Wildlife Coexistence
About Nature Neighbor
Nature Neighbor helps people and wildlife thrive together in the Santa Monica Mountains. Launched in 2017, the program gives residents, students, and volunteers the tools to understand local species, reduce conflicts, and protect fragile ecosystems. From classrooms to backyards, we turn knowledge into action so that communities can live in harmony with mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, and hundreds of other native species.
Why It Matters
The Santa Monica Mountains are one of the only places in the world where a global biodiversity hotspot meets a major city. Here, millions of people share space with iconic wildlife, but every choice we make at home, in our schools, and in our neighborhoods affects their survival. Nature Neighbor empowers communities to make those choices count, shaping a healthier, more resilient region for generations.
Community Outreach
At the heart of Nature Neighbor is community engagement. We’ve reached thousands of residents across Los Angeles and Ventura through talks, workshops, and neighborhood initiatives. Programs include:
- Wildlife-Friendly Certification for homes, schools, and businesses adopting poison free yards, wildlife proof trash, and pollinator gardens.
- Break the Poison Chain, our flagship campaign against toxic rodenticides, teaching families safer ways to manage pests.
- Neighborhood events at libraries, schools, and fairs with expert presentations, trail camera footage, and hands-on demos.
- Targeted support in high conflict areas, helping neighbors reduce fear and build coexistence strategies.
Citizen Science
Community members become part of the science through:
Trail cameras loaned to schools and neighborhoods to document local wildlife.
Annual BioBlitz, a fun, family friendly event using iNaturalist to record biodiversity right in our neighborhoods.
Working with Schools
Nature Neighbor connects directly with students of all ages through lessons, gardens, and creative projects. Highlights include:
Cameras on Campus
Students get to set up wildlife cameras on their campus and experience the excitement of contributing real data to scientific research.
School gardens
SAMO Fund’s Blossoming Futures Program sets up schools with native and pollinator plants that double as outdoor classrooms.
Creative advocacy
From art contests to coloring books, bringing creative ways for young people to share messages about protecting wildlife gives them a way to express themselves.
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