California is at the very heart of the Academy. We are the oldest science institution in the American West, established to understand and celebrate the state’s stunning natural diversity. At the same time, California is also on the front lines of the ecological crisis, with many of the state’s species and habitats threatened by rising temperatures and record-breaking wildfires.
Through three pathways—biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement—we will investigate the past, monitor the present, and create a future where healthy, resilient human and natural communities thrive together.
Deep in the Sierras, Academy scientists are engaged in a multi-year partnership with the US Forest Service to investigate the relationship between intentional fire and enhanced biodiversity—and how both can boost forest resilience in the future.
By leveraging the Academy’s vast scientific collection of California flora and fauna, we will develop a deeper understanding of our state’s dynamic natural history. By engaging individuals to contribute to community science projects and building a digital tool to foster data-driven conservation planning across the state, we seek to chart a course toward a regenerative future.
We will galvanize a movement in California aimed at providing equitable access to environmental and science learning, inspiring a love of nature, and supporting diverse environmental leadership. We seek to close the science education gap by providing every K-12 student and teacher in California the opportunity to engage their head, heart, and hands in understanding, caring about, and acting on behalf of their local environment.
From serving on the newly created California Biodiversity Network’s leadership team to supporting the State’s 30x30 goal of conserving 30% of California's lands and coastal waters by 2030, the Academy believes in the power of cross-cultural, cross-sector connections. By collaborating with communities, Indigenous groups, natural resource agencies, school districts, and nonprofit partners, Thriving California will ensure our state’s diverse voices inform environmental decision-making in California and beyond.
Visit our Press Center for more Thriving California news.
The Academy is part of a federal research program designed to study the causes of marine mammal strandings.
Experience Northern California's epic natural wonders—including a 7.9-magnitude earthquake in the Shake House.
Join us in summer 2024 for our annual community science effort to document California's coastal biodiversity.
BSI is a transformative professional learning opportunity for PreK-8 teachers in San Francisco.
Help us find and document sea stars along the California coast from December 10–27!
Learn more about the Academy's community science program, and join an upcoming bioblitz or biodiversity survey.
As we seek to regenerate the natural world, what can we learn from the original stewards of our planet?
Fire is essential to forest life—hear from experts tending fires and ensuring a more resilient California.
How can bringing back one butterfly make a difference to local ecosystems and other habitats across the state?
Academy memberships fit everyone on your list—and benefit the museum you love.
