14 A-Z Animals-approved Conservation Organizations to Support Today

It seems like most news in the world of conservation is negative, with species after species being red listed. But this month brings terrific news for the white-winged flufftail of South Africa. The bird, which was critically endangered for years, has now been downlisted to endangered. This rare conservation success is thanks to more than a decade of efforts. The elusive waterbird now inhabits more areas than it did previously, but the tiny birds are not out of the woods yet. Dr. Kyle Lloyd, the manager of Birdlife South Africa’s Wetland Conservation, stated, “Each of these populations is small, fragmented, and fragile. This downlisting is not a free pass, it’s a signal to keep going.”

From habitat destruction to oceans teeming with plastic, the earth is becoming increasingly inhospitable. Though none of us are immune to the changes occurring in our world, some species are in more imminent danger than others. This has prompted conservation groups to intervene in various ways. In their collective mission to heal the earth, these organizations focus on advocating, educating, and fieldwork. Hundreds of incredible non-profits are working tirelessly to create a sustainable future for our planet. Continue reading to learn about 14 A-Z Animals-approved conservation organizations with which you can feel good about getting involved.

This post was updated on July 7, 2025 to include information on the success of the white-winged flufftail.

American Bird Conservancy

The mission of the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is to conserve wild bird habitats to prevent extinctions and reverse declining populations. Recognizing the need to protect America’s wild birds and their habitats, George Finwick, a former director at the Nature Conservancy, founded ABC in 1994. In the last 50 years, America’s wild bird population has decreased by 25%. This loss amounts to nearly three billion birds. From habitat destruction and pesticides to pollution and glass collisions, our wild bird population is facing threats never before seen. The efforts of ABC have saved and/or restored millions of acres of wild bird habitats. Hoping to create an “Americas-wide community of bird conservationists,” ABC provides educational opportunities that encourage new generations of birders to get involved. Learn more about the American Bird Conservancy and how you can help.

American Forests

Margaret Mead said it best: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has. John Aston Warder and a small group of like-minded individuals founded the American Forestry Association. The organization, re-christening itself American Forests in 1992, has since grown to include a team of scientists, policy experts, and forestry specialists. Their work is now more important than ever. Since the dawn of the 21st century, the United States has lost nearly 50 million hectares of forestland. However, the good news is that while the U.S. experiences deforestation at alarming rates, there has been a downtrend in recent years, thanks to the efforts of conservation groups like American Forests, which has been protecting forests and planting 65 million trees since 1875. What a legacy.

American Rivers

Protecting one million miles of American rivers by 2030 and half of all American rivers by 2050 are the primary aims of American Rivers. While these may seem like lofty goals, it’s important to remember that water is the source of all life on our planet and that what happens to the water happens to the people. With that in mind, this organization is working to ensure that clean water is available to all U.S. residents by strengthening the Clean Water Act and advocating for infrastructure improvements. American Rivers has worked tirelessly to restore rivers by removing 30,000 compromised and harmful dams from U.S rivers, including the Watauga River in North Carolina, which saved many lives in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) runs the length of the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, traversing 14 states from Maine to Georgia, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy has been managing and maintaining the 2,197 miles of trail since 1925. Known as thru-hikers, only about 3,000 intrepid individuals attempt to hike the entire length of the A.T. annually. However, approximately 3 million folks enjoy hiking portions of the A.T. each year. Though numerous federal and state agencies share in the management and maintenance of the trail, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy is responsible for coordinating trail maintenance and advocating for environmental stewardship so that future generations can enjoy hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Defenders of Wildlife

This conservation organization’s name conjures images of caped crusaders, and the folks at Defenders of Wildlife are indeed superheroes! Their watchwords are prevent, protect, and restore. Defenders are dedicated to the prevention of species and their habitats from becoming endangered. They work to protect those species and their homes, restoring the health of the animals and their habitats. This work is accomplished through developing programs in the field and introducing conservation initiatives. Defenders even go to court when necessary to defend our country’s wildlife and their homes. Defenders of Wildlife has a 75-year record of being on the correct side of environmental issues. Show them a little love.

Friends of the Earth

Getting big box garden stores to stop selling bedding plants containing neonicotinoids, an agricultural insecticide responsible for killing bees, is one of the many wonderful things Friend of the Earth has accomplished in their 50 years of service. From saving public lands from oil and gas drilling to petitioning the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to stop factory farming, a primary source of water and air pollution, not to mention animal cruelty, Friends of the Earth is fighting for future generations. Your donation to Friends of the Earth helps fuel the fight for a healthier and just world.

5 Gyres

The new kid on the block, 5 Gyres, was established in 2009 by Anna Cummins and Marcus Eriksen on an 88-day voyage from California to Hawaii on a raft composed of 15,000 plastic bottles. Since then, this dynamic duo and their talented team have established a successful track record. We asked Eriksen which accomplishments he considered their greatest. He responded, “We’ve made several contributions we’re proud of,” then citing their global survey of ocean plastics and the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015.

Andra Janieks, 5 Gyres’ Director of Marketing, explains that on an expedition to the Great Lakes in 2012, the team discovered “…an abundance of small, spherical plastic particles that we traced back to microbeads from personal care products.” This discovery led to the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015. “We are currently co-sponsoring a California bill that would phase out microbeads in more household products,” says Janieks, “including leave-on cosmetics, cleaning products, and paint.” This is but one of the many ways 5 Gyres is working to eliminate plastics from our environment.

Land Trust Alliance

Protecting the land is the mission of the Land Trust Alliance, which has been doing just that since its founding in 1982 as the Land Trust Exchange. The Land Trust Alliance is an umbrella organization that manages land trusts across the United States. Land trusts give individuals and communities the legal authority to manage land for many different purposes, and the Land Trust Alliance is focused on conservation. Natural spaces and farmland are diminishing rapidly across the U.S., with annual losses of over 1 million acres. The Land Trust Alliance is working to stem the tide, and your gift can help.

National Parks Conservation Association

For more than 100 years, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been at the forefront of protecting America’s National Parks. Among other services, NPCA initiated a breeding program that helped re-establish panthers in Florida’s Everglades and saved a Civil War battlefield from becoming a Walmart Super Center. NPCA works tirelessly to ensure that we have natural spaces to visit that are top-notch, ecologically and environmentally sound natural areas that will serve future generations well. Recently, the National Park Service has been dealt a blow, which is reflected on NPCA’s homepage. Giving generously will help NPCA weather the storm.

National Wildlife Federation

The oldest and largest U.S.-based conservation group, the National Wildlife Federation, was founded in 1936. There’s nothing this group doesn’t do, from restoring habitats to working for environmental justice. The National Wildlife Federation has affiliates in all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, allowing for an integrated approach that benefits everyone. See what the National Wildlife Federation has to offer.

Student Conservation Association

Liz Putnam created the Student Conservation Association as a result of her senior thesis at Vassar College. The mission of the Student Conservation Association (SCA) is to give high school students real-world experience in conservation careers. From working with endangered species and biodiversity to recreation management and education and community outreach, SCA places students out in the field. Over 100,000 young people have benefited from the opportunities the Student Conservation Association has provided since 1957. Ms. Putnam’s vision continues to encourage young people across the country to work toward saving the earth.

Trust for Public Land

If you’re the outdoorsy type, Trust for Public Land will interest you. These folks understand that being outdoors and experiencing nature is indispensable to mental health and physical well-being. As such, this group’s mission is to create outdoor spaces that are easily accessible to everyone, creating 5,000+ parks and outdoor recreational spaces in communities around the U.S. since 1972. What a gift. Your gift to the Trust for Public Land ensures this worthy organization can continue connecting people and nature.

Wildlife Conservation Society

The Wildlife Conservation Society is a bit of an anomaly on our list. Though this conservation organization is based in the U.S. (Bronx, New York), the majority of its work is outside of the country. From South America and the Caribbean to Southeast Asia and Central Africa, the Wildlife Conservation Society’s mission is to help endangered species rebound. From elephants and gorillas to coastal dolphins and coral reefs, this organization appreciates all wildlife but prioritizes the most vulnerable. Take a look at what the Wildlife Conservation Society is doing — you’ll be impressed!

Wolf Education and Research Center

Wolves may be the most misunderstood animals on the planet. Though dogs and wolves are the same species, sharing 99.9% of their DNA, one is considered man’s best friend, while the other is considered a menace. Throughout the 20th century, concentrated efforts were made to eliminate wolves from the landscape of the Western U.S. altogether. From ranches to National Parks, wolves were hunted to the brink of extinction. Wolf populations are rebounding, thanks to conservation organizations like Idaho’s Wolf Education and Research Center. However, their work is not finished, as the wanton killing of wolves continues.

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