Western Section of The Wildlife Society

California mountain landscape with wildlife habitat

Western Monarch Workshop — November 2026

Protecting Western Monarch Overwintering Ecology

Join expert instructors for a two-day field and lecture experience in Santa Barbara examining critical monarch butterfly habitat and overwintering behavior.

Bumble bee field course — Truckee California

Bumble Bee Field Course — July 9–12, 2026

Four Days in Truckee's Pollinator Corridors

An immersive field training course in Truckee, California studying bumble bee ecology, identification, and conservation in western alpine habitats.

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Women of Wildlife retreat — Anza Borrego

Women+ of Wildlife Retreat — September 25–27

Community, Conservation, and Connection in the Desert

The Women+ of Wildlife Retreat returns to the Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center for three days of learning, networking, and community building.

Wildlife biology fieldwork in the western United States

Western Section Election 2026

Your Vote Shapes Western Wildlife Leadership

All current Western Section members are eligible and encouraged to vote. Listen to candidate interviews and read statements before voting closes June 15.

Vote Now Candidate Statements

Who We Are

Advancing Wildlife Stewardship Across the Western States

The Western Section of The Wildlife Society is a non-profit 501(c)3 scientific and educational association dedicated to excellence in wildlife stewardship through science and education. We represent over 1,000 wildlife managers, biologists, ecologists, and students across California, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Our mission is to enhance the ability of wildlife professionals and students to conserve diversity, sustain productivity, and ensure responsible use of wildlife resources and their habitats — through research, field work, professional development, and community.

About the Western Section

Wildlife professionals conducting field research in the western United States

Western Section members at a field survey, Central California

What We Offer

Programs, Resources & Opportunities

From field courses and workshops to grants, publications, and career resources — the Western Section supports wildlife professionals at every career stage.

Training

Workshops & Field Courses

Hands-on training in wildlife ecology and field methods, from the Bumble Bee Field Course in Truckee to the Western Monarch Overwintering Workshop in Santa Barbara.

Explore workshops

Career

Career Builder Workshop Series

Monthly virtual workshops, completely free, designed to help wildlife professionals and students develop the skills and connections they need to grow their careers.

Join the series

Grants and scholarship opportunities for students

Funding

Grants & Scholarships

Financial support for wildlife students and early-career professionals pursuing research, fieldwork, and continuing education across the western states.

Find funding

Publications

Western Wildlife Journal

Our peer-reviewed scientific journal publishing original research on the wildlife species, habitats, and management issues of the western United States and Pacific Islands.

Read the journal

Policy

Conservation Affairs

Our Conservation Affairs Committee meets monthly to monitor and respond to conservation policy, land management decisions, and advocacy opportunities affecting western wildlife.

Get involved

Media

Wildlife Podcasts

Listen to conversations with wildlife professionals, researchers, and conservationists working on the most pressing issues facing western wildlife today.

Listen now

Impact Stories

Wildlife Science in Action

Meet the professionals, researchers, and students advancing western wildlife conservation through the work of the Western Section.

Sierra Nevada

High-elevation species monitoring

Truckee, CA

Bumble bee ecology field course

Anza-Borrego

Women+ of Wildlife Retreat

Western States

Conservation field research partnerships

Career Programs

Career Builder Workshop Series

Get Involved

Ways to Support Western Wildlife

Whether you're a seasoned biologist, student, or conservation-minded supporter — there's a place for you in the Western Section community.

Become a Member

Join over 1,000 wildlife professionals across California, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Access resources, events, and a professional community committed to western wildlife.

Join today

Donate & Support

Your contribution funds student scholarships, field courses, grants, and conservation programs that directly advance wildlife science in the western United States.

Make a gift

Attend an Event

From free monthly virtual workshops to multi-day field courses and the annual meeting — our events calendar has opportunities for every schedule and career stage.

View calendar

Contact Us

Have questions about membership, events, or committee work? Get in touch with the Western Section team — we're happy to help you find your place in the community.

Get in touch

News & Updates

Latest from the Western Section

Stay current with events, election news, field course updates, and professional resources from across our member community.

Elections June 1, 2026

Western Section 2026 Election Now Open — Voting Closes June 15

All current Western Section members are eligible and encouraged to vote in the 2026 board election. Listen to candidate podcast interviews and read written statements before casting your ballot online.

Bumble bee field course registration open

Upcoming Event May 20, 2026

Registration Open: Bumble Bee Field Course, July 9–12 in Truckee

The Western Section's Bumble Bee Field Course returns to Truckee, California this July. The four-day course covers bumble bee ecology, field identification, and western alpine habitat assessment.

Annual Meeting May 5, 2026

74th Annual Meeting Announced for Sacramento — February 1–5, 2027

The 74th Annual Meeting of the Western Section will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton in Sacramento. The Call for Papers opens in August 2026. Save the dates and plan your attendance.

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