About WildScape Guardians
Founded in 1995, WildScape Guardians has grown from a small group of passionate nature photographers and conservationists into a globally recognized organization dedicated to preserving Earth's most precious wild landscapes and national parks.
Our journey began with documentation expeditions that aimed to capture the beauty and fragility of untouched wilderness. Today, we operate across five continents, working with local communities, governments, and other conservation organizations to protect biodiversity hotspots and create sustainable management practices for national parks and wild areas.
Our Journey Through the Years
The Beginning (1995-2000)
WildScape Guardians began as "Wilderness Lens," a collective of nature photographers documenting the rapid loss of pristine habitats across North America. Founded by Dr. Eleanor Hayes, a wildlife biologist turned conservation advocate, the organization's early work focused on raising awareness through powerful imagery and storytelling.
Our first major success came in 1998 when our photo documentation of threatened old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest helped establish the 50,000-acre Blue Ridge Conservation Area, saving ancient trees that had stood for over 800 years.
Global Expansion (2001-2010)
The new millennium marked our transformation from documentation to direct action. Rebranding as "WildScape Guardians," we expanded operations internationally, establishing partnerships with indigenous communities across South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
During this period, we pioneered our community-centered conservation model that ensures local stakeholders benefit from and lead conservation efforts. This approach led to the successful establishment of the Trans-Amazon Conservation Corridor in 2007, connecting fragmented habitats across three countries.
Modern Conservation (2011-Present)
The last decade has seen WildScape Guardians embrace technological innovation and scientific research to address increasingly complex conservation challenges. We've established our own research centers in five key biodiversity hotspots, focusing on climate resilience, wildlife corridor design, and sustainable tourism models.
Today, our organization comprises over 200 full-time staff and thousands of volunteers worldwide. We've helped establish or improve management for more than 40 national parks and protected areas, covering over 15 million acres of critical habitat. Our current initiatives focus on creating climate-resilient protected areas and developing next-generation conservation tools using satellite monitoring, AI, and citizen science.
Our Mission & Values
Mission Statement
"To protect and preserve Earth's most valuable wild landscapes and national parks through scientific research, community engagement, and sustainable practices, ensuring these natural treasures thrive for generations to come."
Scientific Integrity
We ground all our conservation work in rigorous scientific research and evidence-based approaches. We maintain the highest standards of data collection, analysis, and reporting, collaborating with academic institutions worldwide to ensure our methods reflect current best practices in conservation biology and ecology.
Community Partnership
We believe lasting conservation success requires active participation and leadership from local communities. We respect indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, and land rights, working alongside communities to develop conservation approaches that support both ecological health and human wellbeing through sustainable economic opportunities.
Innovative Solutions
The complex challenges facing wild landscapes today require creative thinking and adaptive approaches. We embrace technological innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and continuous learning to develop conservation strategies that address emerging threats and leverage new opportunities for protecting nature.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Dr. Eleanor Hayes
Founder & Executive Director
With a Ph.D. in Conservation Biology and 30+ years of field experience, Eleanor has led our organization from its humble beginnings to its current global impact. Her pioneering work on habitat connectivity has influenced protected area design worldwide.
Dr. Miguel Fernandez
Chief Scientific Officer
Miguel leads our global research initiatives with expertise in tropical ecology and climate resilience. Previously with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, he brings cutting-edge scientific approaches to our conservation strategies.
Aisha Mbeki
Director of Community Partnerships
With a background in anthropology and indigenous rights advocacy, Aisha oversees our community engagement programs across Africa and Asia. Her innovative approaches to conservation co-management have become models for the field.
Dr. James Chen
Director of Conservation Technology
James leads our technology initiatives, developing innovative tools for remote monitoring and conservation planning. His background in computer science and ecology has revolutionized how we track ecosystem changes and wildlife movements.
Our global team extends far beyond our leadership, with dedicated conservationists, scientists, community specialists, and support staff working in over 20 countries worldwide.
Join Our TeamOur Achievements & Impact
Acres of critical habitat protected through our direct conservation efforts
Community members engaged in sustainable conservation practices
National parks and protected areas established or improved
Major Conservation Milestones
- Trans-Amazon Conservation Corridor (2007) - Connected fragmented habitats across Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, creating the world's largest protected rainforest corridor spanning over 5 million acres.
- Eastern Mountain Range Restoration (2010-2015) - Reforested 35,000 hectares of degraded mountain habitat, resulting in a 78% increase in biodiversity indicators.
- Coastal Wetland Preservation (2015-2018) - Secured permanent protection for a 12,000-acre coastal wetland system that serves as critical habitat for over 200 bird species.
- Alpine Conservation Network (2019-2022) - Created a connected system of high-altitude protected areas across three countries, preserving critical water sources and alpine biodiversity.
Research & Innovation
- WildTrack Monitoring System - Developed cutting-edge wildlife tracking technology now used in over 50 protected areas worldwide to monitor endangered species.
- Climate Resilience Framework - Created an internationally adopted methodology for designing protected areas that can withstand climate change impacts.
- Community Conservation Toolkit - Developed comprehensive resources for community-led conservation initiatives, translated into 12 languages and used by organizations globally.
- EcoSchools Initiative - Created environmental education programs reaching over 1 million students across 40 countries, nurturing the next generation of conservation leaders.
What Our Partners Say
Maria Rodriguez
Indigenous Community Leader, Amazon Basin
"WildScape Guardians has transformed how conservation happens in our region. Unlike other organizations that came before them, they truly listened to our community's needs and traditional knowledge. Together, we've developed sustainable forestry practices that protect our ancestral lands while providing economic opportunities for our people."
Dr. Thomas Odhiambo
Wildlife Conservation Authority, Kenya
"The technical expertise and innovative approaches that WildScape Guardians brings to conservation challenges have revolutionized our national park management. Their wildlife corridor design has increased elephant populations by 23% in just five years, while their community engagement programs have reduced human-wildlife conflicts dramatically."
Sarah Bennett
Director, Global Environmental Foundation
"As a funding partner, we've been consistently impressed with WildScape Guardians' ability to deliver measurable conservation outcomes. Their transparent reporting, scientific rigor, and commitment to both ecological and social impact sets them apart in the conservation field. They've become our model for effective conservation investment."
Join Our Conservation Mission
Whether you're interested in volunteering, supporting our work financially, or exploring career opportunities, we invite you to become part of our global community dedicated to protecting Earth's wild landscapes for future generations.