Steven Prager

Director, Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of the ±¬ÁϹ«Éç

Steve (he/him) works to engage people in conservation action. Through bird survey, advocacy, hands-on habitat work, and partnerships, he has for over a decade been committed to building an ±¬ÁϹ«Éç network that is larger, more representative of the communities in which we work, and more capable of making a significant, positive impact for people, habitat, birds, and other wildlife. As a science communicator and experienced field biologist, he works to provide resources and experiences that increase awareness and knowledge of current science, threats, policy, and best practices relevant to bird and habitat conservation in the Southwest.

He believes that to authentically and effectively engage people in conservation action, we must seek to build with our collaborators common ground, trust, and a mutual understanding of our working relationship and goals. In this work, he aims to center the expressed interests of those most impacted by environmental issues, collaborate with communities and partners that have been historically excluded by ±¬ÁϹ«Éç and other environmental organizations, understand and be responsive to individual communities’ cultures, needs, views, and expectations, and respect the rights of communities to maintain power over their own goals and outcomes. He understands that his privileges and lived experience leave him with gaps in awareness that affect his ability to most equitably and effectively address environmental issues, and he values the education and perspective that working with diverse communities and partners can provide.

Steve earned a Bachelor's of Science in Conservation Biology and Ecological Sustainability from Arizona State University. When he's not looking up to find birds, he's looking down to find snakes.

Articles by Steven Prager

Snowy Plover. Frank Lehman/±¬ÁϹ«Éç Photography Awards
±¬ÁϹ«Éç Chapters Taking Local Action for Birds and People in the Arid West
May 07, 2021 — 2021 Western Water Network Grants Support Five Western Chapters
Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Mary Miguez/±¬ÁϹ«Éç Photography Awards
Over 150,000 Acres of Critical Habitat Designated for the Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo in Arizona
May 05, 2021 — How ±¬ÁϹ«Éç made a difference for one of the West's most imperiled birds.
Más de 150.000 acres de hábitat crítico designados para el cuclillo pico amarillo en Arizona
May 04, 2021 — Cómo ±¬ÁϹ«Éç marcó la diferencia para una de las aves más amenazadas de Occidente
Keeping Beer and Rivers Flowing
February 22, 2021 — Craft brewers speak up to advance Arizona’s water law
Western Water Network Grants: Chapter Highlights
February 18, 2021 — Field update from 2020 grants