This year’s assemblage of conservation biologists takes place in San José, California (frequently written without the accent), which lies at the Southern end of San Francisco Bay. It is divided from the Pacific Ocean by a series of hills which stop ocean moisture. So, here it is hot and, from the air, a burnt grass colored landscape surrounds the city. Formerly an agricultural town—its seal features a plump bouquet of wheat—it is now part of Silicon Valley, that famed US home of high tech.

The theme of the conference is “Conservation Without Borders” so expect to hear the latest about geographical, organizational, political and disciplinary blurring of all kinds. Stay tuned…