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  • A Malawian fisherman stands on the parched earth near where he was trying to  catch fish in the village of Mtema Nyema in the Phalombe District which is east of Blantyre, Malawi, July 3, 2002.   After the droughts and flooding in the last year, there is a massive ongoing food shortage in the region and many farmers have been forced to fish the small ponds in search of food. The World Food Program estimates that 3.2 million people in Malawi alone will be affected before March 2003.
    Malawi_001
  • Craig and Conni French brand their calves in Eastern Montana on May 12, 2013. The economic health of ranchers in Montana is greatly impacted by drought and climate change. Many ranchers are forced to sell at low prices during the drought because they run out of grass. This is why The Nature Conservancy's innovative grass bank project is so successful. The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_6043-2.jpg
  • Craig and Conni French brand their calves in Eastern Montana on May 12, 2013. The economic health of ranchers in Montana is greatly impacted by drought and climate change. Many ranchers are forced to sell at low prices during the drought because they run out of grass. This is why The Nature Conservancy's innovative grass bank project is so successful. The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_6048.jpg
  • Craig and Conni French brand their calves in Eastern Montana on May 12, 2013. The economic health of ranchers in Montana is greatly impacted by drought and climate change. Many ranchers are forced to sell at low prices during the drought because they run out of grass. This is why The Nature Conservancy's innovative grass bank project is so successful. The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_6043.jpg
  • Kennedy Koss holds her cats on the Koss's land in Eastern Montana on May 11, 2013. The Koss's work with The Nature Conservancy on the “grass bank" project which is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_4851-2.jpg
  • Kennedy Koss holds her cats on the Koss's land in Eastern Montana on May 11, 2013. The Koss's work with The Nature Conservancy on the “grass bank" project which is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_4851.jpg
  • Afternoon ligtht falls upon the Koss's land in Eastern Montana on May 11, 2013. The Koss's work with The Nature Conservancy on the “grass bank" project which is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_4775.jpg
  • Bud Walsh and Denver Baker modify a fence to make it more wildlife friendly. The design helps eliminate or substantially reduce the number of injuries and deaths to wildlife. The Nature Conservancy is working with ranchers in Eastern Montana on the Matador "grass bank" project. The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale, May 9, 2013)
    MON_2796.jpg
  • Bud Walsh, Jacob Folk and Denver Baker modify a fence to make it more wildlife friendly. The design helps eliminate or substantially reduce the number of injuries and deaths to wildlife. The Nature Conservancy is working with ranchers in Eastern Montana on the Matador "grass bank" project. The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale, May 9, 2013)
    MON_3802.jpg
  • Kevin and Brenda Koss work with The Nature Conservancy on their land in Eastern Montana on the "grass bank" project. The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale, May 11, 2013)
    MON_4972.jpg
  • The Koss family works with The Nature Conservancy on their land in Eastern Montana on the "grass bank" project. The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale, May 11, 2013)
    MON_4951.jpg
  • Kennedy Koss holds her cats on the Koss's land in Eastern Montana on May 11, 2013. The Koss's work with The Nature Conservancy on the “grass bank" project which is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_4796.jpg
  • Kennedy Koss ties a small rope around a fence post on her family's cattle ranch in Eastern Montana on May 11, 2013. Kevin Koss works with The Nature Conservancy on the “grass bank" project which is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_4332.jpg
  • Bud Walsh works with The Nature Conservancy on his land in Eastern Montana across from the Matador "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale, May 10, 2013)
    MON_3205.jpg
  • Bud and Sheila Walsh herd cattle on their land in Eastern Montana across from the Matador "grass Bank" on May 9, 2013. They work with The Nature Conservancy on the “grass bank" project which is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_2889.jpg
  • Sheila Walsh feeds calves on her land in Eastern Montana across from the Matador "grass Bank" on May 9, 2013. He works with The Nature Conservancy on the “grass bank" project which is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_2709.jpg
  • Bud Walsh works with The Nature Conservancy on his land in Eastern Montana across from the Matador "grass Bank" on May 9, 2013. The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_3813.jpg
  • Bud and Sheila Walsh's garage in Eastern Montana across from the Matador "grass bank". They work with The Nature Conservancy on their land on the Matador "grass bank" project. The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale, May 10, 2013)
    MON_3184.tif
  • The Koss family works with The Nature Conservancy on their land in Eastern Montana on the "grass bank" project. The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale, May 11, 2013)
    MON_5056.jpg
  • The Koss family works with The Nature Conservancy on their land in Eastern Montana on the "grass bank" project. The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale, May 11, 2013)
    MON_5049.jpg
  • Kennedy Koss plays on rocks on her family's land in Eastern Montana. The Koss's work    with The Nature Conservancy  on the "grass bank" project. The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale, May 11, 2013)
    MON_5018.jpg
  • Kennedy Koss snuggles with her cat on her family's land in Eastern Montana on May 11, 2013. The Koss's work with The Nature Conservancy on the “grass bank" project which is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_3656.jpg
  • The Koss's share a lively meal at home in Eastern Montana on May 11, 2013. The Koss's work with The Nature Conservancy on the “grass bank" project which is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_4764.jpg
  • Kendall Koss moves cattle on the Koss's land in Eastern Montana on May 11, 2013. The Koss's work with The Nature Conservancy on the “grass bank" project which is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_4560.jpg
  • Kevin Koss's children and his neighbors herd cattle on his land in Eastern Montana in preparation for branding on May 11, 2013. Kevin Koss works with The Nature Conservancy on the “grass bank" project which is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_4301.jpg
  • Bud and Sheila Walsh move a herd of cattle from one area to another on their land in Eastern Montana across from the Matador "grass bank". They work with The Nature Conservancy on the Matador "grass bank" project. The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale, May 10, 2013)
    MON_3523.jpg
  • Bud and Sheila Walsh work with The Nature Conservancy on their land in Eastern Montana across from the Matador "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale, May 10, 2013)
    MON_3314.jpg
  • The signs of changing times are evident as Maasai children relax with a game of football as their elders walk by cloaked in traditional clothing during lunch break at the Endulen Primary school in Ngornogoro District in Tanzania September 29, 2003.  Most Maasai now see the value of sending their children to school so they can have a voice in the government to protect themselves with increasing land loss. The Maasai were thrown out of the Crater in 1972 in the name of conservation and are being threatened again  under a torrent of new legislation. Like other indigenous people the world over, they continue to be evicted from their land in the name of tourism and conservation. They have lived on these lands for centuries but now struggle to survive on their borders, especially in the difficult drought years. Though they were able to live in harmony with the wildlife for centuries, the places with rich water sources are now preserved for tourists.  Eco-tourism, the government solution to chronic poverty, brings in vast revenues but sadly, the dispossessed Maasai are not allowed to benefit. Only a handful, mostly foreign owned tourist operators profit and only a tiny portion of the money actually filters through to the local economy.
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  • Maasai pastoralists collect water at one of the few sources in Endulen, outside of the pristine Ngornogoro Crater in Tanzania, October 4, 2003.  The Maasai were thrown out of the Crater in 1972 in the name of conservation and are being threatened again with further land loss under a torrent of new legislation. Like other indigenous people the world over, they continue to be evicted from their land in the name of tourism and conservation. They have lived on these lands for centuries but now struggle to survive on their borders, especially in the difficult drought years. Though they were able to live in harmony with the wildlife for centuries, the places with rich water sources are now preserved for tourists.  Eco-tourism, the government solution to chronic poverty, brings in vast revenues but sadly, the dispossessed Maasai are not allowed to benefit. Only a handful, mostly foreign owned tourist operators profit and only a tiny portion of the money actually filters through to the local economy.
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  • "I am old, I don't know how old but I do remember WWII. In the past, we always had to ask our husbands for everything says Naltateni Lesepe. Now we can send our children and grandchildren to school and pay for things ourselves. " (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species and is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area.
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  • Orphaned baby southern white rhinos are fed milk and then take a nap at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Northern Kenya. The Conservancy hosts an immense range of diversity. Yet Lewa’s mission is not only to protect wildlife, but to act as a catalyst for conservation across northern Kenya and beyond by supporting development in the communities outside the Conservancy’s boundaries, Lewa has become the leading role model for sustainable wildlife conservation throughout East Africa.(Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species and is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species and is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • The Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • The Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Every morning during the dry season, the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Every morning during the dry season, the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Every morning during the dry season, the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Every morning during the dry season, the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Lewa Conservancy in Northern Kenya. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species and is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area.
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  • The Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • The Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • The Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309150437.TIF
  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species. Yet Lewa’s mission is not only to protect wildlife, but to act as a catalyst for conservation across northern Kenya and beyond.   Lewa is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area.<br />
Lewa’s  bloodhounds have helped to drastically reduce crime in the area.(Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species. Yet Lewa’s mission is not only to protect wildlife, but to act as a catalyst for conservation across northern Kenya and beyond.   Lewa is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area.<br />
Lewa’s  bloodhounds have helped to drastically reduce crime in the area.(Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Born into the Samburu tribe of northern Kenya, Tom Lalampaa could have ended up following the traditional pastoral lifestyle of his people – had his brother made a different choice. When Tom was a child, his father called his sons to him and said, “I’d like one of you to go to school and the other to remain here and help take care of the cattle.” The decision fell to Tom’s brother, as the eldest. He opted for the cattle, and Tom was sent to school. Ultimately – with the support of the entire community – he went on to complete a BA in social work and an MBA in strategic management at the University of Nairobi. His brother’s choice wound up changing not only Tom’s life but also that of the Samburu community and the land they call home. As community development manager for the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), Tom is now a key player in efforts to protect Kenyan wildlife and improve the lives of his people and others who inhabit this beautiful but often unforgiving place.The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for e(Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Born into the Samburu tribe of northern Kenya, Tom Lalampaa could have ended up following the traditional pastoral lifestyle of his people – had his brother made a different choice. When Tom was a child, his father called his sons to him and said, “I’d like one of you to go to school and the other to remain here and help take care of the cattle.” The decision fell to Tom’s brother, as the eldest. He opted for the cattle, and Tom was sent to school. Ultimately – with the support of the entire community – he went on to complete a BA in social work and an MBA in strategic management at the University of Nairobi. His brother’s choice wound up changing not only Tom’s life but also that of the Samburu community and the land they call home. As community development manager for the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), Tom is now a key player in efforts to protect Kenyan wildlife and improve the lives of his people and others who inhabit this beautiful but often unforgiving place.The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for e(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    KEN_3225.JPG
  • Born into the Samburu tribe of northern Kenya, Tom Lalampaa could have ended up following the traditional pastoral lifestyle of his people – had his brother made a different choice. When Tom was a child, his father called his sons to him and said, “I’d like one of you to go to school and the other to remain here and help take care of the cattle.” The decision fell to Tom’s brother, as the eldest. He opted for the cattle, and Tom was sent to school. Ultimately – with the support of the entire community – he went on to complete a BA in social work and an MBA in strategic management at the University of Nairobi. His brother’s choice wound up changing not only Tom’s life but also that of the Samburu community and the land they call home. As community development manager for the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), Tom is now a key player in efforts to protect Kenyan wildlife and improve the lives of his people and others who inhabit this beautiful but often unforgiving place.The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for e(Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • EKANGERSERAI, BIHAR: AUGUST 11: Indian children wait for class to begin after lunch at Middle School Ekangerserai school.  Monsoon rains flooded the classrooms in this village about 100 kilometers from Patna in the state of Bihar, India August 11, 2003.  Bihar is the poorest state in India and girls often suffer the most because of the poverty, lack of education and opportunities. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Orphaned baby southern white rhinos are fed milk and then take a nap at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Northern Kenya. The Conservancy hosts an immense range of diversity. Yet Lewa’s mission is not only to protect wildlife, but to act as a catalyst for conservation across northern Kenya and beyond by supporting development in the communities outside the Conservancy’s boundaries, Lewa has become the leading role model for sustainable wildlife conservation throughout East Africa.(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309200745.TIF
  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species and is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species and is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309200634.TIF
  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species and is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • The Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • The Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Every morning during the dry season, the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Every morning during the dry season, the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Every morning during the dry season, the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Every morning during the dry season, the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Every morning during the dry season, the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species and is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area.
    NCM3014_1309201002.TIF
  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • The Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • The Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • The Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Every morning during the dry season, the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309141046.TIF
  • "I am old, I don't know how old but I do remember WWII. In the past, we always had to ask our husbands for everything says Naltateni Lesepe. Now we can send our children and grandchildren to school and pay for things ourselves. " (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    KEN_1560.JPG
  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species. Yet Lewa’s mission is not only to protect wildlife, but to act as a catalyst for conservation across northern Kenya and beyond.   Lewa is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area.<br />
Lewa’s  bloodhounds have helped to drastically reduce crime in the area.(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    KEN_3357.JPG
  • Born into the Samburu tribe of northern Kenya, Tom Lalampaa could have ended up following the traditional pastoral lifestyle of his people – had his brother made a different choice. When Tom was a child, his father called his sons to him and said, “I’d like one of you to go to school and the other to remain here and help take care of the cattle.” The decision fell to Tom’s brother, as the eldest. He opted for the cattle, and Tom was sent to school. Ultimately – with the support of the entire community – he went on to complete a BA in social work and an MBA in strategic management at the University of Nairobi. His brother’s choice wound up changing not only Tom’s life but also that of the Samburu community and the land they call home. As community development manager for the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), Tom is now a key player in efforts to protect Kenyan wildlife and improve the lives of his people and others who inhabit this beautiful but often unforgiving place.The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for e(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    KEN_3217.JPG
  • Born into the Samburu tribe of northern Kenya, Tom Lalampaa could have ended up following the traditional pastoral lifestyle of his people – had his brother made a different choice. When Tom was a child, his father called his sons to him and said, “I’d like one of you to go to school and the other to remain here and help take care of the cattle.” The decision fell to Tom’s brother, as the eldest. He opted for the cattle, and Tom was sent to school. Ultimately – with the support of the entire community – he went on to complete a BA in social work and an MBA in strategic management at the University of Nairobi. His brother’s choice wound up changing not only Tom’s life but also that of the Samburu community and the land they call home. As community development manager for the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), Tom is now a key player in efforts to protect Kenyan wildlife and improve the lives of his people and others who inhabit this beautiful but often unforgiving place.The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for e(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    KEN_3205.JPG
  • PATNA,INDIA, AUGUST 12: Indian children leave school after monsoon rains flooded their classrooms in a village about 100 kilometers from Patna in the state of Bihar, India August 12, 2003. Bihar is the poorest state in India and the monsoon rains have brought severe flooding. There have been 333 deaths in India, 181 in Bangladesh, 112 in Nepal, and 168 in Pakistan and millions are homeless across the subcontinent. .(Photo by Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
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  • PATNA,INDIA, AUGUST 12: Indian children leave school after monsoon rains flooded their classrooms in a village about 100 kilometers from Patna in the state of Bihar, India August 12, 2003. Bihar is the poorest state in India and the monsoon rains have brought severe flooding. There have been 333 deaths in India, 181 in Bangladesh, 112 in Nepal, and 168 in Pakistan and millions are homeless across the subcontinent. .(Photo by Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
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  • The Nature Conservancy's Brian Martin poses in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale) his wife Jolynn plays with her daughters Janae and Layla in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale) looks at birds with his daughter Layla, 5,   in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservatio
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  • April Gronley (blue t-shirt) helps to brand calves with her brother Cody  (white t-shirt) on the Oxarart Ranch near Malta, Montana on June 2, 2013. The Oxarart Ranch is part of an innovative grass bank project that allows ranchers to graze their cattle at discounted rates on Nature Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. (Photo By Ami Vitale) (in blue t-shirt) helps to brand calves on the Oxarart Ranch near Malta, Montana on June 2, 2013. The Oxarart Ranch is part of an innovative grass bank project that allows ranchers to graze their cattle at discounted rates on Nature Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_8510.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly's daughter Layla plays with her horse in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale) sits on her horse in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_2535.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly's daughter Layla plays with her horse in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale) sits on her horse in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_2502.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly's daughter Layla plays with her horse in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale) sits on her horse in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly's daughter Layla plays with her horse in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale) sits on her horse in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly's daughter Layla plays with her horse in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale) sits on her horse in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_2488.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly's daughter Layla plays with her horse in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale) sits on her horse in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly's   daughter Layla looks for birds in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale) looks at birds with his daughter Layla, 5,   in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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  • Hussein, 8, stands in front of a cow carcass May 12, 2006 in his village of Dasheq near Wajir, Kenya. Most pastoralists lost nearly 90 percent of their animals in the ongoing drought and the animals that did survive are getting about half of the normal market rate. During the past decade, the frequency of drought has been increasing with shorter recovery periods, having an intense impact on the pastpralists who are among the regions most vulnerable population. Of the more than 8 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in the Horn of Africa, 1.6 million are children below the age of five years, threatened mainly by malnutrition. The loss of the animals, prime sources of meat and milk and the main financial assets of the pastoralists,  has created a spiralling cycle of poverty and insecurity. (Ami Vitale)
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  • Livestock traders take their animals to a local market May 12, 2006 in Wajir, Kenya. Most pastoralists lost nearly 90 percent of their animals in the ongoing drought and the animals that did survive are getting about half of the normal market rate. During the past decade, the frequency of drought has been increasing with shorter recovery periods, having an intense impact on the pastpralists who are among the regions most vulnerable population. Of the more than 8 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in the Horn of Africa, 1.6 million are children below the age of five years, threatened mainly by malnutrition. The loss of the animals, prime sources of meat and milk and the main financial assets of the pastoralists,  has created a spiralling cycle of poverty and insecurity. (Ami Vitale)
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  • Fatima Ahamed, 18, prepares a dinner of maize given out by World Food Program for her husband and 2 children May 11, 2006 in Arba Geramso, 35 kilometers outside of  Wajir, Kenya. Most pastoralists lost nearly 90 percent of their animals in the ongoing drought and 80 percent of the population relies on food aid for survival. During the past decade, the frequency of drought has been increasing with shorter recovery periods, having an intense impact on the pastpralists who are among the regions most vulnerable population. Of the more than 8 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in the Horn of Africa, 1.6 million are children below the age of five years, threatened mainly by malnutrition. The loss of the animals, prime sources of meat and milk and the main financial assets of the pastoralists,  has created a spiralling cycle of poverty and insecurity. (Ami Vitale)
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  • Elk move through land near the Oxarart Ranch near Malta, Montana on June 2, 2013. The Oxarart Ranch is part of an innovative grass bank project that allows ranchers to graze their cattle at discounted rates on Nature Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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  • Family and friends brand calves on the Oxarart Ranch near Malta, Montana on June 2, 2013. The Oxarart Ranch is part of an innovative grass bank project that allows ranchers to graze their cattle at discounted rates on Nature Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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  • Wes Marquis wrangles and herds cattle on the Oxarart Ranch near Malta, Montana on June 2, 2013. The Oxarart Ranch is part of an innovative grass bank project that allows ranchers to graze their cattle at discounted rates on Nature Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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  • Wes Marquis wrangles and herds cattle on the Oxarart Ranch near Malta, Montana on June 2, 2013. The Oxarart Ranch is part of an innovative grass bank project that allows ranchers to graze their cattle at discounted rates on Nature Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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