Ann Hayden
Senior Director, Western Water and Resilient Landscapes
Work
Ann leads EDF’s California Water program as senior director of western water and resilient landscapes. The California Water program focuses on advancing incentive-based approaches that ensure adequate water for ecosystems, improve agriculture’s resilience to climate change and address the needs of disadvantaged communities. In particular, Ann leads EDF’s initiatives to help farmers transition to a future with less groundwater while taking into account the needs of disadvantaged communities and ecosystems. By fostering relationships with state and federal agencies, nonprofit partners, landowners, local stakeholders and the private sector, Ann has developed an inclusive approach to resource management that considers a wide array of perspectives and disciplines.
Background
For more than 17 years, Ann has been building broad coalitions to advance of pragmatic solutions that benefit both people and the environment. She is an expert in the development and implementation of environmental markets that help enhance healthy freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. Throughout her career, Ann’s work has focused on finding the right balance between ecosystem protection and the prosperity of communities.
At EDF, Ann has been instrumental in advancing smart, incentive-based water management strategies in California. She also has played a major role in the establishment of the Central Valley Habitat Exchange, which was developed to incentivize farmers and ranchers to restore important habitat on their land while maintaining, or even increasing, agricultural productivity.
Education
- M.A., Environmental Science and Management, UC Santa Barbara
- B.A., Marine Biology, UC Santa Cruz
Latest pieces
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Dusty barren fields or thriving farmland and habitat? This bill creates a better vision for California’s future
January 15, 2021
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One area in California will tap regional planning to respond to the state’s groundwater law. Here’s how it could help farmers.
February 28, 2020
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Newsom’s Water Resilience Portfolio puts California on course to climate resilience
January 15, 2020
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What’s next for California’s Central Valley? Even with water cutbacks, the region can still thrive. Here’s how.
June 28, 2019
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Extreme wet weather in Louisiana and California highlights urgent need for newer, smarter strategies
March 6, 2019
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West Nile virus in an unlikely place: Why my loss is a wake-up call for all Americans
January 24, 2019
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We need a new financial model to address California’s most pressing environmental problems
December 3, 2018
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California water leaders offer recommendations for Governor-elect Gavin Newsom
November 26, 2018
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How can communities get the most from investing in nature?
April 13, 2018
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7 lessons from a California water leader on managing for the future
January 23, 2018