#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 NOTESLINKSPeople, Animals, and OrganizationsAnat Shenker-Osorio - created approach similar to "Asset Framing"COP15 - recent biodiversity agreement was announced at COP15Doug McKenzie-Mohr - creator of community-based social marketingJodi Hilty, PhD - corridor ecology and connectivity expertMark Hebblewhite, PhD - studies ungulates including mountain caribouMichael Proctor, PhD - studying grizzly bear movements in BCPluie The WolfStoney Nakoda NationsTony Clevenger, PhD - wolverine researcherTrabian Shorters - creator of Asset FramingBooks and ResourcesNote: links to books are affiliate linksArticle about the new Trans-Canada Highway wildlife overpass that Kelly mentionsBeth Pratt discussing P-22 and Wildlife Crossings (Nature's Archive Episode 38)Support Us On Patreon!Buy our Merch!Music: Spellbound by Brian Holtz MusicLicense (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-licenseArtist site: https://brianholtzmusic.com Discover the Jumpstart Nature Podcast - entertaining and immersive, it's the nature fix we all need.Check past Nature's Archive episodes for amazing guests like Doug Tallamy, Elaine Ingham, and Rae Wynn-Grant, covering topics from bird migration to fungi to frogs and bats!