People differ in how and how much they value nature, and in their attitudes toward conservation. This affects the implementation of laws and regulations and the criteria used in prioritization of conservation actions. Yet collaboration is essential, especially when conservation reliance requires long-term commitments. Individuals, communities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations must all be involved. Shepherding nature is about taking responsibility for watching over and caring for species and Earth’s biodiversity. Countering the rising rate of extinctions will require a transformative change in how people relate to the environment, nature, and one another.