experts noted that many species are increasingly isolated from the resources and pathways they need to survive, migrate, and adapt to wildfire, drought and extreme heat.
State and federal land managers emphasized that connected landscapes extend beyond jurisdictional boundaries.
Connectivity gives at-risk wildlife a fighting chance. This gathering brought science and partnership together—exactly what’s needed to protect species before it’s too late.
Science-Driven Outcomes
Federal research partners highlighted the need for continued data and modeling to guide decisions.
Advocates echoed the importance of long-term vision.
“Protecting connectivity corridors means protecting the integrity of California’s natural landscapes,” said Mark Green, Executive Director, CalWild.
Wildlife institutions reinforced the stakes for future generations.
“Connectivity isn’t optional—it’s survival,” said Charlie de la Rosa, Scientist for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “By working together across regions and sectors, we can create a California where species have the pathways they need to thrive for generations to come.”
Looking Ahead
As the symposium concluded, participants distilled two days of discussion, science, and strategy into a set of emerging priorities that will guide the next phase of connectivity work in California.
To learn more about the importance of a connected California, visit https://www.californiamissinglinkages.org/.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more resilient. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 83 countries and territories (39 by direct conservation impact and 44 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. For more news, visit our newsroom or follow The Nature Conservancy on LinkedIn.