Previous research observing wildlife in recreational areas in the Colorado Mountains has found that certain smaller species are more active within the range of human populations compared to larger species, which tend to modify their behavior to avoid any human interactions. Research like this is able to inform local policymakers and government planning agencies when designing new recreational environments for people living in the area. California coastal regulations and laws are very stringent regarding developing land, which emphasizes the importance of expanding this research from mountain ecosystems to more coastal habitats. The present study focuses on large wildlife observed in two California coastal regions, which have differing levels of human activity present. Human activity levels (high or low) were categorized based on the number of human-made trails in the area. Data collection involved using multiple cameras to capture images of large animals in these two areas to calculate the presence of different species over the span of about 6 months. It is predicted that (1) high human activity along the California coast will show a lower presence of large animals compared to the low human activity area, and (2) there will be lower large animal activity during the day than at night.

Ecosystem restoration has emerged as a dynamic solution to address pressing environmental challenges, such as threats to biodiversity and land degradation. Recent studies emphasize the need for Western science to embrace Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge and engage in partnerships with Indigenous Peoples for effective restoration initiatives. However, these partnerships often face political complexities and are hindered by the enduring legacies of colonialism, particularly concerning land rights, connection to place, and traditional stewardship. Drawing upon the interdisciplinary fields of Environmental Science, Policy, Sustainability, and Native American Studies, this research employs thematic content analysis to synthesize the findings from a systematic mapping project on collaborative ecosystem restoration in the U.S. by Tribal and non-Tribal partners. By identifying recurring themes, this study aims to provide researchers and practitioners with a deeper understanding of the current scholarship on collaborative ecosystem restoration in the United States, specifically involving Tribal and non-Tribal partners. The analysis focuses on identifying the key elements and characteristics of robust and enduring relationships, while also highlighting areas for improvement to guide future collaborations.