Worldwide park rangers killed in the line of duty last year
Via IRF Ranger Roll of Honor
1 in 7
Rangers injured in the line of duty across Asia & Central Africa in 2018
Rangers have long been the frontline conservation workers safeguarding the planet for the benefit of the human race and all of biodiversity. Rangers are the first responders for maintaining the health of the planet. It is therefore more important than ever to support rangers, their work, and their communities.
Who We Are
Founded in 2022, Ranger’s Legacy is a US based 501(c)3 grant-issuing organization that strives to support park ranger-centric initiatives, primarily in developing areas.
Why We Do It
A park ranger is someone who stewards and advocates for the protection of natural resources, heritage, or wildlife. They can be a game warden in a reserve, or a villager mitigating human-wildlife conflict. Park rangers selflessly risk their lives for the job, oftentimes ill-equipped and underpaid. Still, they work towards leaving a legacy for others to benefit from. The dictionary definition of a Legacy is something transmitted by or received from an ancestor, predecessor, or from the past. For us, a ranger’s legacy means protected lands, left-behind families with opportunities, and wildlife that can continue to prosper. Our primary focus is to serve efforts that support this legacy.
MISSION
Promote the legacy of nature’s protectors by supporting the needs of park rangers and their families, globally.
PURPOSE
Park rangers are nature’s protectors. Many lack the resources they need to get the job done. They risk their lives for others. Families of fallen park rangers get left behind. The ranger’s sacrifice must be known.
VISION
We envision a world where a ranger’s legacy lives on, forever.
How We Do It
Given the ongoing challenges rangers face around the world, along with our team’s exposure to existing efforts, we know that partnership is key.
We add capacity to on-the-ground efforts that:
- Provide park rangers with equipment, gear, and support for necessary job functions
- Support the families of park rangers through livelihood developmental opportunities
- Promote education around ranger work, day-to-day job functions, field challenges, and ranger-directed conservation initiatives
Thus far, we’ve distributed almost $20,000 to programs that drive our mission. As we grow, our global footprint will as well.
Stay tuned for our annual report and newsletter with information related to our project streams and organizational growth. To get involved, or to learn more about what we do as an organization, please reach out to our team via email at info@rangerslegacy.org.
EFFORTS FUNDED
FUNDAECO – GUATEMALA
Repairing and maintaining patrol vehicles in Earth’s largest Mayan rainforest
Colorado State University Center for Protected Area Management – Women’s Leadership in Conservation Scholarship
Supporting continuing professional development for women leaders in conservation
Park Ranger’s Widows and Orphans Project (PRWOP) – Democratic Republic of Congo
Investing in business development for the widows of fallen park rangers around Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks
MEET THE TEAM
Dennis
Dennis’s interest in the work of a ranger kindled at a young age. Through connections he made as an attendee at the 2016 IRF World Ranger Congress, Dennis found his way to the DR Congo as a guest, where he saw firsthand the challenges rangers face, and the families who are left behind after a ranger’s ultimate sacrifice. A couple of short years later, Ranger’s Legacy was formed. Dennis supports our team in a leadership role and brings passion, as well as a global network of like minded efforts to Ranger’s Legacy.
Weston
Weston has long been interested in supporting the fight for wildlife protection, and how conservation and development can function in tandem. He was able to meet many park rangers that aligned with his vision for natural resource protection and sustainable growth at the 2016 IRF World Ranger Congress, where his interest in supporting park rangers was born. Weston joined the organization in 2022 to serve in an administrative role, while assisting with team projects, broader initiatives, and events.
Daniel
Daniel joined the team in 2023. With a professional background in finance and accounting and a passion for volunteering, Daniel serves as the Board Treasurer. His exposure to protected lands across the US and Central America inspired his passion for promoting park ranger work. Dan realizes that our successes today are a product of the support and work done by those before us. He is excited to apply this passion and empathy to the team.
Ranger’s Legacy is a 501(c)3 grant-issuing organization that strives to support ranger-centric initiatives around the world. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. To contact our team, please email info@rangerslegacy.org.