Radical Then, Critical Now: Interdisciplinary Strategies in Environmental Conservation
February 21-23, 2025
Starting in the early 1970s with the founding of the Environmental Studies Department, UC Santa Cruz pioneered a unique, interdisciplinary approach to successful conservation work – an approach that combined public policy work with rigorous scientific study. Founding chair Dick (Richard) Cooley, often collaborating with professor of natural history Ken Norris, brought this approach to the department’s groundbreaking work in national and international conservation.
Today’s Environmental Studies Department expands on Cooley and Norris’s visionary approach, as research and education in science, sociology, policy, art, environmental justice and natural history combine to address current environmental challenges. In February, the Norris Center for Natural History will celebrate Cooley’s efforts with 3 days of events that recognize his signature work and prepare for the future of environmental conservation. The events are co-sponsored by UCSC’s Environmental Studies Department and the Friends of the Norris Center.
“Radical Then, Critical Now” includes a Friday evening gathering to celebrate the legacy of founding Environmental Studies Department Chair Dick Cooley, a public symposium on Saturday afternoon at the UCSC Hay Barn, along with Sunday tours.
Event 1: Friday February 21 3-9pm
Celebrating Dick Cooley, founding chair of Environmental Studies
Location: UCSC Hay Barn
This afternoon and evening is all about connecting and re-connecting with former students, staff, faculty, and friends of Dick. Retired faculty Jim Pepper, Craig Schindler, and Steve Gliessman, and alumnus Bob Childers, will talk about Dick’s vision and working with him in the 1970s and 1980s. Alumnus John Gamman will pass the mic for others to share stories about Dick, and Jeff Bury, current Chair of Environmental Studies, will talk about the evolution of the department and where we go from here. After dinner, we’re hoping folks will bring a song, a poem, a tribute, or a skit about Dick to share.
Event 2: Saturday February 22 1:30-5:30 (students-only career networking event starts at 12 noon)
Public Symposium: Radical Then, Critical Now. Interdisciplinary Strategies in Environmental Conservation
Location: UCSC Hay Barn
Parking: Parking is free on the weekend. Please park in lots 116 and 115, both of which are a short walk from the Hay Barn. Lot 170, immediately adjacent to the Hay Barn, is reserved for anyone with mobility issues.
Admission is FREE but we strongly encourage $10 donations for all non-students 12 & up and $5 for current Friends of the Norris Center members. Cash, check, and Venmo can all be accepted.
Schedule:
12:00 Students-only networking session focused on careers in conservation.
1:30 Doors open to the public.
2:15 UCSC Faculty and student speakers
3:30 Live Music Celebration and Participatory Art
5:30 End
Symposium Event Details:
Careers in Conservation:This students-only pre-event will offer a structured networking opportunity for current students to meet alumni professionals working in various conservation-related fields. PIZZA will be included!!
Faculty Speakers:
Dr. Karen Holl, Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies, will speak about how we continue doing successful interdisciplinary conservation work now and in the future.
Dr. Gary Griggs, Distinguished Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences,:1970: The First Environmental Studies Class at UCSC.”
Student Speakers:
Jonas Banta, Master of Fine Arts in Environmental and Social Practice: “Visions of World Renewal: Ecological and Cultural Restoration in Two Salmon-bearing Watersheds in Alaska and California”
Natalie Twilegar, undergraduate in Environmental Studies.
Live Music: Directly following our speakers, our alumni string band will play a few songs in celebration of the UCSC conservation and natural history community.
Participatory Art: Led by Norris Center Art+Science Graduate Fellows
Other Weekend Events: Several additional events will be scheduled associated with the Friday celebration of Dick Cooley, including visits to the Cooley special collections, natural history walks on campus (weather permitting), and an open house at the Norris Center. These events will be advertised to everyone who registers to attend the Friday Cooley celebration. For others interested in these events, please contact the Norris Center.
Questions: Email norriscenter@ucsc.edu. We hope to see you there!
