Bats need our help now more than ever! A recent report determined that over 50% of North American bats are considered at risk. Besides adding diversity and flair to local wildlife, our bats consume countless pest insects every single night. These nocturnal neighbors need our help now more than ever. Join Bat Conservation International's Jessie Bunkley and Erin Cord as they talk about your local bats, the threats they face, and how you can help them right in your own backyard!
Jessie serves as the Conservation Research Coordinator for the PacWest region, facilitating and supporting bat-related research, management, and policy efforts in California and Nevada. Her research and conservation of a diversity of organisms, including bats, small mammals, shorebirds, seabirds, songbirds, reptiles, cetaceans, and numerous plant species, has inspired a wholistic, ecological approach to conservation and a commitment to public education and engagement. With a B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of California Santa Cruz, a M.S. in Biology from Boise State University, and professional experience with federal and state agencies, non-profits, and universities, Jessie contributes a deep and nuanced understanding of applied conservation to the talented team at Bat Conservation International.
Erin joined the BCI staff in 2019 and is proud to be doing community engagement work on behalf of the organization. Erin double majored in Wildlife Conservation and Entomology from the University of Delaware and received her MS in Wildlife Ecology from the Cesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. She has over 10 years of experience working as a wildlife biologist and running environmentally focused volunteer, outreach, and education programs. Erin is happiest working at the intersection of science communication and citizen empowerment. She loves working outside and getting people excited about environmental stewardship and wildlife conservation.
Bill Camarillo from Agromin, Inc. and Food Forward’s team - Ayden and Madi
Nearly half of the food produced in the U.S. ends up in landfills, costing over $200 billion annually and contributing to 6% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. California, a leading agricultural economy, imports $160 billion in food, yet food waste releases 170 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and occupies a quarter of landfill space. Meanwhile, 17% of U.S. households face food insecurity. Can we shift to a circular food system that strengthens communities and fosters climate resilience? Today, we’ll hear from two innovators redefining waste and promoting sustainable solutions.
Bill Camarillo is CEO of Agromin, the largest organics recycler in California. He remains passionate about organics recycling and regenerative soil science after 25 years in the industry. As the CEO of Agromin, he plays a key role in pioneering sustainability through organics conversion. Agromin sells over 200 eco-friendly organic soil products, which range across the retail, agriculture, landscape and energy sectors, are the earth-friendly result of the over 1M tons of organic waste materials converted each year by the company.
Food Forward fights hunger and prevents food waste by rescuing fresh surplus produce, connecting this abundance with people experiencing food insecurity, and inspiring others to do the same. They collect fresh, surplus fruits and vegetables from backyard fruit trees, public and commercial orchards, farmers markets, and the downtown Los Angeles Wholesale Produce District, donating this bounty to hunger relief organizations across 13 California counties that include Los Angeles and Ventura, along with 7 adjacent states and tribal lands. Today we have two representatives with us from Food Forward’s team - Ayden Mallory, Farmers Market Recovery Coordinator and Madi Kay, Volunteer Coordinator.
Ayden Mallory’s passion for community resilience and food justice stems from a deep intrigue of food systems. Growing up she committed her summers to participating in local food systems—either working in the dirt as a farm hand or rolling out dough in bakeries. Ayden landed at Food Forward over a year ago as the Ventura County Farmers Market Recovery Coordinator. She believes farmers markets are a microcosm of community capacity and an important place for abundance to be shared!
Madi Kay realized the power that food equity has to strengthen and empower communities while making sandwiches at the Isla Vista Food Cooperative during her college days. She has since dedicated her career to helping get nutritious food into the hands of those who need it most. She’s delved into a number of different avenues for improving our food system—startups, food cooperatives, farms, nonprofits, mutual aid groups—and is currently engaging community members with the sustainable food movement as Volunteer Coordinator at Food Forward!
This presentation highlights key issues in support of American Recycles Day (November 15) and World Food Day (October 16). To support Food Forward’s efforts locally - volunteer or donate food or money - visit foodforward.org.
