Urgent: Protect America's greatest migration [Sandhill Cranes at risk]

A special message about the Rowe Sanctuary Need to give your inbox a break? [Pause fundraising messages]( for two weeks. [National Audubon Society]( [Sandhill crane and chick]( Sandhill Cranes. [Urgent: Your help needed to protect America’s greatest migration]( [Support Rowe Sanctuary]( STATUS: Unconfirmed [Donate]( We urgently ask for your support. For thousands of years, more than half a million Sandhill Cranes have touched down in the Platte River Valley to refuel on their journey northward. For nearly fifty of those years, birders and wildlife enthusiasts have flocked to Rowe Sanctuary for an intimate view of the greatest American migration. However, the COVID-19 crisis has greatly reduced the number of visitors able to view the spectacle for a second year in a row, severely impacting a vital source of funds used to support conservation efforts year-round at Rowe Sanctuary. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the visitor’s center at Rowe remains closed. The trails and outdoor spaces are open to the public. Our six-week crane season, which normally offers tours for up to 240 people per day has been scaled back to just ten guests per day in order to allow for social distancing and to operate with a smaller volunteer base than in a normal season. Fewer visitors mean less revenue to support our conservation work and protect the Platte River for cranes and other birds. The continued impact on the center’s work is of serious concern. [We urgently ask you to help with a gift, designated for Rowe. Will you please contribute to help Rowe and the birds that depend on our conservation efforts?]( Rowe Sanctuary consists of 2,900 acres of vital bird habitat, making it an essential player in the preservation of America’s greatest migration. The center’s work supports not only Sandhill Cranes but also endangered Whooping Cranes, and millions of other waterfowl. But birds aren’t the only ones that benefit from all that happens at Rowe. Each spring, more than 30,000 people coming from over 60 different countries bring a crucial $25 million into the local economy—proving that helping birds, helps people too. Two seasons ago, rains and flooding greatly reduced tourism, resulting in a loss of more than 70% of Rowe’s revenue. Last season was brought to a halt by the pandemic. Now we are facing a negatively impacted season for the third consecutive year. [And Rowe can’t wait.]( Without Rowe Sanctuary’s work to protect the Platte River ecosystem, this five-mile stretch of river would be overtaken by woody species and shrubs. The channels would deepen. And the cranes would no longer find this an ideal place to roost each night during their stay. [Please contribute to the well-being of Sandhill Cranes and other birds with a gift now to Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary.]( Your donation will go directly to Rowe to support our conservation efforts across the Platte River ecosystem. With your help, Rowe can continue to connect people and nature, ensuring a brighter future for birds. Sincerely, Bill Taddicken Director Rowe Sanctuary [Donate Now]( Photo: Ursula Dubrick/Audubon Photography Awards [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [YouTube]( National Audubon Society 225 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014 USA [(844) 428-3826](#) [audubon.org]( © 2021 National Audubon Society, Inc. [Pause fundraising emails for two weeks]( [Update your email address or unsubscribe](