About Jonathan Gelbard, Ph.D.

 

Conservation scientist, Dr. Jonathan Gelbard’s, life and work are inspired by a love of Nature. He infuses Conservation Value Institute with a unique combination of scientific and communication expertise, rooted in 25 years’ experience strategically designing and reliably executing conservation science, "climate smart" land management, and education projects. Known as a charismatic speaker with an ability to convey benefits of conservation to all types of people, he is an accomplished lecturer, moderator, emcee, and producer of sustainability-themed events. Recent career highlights include serving as Director of Integrative Conservation for Conservation Value Solutions, serving as Senior Conservation Scientist & Sustainable Agriculture Specialist at NRDC, and serving as lead scientist on the multi-disciplinary team that developed the Grasslands Alliance's sustainable ranching certification standard. You can read about his fascinating journey advancing regenerative ranching in this seven-part blog series.

 

With strong ties to the music industry, Gelbard is emcee of the Nature-based family festival, Camp Deep End, and appeared in the environmental documentary film, Dig It, directed by Danny Clinch and featuring members of Pearl Jam and Timberland’s CEO, among others (click here to watch a clip). In 2004, he served as the founding Outreach Director of HeadCount during its inaugural Jammy Award-winning campaign, was National Sustainability Producer of Green Apple Music & Arts Festival from 2007-2009, produced and directed the Rothbury Festival Think Tank in 2008-2009, advised efforts to green the Outside Lands Festival, and led the design and implementation of High Sierra Music Festival’s vendor compost program (a partnership between the festival and local farmers that continues to this day). Click here to learn more about Gelbard’s work collaborating with music industry partners to advance climate change solutions.