ABSTRACT: The perspectives, philosophies, and relationships of individuals differ in terms of how we perceive and experience land, and how and why (or whether, even) we value fish, wildlife, and undeveloped places. Global urbanization and associated distancing of people from the natural world present conservation professionals with the challenges of trying to connect our work to rapidly shifting and potentially disinterested publics. In some cases, our organizational language, reputation, history, modes of communication, rate of adaptation, and internal and external social and political pressures make this work even more difficult. By considering the various forms of relationships (i.e., Land Languages) “spoken” by those we seek to serve, we can inform and reimagine the framing of our efforts, and perhaps even influence our own personal perspectives as conservationists such that the concepts underpinning our work are of undeniable relevance and value to all members of society. As we grapple with the need for broader support in conservation mission delivery in North America, a shift in framing has the potential to fully honor the generations of leadership and investment that have helped stem the tide of species and habitat loss since the 19th century while still allowing space to imagine what might be different in our approaches now and in the future. A consideration of land languages (i.e., ontologies) that predate European arrival on the continent, and which remain at the core of numerous contemporary cultural identities, has tremendous applicability in these explorations as we chart a path with hopes for greater sustainability and conservation engagement. This presentation will explore sources of divisiveness and disconnection while also highlighting critical common ground and offering examples and ideas for our shared journey ahead.
