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Featuring Dr. Nalini Nadkarni as Keynote Speaker
Dr. Nalini Nadkarni is a Professor of Biology at the University of Utah. She carries out research on ecological interactions in rainforest canopies with support from the National Science Foundation and the National Geographic Society. She has written over 150 scientific papers and three scholarly books.
Her research focuses on the community and ecosystem ecology of tropical and temperate forest canopies, the effects of forest fragmentation on biodiversity and community function, scientist-initiated engagement to scientifically unengaged public audiences, and the partnering of scientists and artists to enhance the conservation of forests. She has conducted studies all over the world, including the Olympic peninsula.
Nadkarni also shares her knowledge about the importance of trees and forests through collaborations with faith-based groups, artists, corporations, and people who are incarcerated in prisons, jails, and juvenile detention centers. Her work is featured in journals including Science, and in public media such as Science Friday and RadioLab. Her awards include a Guggenheim Fellowship, the AAAS Award for Public Engagement, the The William Julius Wilson Award for the Advancement of Social Justice, and the Archie Carr Medal for Conservation.
Honoring Margaret "Kit" Ellis as the 2022 Gary Allen Cunningham Conservation Award recipient
Kit grew up on the Gig Harbor Peninsula and in 2011 moved back to the forestland where she was raised. The conservation easement on her family’s land was signed in 1990 with Hood Canal Land Trust, one of the land trusts that joined together in 2000 to form Great Peninsula Conservancy. In 2014, Kit began serving on Great Peninsula Conservancy’s board of directors and contributed significantly to GPC’s work as board president from 2018-2020. During that time, Kit never failed to step up to support GPC with her wisdom, generosity, and strength of conviction when it was needed most. When GPC rushed to fundraise for the 160-acre Hahobas Shoreline Preserve, Kit played an integral role in helping GPC hit its goal. In the spring of 2020, when the global pandemic threatened many non-profits in our area, Kit helped ensure GPC’s doors stayed open during a difficult time. It is an honor this year, to celebrate Kit Ellis for her many contributions to the success of GPC, its staff, and the lands and waters it protects.
The Gary Allen Cunningham Conservation Award recognizes a partner or volunteer who has made a significant contribution to GPC’s mission. Past recipients include: Dorothy Lind (2014), Chris Dunagan (2015), Paul Dorn (2016), Gary Cunningham (2017), Kate Kuhlman (2018), Ken Shawcroft (2019), Nancy and Dick D’Archangel (2020), Arthur Schick (2021), and most recently, Margaret “Kit” Ellis (2022).
Great Peninsula Conservancy (GPC) is an accredited nonprofit land trust protecting the natural habitats, rural landscapes, and open spaces of west Puget Sound. Great Peninsula Conservancy has helped protect more than 10,800 acres in Kitsap, Mason, and west Pierce County. Our mission is to conserve vibrant forests, streams, shorelines and community greenspaces for the next generation.
We're excited to celebrate with you at Great Peninsula Conservancy's Conservation Celebration on Friday, August 19th, 2022. A registration confirmation is on its way to your inbox now. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact Claire Voris at claire@greatpeninsula.org.
For more details about the lands and waters that your ticket purchase supports visit
greatpeninsulaconservancy.org