Wilderness Society
OrganizationAbout
The Wilderness Society is a U.S. non-profit organization dedicated to preserving America's natural areas and federal public lands. Founded in 1935 by visionaries including Aldo Leopold, Robert Marshall, and Benton MacKaye, it advocates for the designation of federal wilderness areas and other protective designations. The society supports balanced uses of public lands and pushes for land conservation proposals. It manages significant collections, such as Ansel Adams photographs, and operates under the leadership of Tracy Stone-Manning. The organization has been instrumental in major conservation efforts, notably the 1964 Wilderness Act, which established the National Wilderness Preservation System. It has protected over 111 million acres of wilderness and contributed to numerous conservation laws. The Wilderness Society engages in education, outreach, and advocacy, focusing on lands managed by federal agencies like national parks and forests. It also promotes diversity and inclusion in conservation efforts, ensuring public lands benefit all communities.
