Ecosystem Services and Conservation

Stanford researchers are continually expanding our knowledge of the links between human well-being and healthy ecosystems. Woods advances these efforts by supporting interdisciplinary researchers as well as centers and programs like the Natural Capital Project (NatCap). This joint venture of the Stanford Woods Institute, The Nature Conservancy, the World Wildlife Fund and the University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment develops new science and open-source software tools for quantifying nature’s values and assessing trade-offs associated with alternative land and water use choices. These tools help integrate conservation and human development into land and water use and investment decisions. NatCap's model engages leaders in key government agencies and corporations in the U.S. and abroad to ensure that information produced is immediately relevant for decisions. The project provides these decision-makers with cutting-edge research, a network of support, and practical approaches and tools to create solutions that benefit people and nature. Read on for highlights from the work researchers with NatCap and other Woods centers and programs are doing to help businesses, governments and other institutions make informed decisions about nature's contributions to a thriving economy and healthy society.

In The News

New Study Challenges Old Thinking About Extinctions Worldwide

Refers to study on bat diversity led by Ph.D. student Chase Mendenhall and co-authored by Woods Senior Fellow Gretchen Daily
April 22, 2014 - By Pete Spotts, Christian Science Monitor

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Your Brain on Nature

Woods Senior Fellow Gretchen Daily (Biology) discusses her research on how nature can improve well-being. 
July 30, 2015 - By Brian Lehrer, WNYC / Brian Lehrer Show

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How Walking in Nature Changes the Brain

Features research co-authored by Woods Senior Fellow Gretchen Daily (Biology) about how a walk in nature affects the brain.
July 22, 2015 - By Gretchen Reynolds, New York Times / Well

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River Prawn Becomes New Weapon Against Schistosomiasis

Discusses research findings from  Woods Senior Fellow Giulio De Leo (Biology), Woods Affiliate Susanne Sokolow and other researchers on...
July 20, 2015 - By Faith Lapidus, Voice of America

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