Fall 2025

Newsletter Archive

Executive Director's Message

Recently, like many others, I said goodbye to a conservation giant. Jane Goodall has been a lifelong hero of mine. As a young girl, I was captivated by her adventures studying chimpanzees in Gombe. I admired her courage as a pioneering scientist, her groundbreaking discoveries, and her ability to inspire generations of ecologists, particularly female, around the world.

Over the years, I followed her career closely and had the privilege of fulfilling a lifelong dream by attending one of her lectures. Her words captivated me as deeply as the glossy National Geographic photos that first sparked my fascination. What resonated most was her enduring message of hope—a message I have often drawn upon during challenging times. Jane inspired me to use my voice, to recognize that each of us has a role to play, and to remember that no action is too small to make a difference.

Thank you, Jane, for your wisdom, your passion, your unwavering commitment—and above all, for the hope you instilled in us all. Your legacy continues to light the path for those who care deeply about our planet and its future.

"You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." Jane Goodall

At Miistakis, we want to make a difference. We want to turn knowledge into action—helping communities, governments, and landowners make informed decisions that support both people and nature. Over the past year, we have strived to make a difference in advancing landscape connectivity, supporting biodiversity, and developing tools that bring science into real-world decision-making. Our recent Annual Report highlights these efforts and celebrates our partners and collaborators, without whom our work would not be possible. Together, we continue to build on Jane's message of hope—proving that collective action truly can create lasting change.

Danah Duke, Executive Director