The California Trail project received a Significant Achievement Exhibit Award at the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Conference in New Orleans. A collaboration between the Oakland Zoo, Noll & Tam, and zoo exhibit designers PJA of Seattle, WA, the entire California Trail experience aims to tell the story of the natural history of California, educate visitors about the animals that once roamed wild all over the state, and to awaken a feeling of responsibility for the preservation of these species and their habitats. The goal was to create the best possible habitat for the animals along with an incredible visitor experience, and to execute all of this with the lightest possible touch on the land.