Jabarkhet Nature Reserve (JNR), near Mussoorie, turned 10 years old in 2025. It is Uttarakhand’s first privately owned nature reserve focused on conserving wildlife and habitat. The area was once known for thick forests and many animals like tigers, leopards, and bears. Today, JNR hosts leopard, barking deer, goral, marten, and more. The reserve's journey wasn't easy. Once unmanaged and crowded with visitors, the land suffered from dumping and invasive weeds. Co-founder Sejal Worah said, "We removed 500 kg of garbage from the slopes. Three tonnes of the weed Eupatorium were removed." Close to heavily touristed Mussoorie, JNR chose a different path. It offers slow, affordable hikes where wildlife has the right of way. The reserve trains local villagers as guides and workers to help restore the forest, supporting the community. Naturalist Virendra Singh said, "I didn’t think my passion for wildlife could become a job. I want to do this always." JNR is home to over 150 bird species, rare plants, fungi, and more, in about 100 acres. It stands as a vital refuge in a region facing threats from mining and expanding roads. Could this be the model for private reserves in India—where nature leads, tourists tread lightly, and local people benefit? JNR’s success points to that promising future.