A lifelong wanderer and explorer of wonder, Mark Gruin passed away on August 13, 2022. He was surrounded by his family and very much in the thoughts of the extended family of conservation colleagues he had collected over his more than 40 years spent working to preserve nature, species and our planet.
Mark was always a calming and sensible presence, especially adept at finding consensus and common ground where strong opinions could come together. He was a rock for many at Rainforest Trust, from early days with founder Byron Swift to the last six years where he helped to steer the organization through a leadership transition while continuing the forward momentum and growth to protect tropical habitat.
From his earliest days working at Zoo America in Hershey, Pennsylvania where he met Elaine, his wife, to his last trip to Brazil this spring, Mark appreciated the natural world. He enjoyed nature and sharing with others. Whether a calm paddle along a slow river, a walk in the rainforest looking for birds, or a beautiful view, Mark’s joy was infectious. Mark was also deeply committed to humanitarian causes.
No one was a stranger to Mark. He found friends in every corner of the tropics and in board rooms around the world. Submit a remembrance or message here, and it will be shared with his family.
If you prefer to send your message by email, we will make sure Mark’s family receives your message: rememberingmark@rainforesttrust.org. Gifts made in Mark’s honor will be used to support the causes he was most passionate about: building partnerships, increasing the capacity of our partners in the developing world, and conservation work in Belize.
A Passionate Conservationist
Mark planned several retreats for our partners and was passionate about working with them to build their capacity and expand their networks.
Mark enjoys drinking his bourbon of choice with Rainforest Trust Founder, Byron Swift, at the Rainforest Trust 30th Anniversary Auction.
Mark presents a Certificate of Appreciation to a Rainforest Guardian. Mark loved building relationships with Rainforest Trust's partners.
Acting as Interim CEO, Mark visits the Pak Thale project site in Thailand (to protect Spoon-billed Sandpipers), with then Chief of Conservation, Angela Yang, and a member of our local partner, Bird Conservation Society of Thailand.
An avid Bird Watcher, Mark was thrilled to see the Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper while visiting our Pak Thale project site in Thailand. With the help of our local partner, Bird Conservation Society of Thailand, 19.5 acres of habitat was purchased for these amazing birds.
While in Brazil for the Governors' Climate and Forests Task Force meeting, Mark visited Rio Negro in spring of 2022.
The way we remember Mark Gruin whose love for the planet and species seemed surpassed only by his love of people.