CIB HISTORY

1995: FOUNDED

In 1995, scientists and educators founded the California Institute for Biodiversity (CIB), driven by the recognition that California, one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, was on track to lose many of its remarkable species. They focused on CIB to help Californians understand what was at stake, and to expand opportunities for all Californians in the effort to save it.

Dr. Carol Baird and other CIB leaders used a new approach to invigorate K-12 science education by providing all California’s teachers with field-based, hands-on, environmental education. They believed that as a global hotspot for natural and human diversity, California offers a remarkable opportunity for all students to learn fundamental scientific concepts and discover personal environmental values in the context of the natural world around them.

1995 - 2015: 20 YEARS OF K-12 EDUCATION SUPPORT

For more than two decades, CIB scientists and instructors helped implement Next Generation Science Standards in school districts across the state. In partnership with Fresno State and CSU East Bay, CIB delivered classes that awarded academic credit to teachers from communities far and wide with its Cal Alive! curricula activity books, DVDs, and interactive online media. Dozens of multi-day workshops empowered hundreds of teachers, who returned to schools throughout California to inspire thousands of young minds. One classroom at a time, child by child, they built a movement. Today we all are beneficiaries of that effort.

2020: URGENT ACTION TO SAVE BIODIVERSITY

In 2020, the California Institute for Biodiversity celebrated 25 years of success. Leadership began strategic renewal for CIB toward meeting urgent needs and important opportunities. Working with leaders and advocates in the field, CIB identified new pathways for transformational change in biodiversity education, research, and action.

Opportunities have changed since 1995, but the mission remains the same: share wonder, advance opportunity, and include all Californians in saving this magnificent land we call home. 

  • We celebrate the many Californians who strive to share the beauty of California’s biodiversity. We give special thanks to those who have allowed the California Institute for Biodiversity to share their work.

    Images on this website and in other CIB materials are thanks to:

    • Tom Barnes

    • Len Blumin

    • Brian Brown

    • BugBrett

    • Bob Case

    • Jendi Coursey

    • dG Creative Branding

    • Rosemarie Gillespie

    • Alan Harper

    • Jardín Botánico San Quintín

    • Marek Jakubowski

    • NatureCam Naturfilme

    • USGS

  • Our logo celebrates the circle of life, constant and continuous. United but distinct, bands represent the powerful elements that create and sustain biodiversity: stardust, water, and the sky that connects us to a greater universe. Intersectional interplay of union and individuality speaks to the challenges our society faces in growing toward change, reminding us of the important role each individual plays in saving and celebrating our state’s wonderful diversity.