Round River is dedicated to protecting and restoring those increasingly rare places best described simply as big wilderness. To us, big wilderness signifies vast landscapes containing complete assemblages of wildlife including the largest carnivores and supporting indigenous people living on their ancestral lands. Unfortunately, not only is the earth losing its wildest places, but we are also losing in our own imaginations the potential these places once inspired in us. We’ve set as our goal the stewardship of such wild places.

Round River began in 1991 as a collection of conservation scientists, artists, and so-called radical activists who came together out of a shared love for big wilderness. Over the years, we learned the importance of collaborating with local people who have maintained strong, enduring land ethics. We also came to understand that we too had to make long-term commitments to the land and people in the places where we work.

From the outset, we recognized the importance of sharing our work with young adults, as well as the value of the landscape as the most visceral of educators. Students are therefore central to our efforts, and participate in our conservation projects gaining first-hand experience with the scientific, social and political aspects of this work.

Following the edict of Michael Soulé; to be effective conservation planning must include large core areas, big carnivores, and connectivity; we set out with our long-term partners and students to produce innovative, comprehensive land protection plans. Today, thanks to the perseverance of our supporters and partners, we are witnessing success through the implementation of these plans. As a small organization we are proud of our effectiveness, assisting with the creation of recognized conservations areas exceeding 25 million acres and approaching 10 million acres of designated protection.

Today our conservation efforts in North America are focused in northwestern British Columbia, in the canyons and forests of Southeastern Utah, and the mountains of central Idaho. In Africa, our longstanding work in the Kunene Region of Namibia continues along with an exciting opportunity in the Okavango Delta of Botswana. In South America, our efforts are focused in the Patagonia Mountains of Chile.

Additionally, we are being asked to help in other regions around the world, and are seeking new partners to join us in our mission of protecting big wilderness, its wildlife and the people who call these lands their home. If you wish to help or have any questions or comments, please contact us.