In a metropolitan area as vast as Los Angeles, protecting wildlife and keeping natural habitats connected is a complex battle. Today, Oct. 16, at its inaugural Urban Conservation Awards, Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy (AFC) celebrates the leaders, scientists, community advocates and artists tackling that challenge every day.

The Urban Conservation Awards honor five individuals whose work embodies AFC’s mission to protect and connect open spaces, restore native habitat and educate people of all ages about the nature that surrounds them.

“The vital work of urban conservation too often goes unrecognized. This event will uplift the people who are making a real difference for our plant, wildlife, and human communities,” said John Howell, CEO of AFC. “Our honorees show us what’s possible through determined action and collaboration.”

The inaugural honorees represent distinct ways of approaching conservation in Los Angeles:

• Monarch Award: Honors Dr. Amanda Zellmer, associate professor of Biology at Occidental College, for her excellence in scientific research and achievement in the field of urban ecology and conservation.
• Wild Voices Award: Will be presented to Miguel Ordeñana, senior manager of Community Science at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, in honor of his discovery of P-22, his research on bat species in Los Angeles and his community education work.
• Sunrise Award: Recognizes Edgar McGregor, meteorologist and community advocate, for his work on behalf of the Altadena community in habitat restoration in Eaton Canyon as well as his local meteorology that predicted and warned many residents ahead of the Eaton Fire.
• Oak Leaf Award: Celebrates Nancy Steele who founded Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy 25 years ago, for a lifetime of working in habitat and water conservation and protection.
• President’s Award: Selected by AFC’s board of directors, this award honors Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28) for her work in protecting the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument and fighting for the protection of Southern California’s natural resources in legislation.

These awardees as well as the winners of AFC’s 2025 Nature Photography Contest will be honored at the awards ceremony on Oct. 16 at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd. Guests will gather for an evening of celebration and connection, enjoying a silent auction of nature photography, educational displays about urban conservation and a program honoring those who convey the possibilities and importance of conservation, even in the most urban of places.

The event is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.