Who we are
Our Philosophy
Gail Y. B. Lash, Ph.D.
Nevin Lash, ASLA
 

What we do
• Concept Planning
• Master Planning
• Zoological Design
• Visitor Services 
• Community Ecotourism
• Peace Education
 

Selected Projects
Master Planning
Zoological Exhibits
Ecotourism Planning
Peace Projects

Selected Publications

Dr. Lash uses her organizational, analytical, and fun and effective people skills to do community development, ecotourism planning, zoo design, and peace education. She focuses her biological and economic policy background to work with people worldwide to create environmentally- sensitive and culturally-appropriate development which conserves natural ecosystems while enhancing the lives of people close to the land.  Her work has taken her to Madagascar, Belize, Indonesia, and Ecuador. She has presented at conferences in Belize, Ecuador, Thailand, Brazil, and The United Nations.

As an Ecotourism Planner and Community Developer, Gail brings to Ursa seventeen years of experience, specializing in community-based ecotourism development and natural resource economics, for communities in and near private and public forest reserves and parks. Working with individuals, community focal groups, and agencies, Gail facilitates participatory consensus of community goals and developmental options to uplift human spirits, economies, and the natural environment.

As a Zoo Design Biologist, Gail brings to Ursa twenty-seven years of work experience with zoos: thirteen years as staff at the Houston Zoological Gardens, Los Angeles Zoo, and Zoo Atlanta - first as Animal Keeper, then as Biologist coordinating the design and construction of naturalized habitats for zoo animals and visitors; and fourteen years with Ursa. She brings to Ursa’s zoo projects her knowledge of captive animal husbandry, behavioral design criteria, and her skills in evaluation and research design.

Additionally, her theatrical experience has contributed to the design of creative and interactive interpretations of conservation concepts for the general public. Using her training in theater, Gail has written and acted in conservation skits, and has given many conservation education talks to students and the general public. Gail presents lectures on zoo design, animal behavior, ecotourism planning, and peace concepts at conferences and universities.  

After being trained in and teaching Peace principles, Gail’s focus currently is on infusing concepts of Peace (e.g. cooperation, trust, collaboration, and virtues) into zoo and aquarium education programs, tying peace principles to conservation and biodiversity worldwide.  She also assists zoos and other organizations in creating peace paths by planting Peace Poles, Peace Gardens, and Peace Monuments, and documenting these Trails of Peace for visitors worldwide.  (See www.atlantapeacetrails.com).