Some of the Black leaders on this list are well known. Some lesser so. But all of them have made an indelible mark on the understanding and preservation of our natural world. They have served as trailblazers in fields that have not always had the benefit of a diversity of voices. We at The Nature Conservancy believe that science and conservation are best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with widely diverse backgrounds, experiences and identities, who reflect the communities they serve. They inspire us, during Black History Month and every month.

Read more from The Nature Conservancy here.