WORLD RANGER DAY
On July 31st, World Ranger Day honors the dedication, and crucial work rangers do every day around the globe. The day offers an opportunity to show support to rangers for the services they provide. Every day, their unwavering commitment protects our national parks, wildlife, and forested heritage.
“A park ranger is a protector. You protect the land from the people, the people from the land, the people from each other and the people from themselves.” Kurt Caswell (author/writer)
Park rangers hold a variety of roles. As the front line of preservation and conservation, all park rangers are integral to national park systems. In the United States, the National Park Service (NPS) employs rangers to provide both law enforcement and cultural and educational services. Around the world, a park ranger’s role may vary depending on the environment they serve.
While the day recognizes the contributions of rangers, it also highlights their sacrifices. According to professional groups, at least 1,000 park rangers have been killed in the line of duty over the past 10 years – 75% by commercial poachers and armed militia groups. Accordingly, the day commemorates rangers killed or injured in the line of duty.
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldRangerDay
Participate in the Thin Green Line Foundation promotion. The Thin Green Line Foundation supports the work of Rangers and honors their memories. Put your name and location on the sign provided by the Foundation. Have your picture taken while holding the poster. You can also take a photo with rangers or in a protected area, and post it on social media sharing the photo to the International Ranger Federation (INF) and The Thin Green Line Foundation Facebook page.
Use #TheThinGreenLine and #WorldRangerDay to share on social media.
WORLD RANGER DAY HISTORY
In 2007, the International Rangers Foundation and The Thin Green Line Foundation celebrated the first World Ranger Day on the 15th anniversary of the founding of the International Rangers Foundation.