OUR MISSION

The George Wright Society supports parks, protected/conserved areas, cultural sites, and other kinds of place-based conservation by encouraging communication among and convenings of researchers, managers, educators, practitioners, and the public to facilitate informed decisions and actions that embrace our values.

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OUR VISION

Founded in 1980, we strive to be the premier organization connecting peoples, places, knowledges, and ideas to foster excellence in cultural and natural resource management, research, protection, andinterpretation in place-based conservation. We are an interdisciplinary network of researchers, managers, Indigenous people, educators, students, and various other dedicated professionals.

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OUR INSPIRATION: GEORGE MELÉNDEZ WRIGHT
George Meléndez Wright (1904–1936) was an American biologist who conceived of, then
conducted, the first scientific survey of wildlife for the US National Park Service. Among his
many attributes, Wright pioneered a holistic approach to conservation in the national parks
and beyond. The GWS honors the vision of this pioneering thinker and doer.
 

OUR VALUES AND IMPACT
Drawing on core values of integrity, respect, inclusion, and collaborative curiosity, we unite diverse communities around a common passion for protecting Earth’s natural and cultural heritage, creating the sustainable stewardship needed to meet today’s greatest conservation challenges.

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OUR STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

Every three years the GWS Board of Directors reviews and renews the four primary strategic directions that guide our Society's work. You can read our current Strategic Directions document here.