As part of its Bay Area Puma Project (BAPP), Felidae Conservation Fund is creating an Interpretive Trails Program to inform and educate users of the 1.1 million acres of open space around the Bay Area about the region’s wild cats: pumas (aka mountain lions, cougars) and bobcats. The trail system funded by this grant will be the first of several we will develop along the urban edge. The Bay Area represents not only rich biodiversity, but also a peri-urban environment where wildlife and humans co-exist. Yet many residents don’t know that pumas and bobcats inhabit the area. For those who do, fear and hostility have put these apex predators at risk. The Interpretive Trail Program will offer the 1M+ users of local trails engaging information on wild felids that enhances their recreation, and supports deep landscape appreciation that’s critical for wildland stewardship at the urban edge.
The Interpretive Trails Program objectives are:
To elevate appreciation for nature and the importance of conserving pumas (California’s last remaining keystone predator) in order to safeguard natural, balanced ecosystems in California.
To drive deeper engagement by encouraging trail users to visit the BAPP.org website and learn more about the wildcats presented in the Interpretive Trail information kiosks.
To invite trail users to volunteer for trail cleanups, citizen science projects and community events – where their stewardship is emphasized.