Celebrating Our Supporters on Earth Day

It is amazing to think that the very first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 by about 20 million Americans — and now it is a global event celebrated by hundreds of millions of people. It has become an annual catalyst that helps us pause to recognize the progress of environmental and conservation movements and the challenges that still lie ahead.

In honor of this environmental holiday, we want to recognize our donors and partners from every corner of the country who support The Conservation Fund’s smart and sustainable outcomes on Earth Day and every day. Last year alone, more than 6,000 supporters joined us in protecting nature, and we are so grateful for this community of conservation-minded people. Together we are making real and lasting impacts on landscapes, communities and wildlife across the country!

Photo by Jay Brittain.

We’ve heard many interesting and important reasons from our supporters about why they care about protecting nature, including:

• Revisiting childhood adventures by exploring ponds, parks or backyards
• Enjoying the peace of mind felt while walking in the woods or taking in a scenic view
• Creating special memories with family and friends
• Recognizing we all depend on sustainable natural resources management
• Wanting to combat the effects of climate change in your hometown and across the world
• Ensuring that special greenspaces exist for people and wildlife in 10, 50 or even 100 years

 

Which of these motivations resonate with you? You might agree with Emily Long, our long-time supporter from Colorado, who wants to protect nature because it has always felt like home. Or you may be feeling the urgency to protect our planet along with Scott, our monthly donor from California.

Emily Long, Colorado
Occupation: Environmental compliance specialist
Favorite outdoor activity: Rock climbing

Why do you love nature?
I love nature because it has always felt like home to me. As a kid I was always climbing trees, rolling in dirt and finding cool bugs. It made me grounded and comfortable with who I am today.

As we approach Earth Day, do you feel urgency to protect our planet? Why?
Of course, I feel an urgency to protect our planet. The Earth is struggling, and it’s our home; I want to be able to enjoy its beauty for a long time to come.

We know there are a lot of environmental charities to choose from. What about The Conservation helped you decide to support our conservation work?
The Conservation Fund has always felt like a positive driving force to me.

Scott Winkler, California
Occupation: Software engineer
Favorite outdoor activity: Horseback riding

Why do you love nature?
When I was growing up, I was in the Boy Scouts and we did a lot of camping and hiking. Even today I go on an annual backpacking trip with my dad — it’s our form of bonding. Spending time in nature is all that is required to appreciate it.

As we approach Earth Day, do you feel urgency to protect our planet? Why?
Reading about the endless environmental catastrophes happening in the news, it is disheartening to imagine what the world will look like in 30 or 50 years if the status quo is maintained. Now more than ever, it’s important that action be taken to protect our planet.

We know there are a lot of environmental charities to choose from. What about The Conservation helped you decide to support our conservation work?
I like the transparency of the spending reports and knowing that 95% of annual funding goes directly to protecting at-risk land and waters for future generations to enjoy.

This Earth Day, we’ll be celebrating Emily, Scott and all of our supporters. We hope that you’ll take a moment to celebrate your own commitment to conservation and share why you love nature and The Conservation Fund with your friends, family and neighbors to keep the momentum going!