As the GCWRP Field Team we were proud to take part in the Lobo Youth Summit and launch a student-led project that asked a simple but powerful question: how do people really feel about wolves?

To explore this, we created a dedicated website and placed wolf-awareness yard signs in local neighborhoods. While some signs were stolen or taken down, the project sparked conversations and connections. More residents reached out to us, offering to host signs on their private property. What began as an experiment in the “social landscape” became an opportunity to build lasting relationships with our community.

Being part of the Field Team also means stepping into a public role. We have shared our work and experiences on the news, including Arizona’s Family and KJZZ’s The Show, to amplify the story of Mexican gray wolves and the challenges they face.

Is the social landscape prepared for wolves? Our experience suggests that while challenges remain, there is also a growing network of people willing to stand with lobos. We will continue to be out there, listening, learning, and building support.