Ventana Wildlife Society

Conserving Native Wildlife and Their Habitats

Ventana Wildlife Society has been conserving native wildlife through research, restoration and education since 1977.

Species Recovery Since 1996, we have been responsible for the release and management of California condors in the central coast region of California, and continue to be the only private, nonprofit organization to do so. Prior to releasing condors, VWS was instrumental in bringing the Bald Eagle back into the region and continues to monitor the local population.

Conservation Ecology Visitors are welcome at our Big Sur Ornithology Lab as we study migrant and resident songbids throughout the year. Other projects include: Monarch Butterfly Winter Surveying and Microclimate Research, Carmel River and Grassland Restoration Monitoring, Powerline Assessment and Mitigation at Camp Roberts and San Luis N.W.R., Spotted Owl Surveys and Barn Owl Monitoring.

Habitat Restoration At Andrew Molera State Park, we conduct riparian habitat restoration along the Big Sur River and are currently supporting restoration projects throughout the California Coastal Region.

Education and Outreach Current youth projects include: Natural Science Discovery Camp, Natural Science After School, Natural Resources Recruitment, and Carmel Middle School Bird Banding. Our traveling exhibit, "Bringing the Condors Home", showcases our work with the California condor. Ongoing internship opportunities with our organization provide hands on expeience in research and field techniques.