Institute For Conservation Research And Education

The Institute for Conservation Research and Education aims to promote and implement ecological conservation through environmental education and science based research.

ICRE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation founded in 2011. Since ICRE's inception, our team has developed several programs and partnerships. We created the Field Nature Research Program that fulfills the field research component for students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science Classes. We conduct rare species conservation research in Orange County, California on Southwestern Pond Turtles and Coastal California Gnatcatcher and we have created a community-based habitat programs. In addition, we have partnered with the non-profit Tortugueros de Las Playitas to promote sea turtle conservation in Mexico.

Over the past 11 years, ICRE has led field nature research programs for several high schools. We have engaged over 1,000 high school students with nature and science and produced over 300 research projects. We have restored over 5 acres of native habitat for local endangered species. Through our community-based restoration program, along with governmental land owners, we have cultivated community investment in open space stewardship.

We need funds to build and complete our conservation research program, our costs include items such as banding supplies, fuel for transportation to look for re-sighted banded birds, permit fees and mapping software. Our educational program needs funds in order to add staff to assist and supervise students in the field with research techniques and wildlife and plant identification. Additional funding would allow new schools to participate in our program. In addition we would be able to fund , and purchase tools, equipment and plants for restoration activities used both in community volunteer events and by our high school students.

Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Diego County