The Annual Eco-Alianza Gala has been called “the best party in town” by past attendees, and for good reason. Once a year, we take over the top floor of La Mision Hotel, transform the room into a wonderland with thematic and creative decorations ,and set the stage for gourmet dining and strategic fundraising. Dining tables surround a center stage, where both honors are bestowed for valuable conservation work and live auction items are presented for competitive bidding. From the complimentary glass of festive champagne at check-in, through a sumptuous meal and silent auction offerings, the night promises to enhance friendships, commitments, and help us continue our mission of a sustainable future for all Loretanos.

As every year, Eco-Alianza’s Gala will be a moment of celebration. In 2025, as we mark our 18th anniversary, we celebrate our ongoing commitment to protecting and conserving Loreto’s natural treasures—this year with a special emphasis on water, the vital resource that sustains life in our region.

Summertime heat sends mammals (and humans) scurrying for shade, but does not slow down Eco-Alianza’s conservation efforts. In this issue of SOUNDINGS, we have included a link to our on-line quarterly report, to share in greater detail the breadth of our programs and outreach.

What an extraordinary first quarter for the programs and staff of Eco-Alianza. From the interactions with the students from University of Notre Dame to the return and celebration of the historic Western Flyer, the scope and reach of our educational and scientific programs continues to grow. It’s our greatest pleasure to inspire and engage the next generations of environmental caretakers – through scientific discoveries, artistic exploration, and physical participation and observation.

The University of Notre Dame’s Institute for Latino (ILS) studies joined Eco-Alianza for a week of leadership development, cultural immersion and wildlife discovery under Eco-Alianza’s program for research, conservation, and public service (CEMA).

May 9-13, 2025 – History in the Making: The Rebirth of the Western Flyer, and a New Generation of Research Opportunities. Join the festivities and visit the Western Flyer, the actual ship that carried John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts through the Sea of Cortez in 1940.

The 2024 Global Conference on Water and Climate, organized by the Waterkeeper Alliance, was held in the city of Milwaukee this October. More than 250 Waterkeeper groups from 19 countries gathered for four days of transformative learning, collaboration, and examination of the critical intersection of water and climate issues.