Nature x Culture is a consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations understand the multiple ways that culture affects our understanding of and relationships with nature. With over 20 years of experience in conservation social science, human dimensions of natural resource management, and learning with stewards of local and Indigenous knowledges, Nature x Culture designs research and dialogue processes that uncover possibilities people might not see on their own — turning differences into stronger futures for people and the planet.
Conservation social science
Building Science Capacity
The conservation social sciences cover a wide range of disciplines, each with its own types of questions, methods, and approaches. From anthropology, to social psychology, to the behavioral sciences, and applied areas such as the sciences of science communication, public participation, and strategic planning, each discipline offers unique insights into how people think about and interact with the environment.We help organizations make sense of this landscape: identifying which expertise and methods are relevant to the challenges you face, and building foundational skills. This training and guidance ensures your team can recognize the right kinds of research and practice skillsets needed before you even begin—setting the stage for more effective, informed, and actionable projects.
Human Dimensions of Natural Resources
Applied Research
Effective resource management depends on understanding the people involved—their values, priorities, and the trade-offs they are willing to make. When conflicts arise, they are often rooted in differing expectations about how lands and waters should be used and whose voices or what outcomes matter most.We design and conduct applied social science research that turns these insights into action. By identifying drivers of conflict, clarifying shared and divergent goals, and revealing how and why people view the same resource differently, we provide clear, usable information to guide decisions, improve engagement, and support durable, on-the-ground solutions.
Layered Relationships between People and Nature
Bridging Knowledges
Natural resource management frameworks often separate nature from culture. Yet culture profoundly shapes how people relate to the environment—through worldviews, histories, and generational responsibilities. Places like Amache National Historic Site where my relatives were incarcerated in WWII hold many meanings at once. While managers may see natural and cultural resources, others see loss of freedom and identity, livelihoods tied to cattle grazing, or homelands full of medicine.These layered ways of knowing are not a barrier to management—understanding how they interact is the foundation of better decisions. We help create the research, dialogue, and learning spaces where all voices are heard, assumptions are challenged, and new ways of caring for nature together become possible.
Contact us
We would love to explore how we can help you harness the connections between culture and nature for improved conservation outcomes. Please reach out to Founder and Senior Practitioner Kirsten Leong who has experience with NOAA Fisheries, National Park Service, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Amache National Historic Site. Send an email or check out her LinkedIn page.
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