Yesterday, Save The Snakes Founder & Executive Director Michael Starkey attended the 30×30 Partnership Summit at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Bringing together environmental leaders, conservation scientists, state agencies, and community advocates from across California, the summit provided a crucial platform to discuss the future of biodiversity preservation in our home state.

For Save The Snakes, participating in this event was an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen relationships within California’s conservation network and align our programs directly with the state’s ambitious habitat protection goals.

What is California’s 30×30 Initiative?

The 30×30 initiative is California’s historic commitment to conserve 30% of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. Protecting habitat at this scale is not just about preserving open land; it is about restoring ecosystem connectivity, safeguarding watersheds, and ensuring that native species have resilient environments in which to thrive.

Reptiles, and snakes in particular, are critical indicators of healthy ecosystems, yet they are frequently overlooked in broader land-use planning. Attending the 30×30 Partnership Summit ensures that reptile conservation and human-snake conflict mitigation remain an active part of statewide environmental strategy.

Safeguarding the Giant Gartersnake, California’s State Snake

A central pillar of Save The Snakes’ local work involves protecting fragile wetland ecosystems and native wildlife, particularly the giant gartersnake (Thamnophis gigas).

As the official State Snake of California, the giant gartersnake carries a vital mission. Endemic to the Central Valley, this threatened species relies heavily on interconnected marshlands, sloughs, and agricultural wetlands to survive. Over the last century, severe habitat loss and drought have drastically reduced its historical range.

The 30×30 initiative directly addresses these challenges by prioritizing landscape-level land acquisition, wetland restoration, and habitat connectivity. Protecting these aquatic ecosystems provides a vital lifeline for the giant gartersnake while simultaneously improving water quality, supporting local agriculture, and preserving biodiversity across California.

Building Bridges for Native Wildlife

True conservation cannot happen in isolation. One of the most inspiring takeaways from the summit was the shared dedication among regional organizations to collaborate across disciplines.

By building strong bridges with state land trusts, educational institutions, and wildlife advocates, Save The Snakes continues to advocate for policies and land management practices that protect native snake populations. Expanding our network allows us to ensure that snake conservation, public safety education, and coexistence strategies are integrated into larger habitat restoration projects statewide.

Looking Ahead

Leaving the California Academy of Sciences, our team felt energized and deeply motivated to accelerate our work across Northern California and beyond. As the state moves closer to its 2030 conservation benchmarks, Save The Snakes remains dedicated to protecting native habitats and building a future where communities and wildlife can safely thrive side by side.

How You Can Help Save Snakes in California 

• Learn More: Discover our local conservation efforts and explore resources on the giant gartersnake at savethesnakes.org/calstatesnake.

• Get the Guide: Download our free digital resource for living safely alongside native wildlife at savethesnakes.org/coexist.

• Support Our Work: Help us continue our field projects and community outreach in California by making a donation today at savethesnakes.org/donate.