Conservationist Beth Pratt and famous cougar P-22 will be the honorees at the Wildling Museum’s 2023 Wilderness Spirit Brunch, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, May 21 at Craft House at Corque, 420 Alisal Road, Solvang.

Conservationist Beth Pratt, wearing a blue sweater with the image of a cougar knitted on the front, raises her arms in a victory gesture.
Beth Pratt’s work was key to implementation of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing.

Tickets are on sale now for the event at www.wildlingmuseum.org/news/2023-wilderness-spirit-brunch. General admission is $150, VIP admission is $250. Advance ticket registration is required.

The annual Wilderness Spirit Award recognizes a person or group who strives to bring awareness to wilderness protection and preservation.

Pratt, this year’s recipient, is California regional executive director for the National Wildlife Federation, whose work aligns with the Wildling Museum’s mission of bringing art and nature together as a means of preserving wild spaces.

Renowned cougar P-22, who lived in Griffith Park in Los Angeles, was euthanized in December.
Renowned cougar P-22, who lived in Griffith Park in Los Angeles, was euthanized in December. Credit: Roy Dunn

Pratt has been a longtime advocate for California cougars, most notably L.A.’s celebrated P-22, who was sadly euthanized in December after living for more than a decade in Griffith Park.

Pratt initiated the Save L.A. Cougars campaign effort to build a southern California wildlife crossing across highway 101, resulting in the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, currently under construction with an anticipated 2025 completion date.

“I am very excited that the Wildling Museum is honoring Beth Pratt with this year’s Wilderness Spirit Award,” said Kevin Patterson, Wildling Museum Board President. “Beth was instrumental in bringing the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, the largest in the world when completed, to fruition.

“Her energy and breadth of knowledge are truly inspiring.”

VIP ticket holders can attend a pre-reception mixer with Pratt at 10:15 a.m. before the brunch buffet. The event will include a live auction supporting the Wildling Museum with opportunities to bid on getaways, including am Alaskan cruise, Santa Ynez Valley experiences, and artworks.

To learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.wildlingmuseum.org/news/2023-wilderness-spirit-brunch or call 805-686-8315.

The Wildling thanks leading sponsors Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Gold Sponsors and First Republic Bank, Silver Sponsors.