The Nature Conservancy in Idaho Welcomes New Lead Scientist

As a science-based organization with over 400 scientists around the world, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Idaho is pleased to announce Taylor Ganz as the new Science Lead, effective May 20. This role provides localized science support for TNC's programs in Idaho such as land and water conservation, climate policy and renewable energy, natural climate solutions, regenerative agriculture and resilient forests.

Ganz’s scientific career has focused on evaluating the intersection of human activities and ecological dynamics to inform conservation and land management. She was formerly a research scientist at the University of Washington, studying how wildlife respond to snow and the effects of climate change. She also worked with the U.S. Geological Survey to synthesize the science on the effects of recreation on wildlife such as deer and elk. Ganz earned a Ph.D. from University of Washington in Environmental and Forest Sciences, an M.S. from Yale University in Environmental Science, a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at USC and a B.A. in Physics at Lewis and Clark College.

In her position as Science Lead, Ganz will ensure that TNC’s conservation actions are informed by a wide array of scientific and intersectional disciplines, including environmental, climate and social sciences, and will incorporate other knowledge systems when appropriate. She will work closely with conservation practitioners, partners and other scientists across the region to help drive the on-the-ground management of TNC’s conservation strategies throughout Idaho.

“I’m thrilled to join the team at TNC and look forward to using my scientific background to support and inform conservation across the region,” said Ganz.

Ganz’s role with TNC places her in a landscape that she cares for deeply. She grew up fly-fishing the Big Wood River and formerly worked as a climbing guide in the Sawtooth, Pioneer and Lost River Mountain Ranges. “I’ve spent well over 1,000 nights in the Western backcountry personally and professionally—as a scientist, educator, Wilderness Ranger and guide. I’ve learned what it means to feel small in big places, to be self-sufficient and to solve problems creatively. I deeply care about the wild places of the American West and the human communities sharing these landscapes,” said Ganz.

Ganz will be based in TNC’s Hailey office and can be reached at taylor.ganz@tnc.org.