“I believe the most important thing we can do for conservation worldwide is to invest in the training of men and women to manage their own natural resources.”

—Russell E. Train, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of World Wildlife Fund

Russell E. Train, one of the most influential and well-known leaders in American conservation, passed away on Monday, Sept. 17, 2012.

Over the past half century, under Train's guidance and visionary leadership, World Wildlife Fund-US has grown from a small grant-making organization into a global conservation force with over 1 million members in the U.S. Train was a pioneer not only at WWF, but for the entire conservation movement in this country and around the world. We honor him by continuing our work to protect the world’s most ecologically important regions, and by ensuring that the Education For Nature Program created in his name continues to train and support the next generation of conservation leaders.

Contribute below in memory of Russell E. Train. If you have questions or would like to speak with someone directly, please contact Abby Wadley at 202-495-4677. Your contribution will be used to support the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program.*

View tributes in honor and remembrance of Russell E. Train from people around the world whose lives have been impacted by him and his work in conservation. We invite you to contribute and share your own thoughts too.

*The Education for Nature Program is partially funded by a dedicated endowment to support the long-term viability of Russell E. Train’s legacy, and through additional contributions and support.