Conservation Overview

The Conservation Committee has been a cornerstone of Sea and Sage’s mission, “to protect birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through education, citizen science, research, and public policy advocacy,” since the organization’s incorporation in 1958. The committee focuses its efforts on projects that have the highest potential to impact birds and their habitats positively. Dedicated conservationists and birders work as a team to advocate responsibly, courteously, and honestly, to be persistent, and to speak with authority, backed by facts, to reach our goals.

Conservation Committee Meetings (Monthly)

The Conservation Committee meets regularly on the first Tuesday evening of every month except August (unless otherwise notified). The committee is chaired by Susan Sheakley, with Vice-Chair Scott Thomas, and comprises approximately 20 committee members.
Membership on the committee is by invitation, but we are always interested in local conservation topics and concerns.

For information, please contact Susan Sheakley or
Scott Thomas at Conservaton@seaandsage.org

Conservation Subcommittees

Legislation & Advocacy

The Legislation & Advocacy Subcommittee has a team of volunteers that meets with elected officials to convey Sea and Sage positions on public issues and a team that tracks bills as they progress through the legislative process. We are eager to recruit volunteers who reside in all electoral districts within Orange County.

To join us, email Vic Leipzig (Chair) at advocacy@seaandsage.org

Learn More

Tackling Climate & Trash

We seek to tackle trash and address the climate crisis

by reducing single-use plastics, and promoting eco-friendly legislation. We meet every third Tuesday of the month at 4pm by Zoom.

Join us by emailing tackling.climateandtrash@seaandsage.org

Learn More

Coastal Commission Issues

We strive to protect birds on iconic beaches, coastal wetlands, and bluffs, which are biologically diverse and require extraordinary balance among nature, access, recreation, and development.

Join us by emailing Scott Thomas (Chair) at Conservaton@seaandsage.org

Bird Collisions

Together, we can make our communities safer for birds. Through education, research, and advocacy, the Bird Collisions team is spreading awareness and driving positive change. We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7 PM.

Join our flock by emailing Hope Ludwig (Chair) at Birdcollisions@seaandsage.org

Conservation Subcommittees

Conservation Contacts

Susan Sheakley, Conservation Committee Chair	Conservaton@seaandsage.org
Scott Thomas, Conservation Vice-chair	(949) 293-2915 Conservaton@seaandsage.org
Conservation Subcommittees:
Vic Leipzig, Legislation and Advocacy Subcommittee Chair	advocacy@seaandsage.org
Sudha Warrier, Tackling Climate and Trash Subcommittee Chair	tackling.climateandtrash@seaandsage.org
Hope Ludwig, Bird Collisions Subcommittee Chair	Birdcollisions@seaandsage.org
Scott Thomas, Coastal Issues Subcommittee Chair	(949) 293-2915 Scott.thomas@seaandsage.org

Photos by Sandrine Biziaux-Scherson, Scott Thomas