Dear KAREN,
Each spring, more than half a million Sandhill Cranes stop in the Platte River Valley to refuel on their journey northward. For nearly fifty of those years, Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary has protected the river for cranes and provided people an intimate view of the greatest American migration.
After two spring migration seasons impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, which have greatly reduced the number of visitors able to view the spectacle, Rowe Sanctuary is beginning to take flight again bringing people through its doors for the 2022 season.
However, things still aren't fully back to normal. Rowe Sanctuary operates year-round with a lean staff of six fulltime employees. They accommodate more than 30,000 visitors over six weeks by utilizing over one hundred volunteers who come from near and far to guide tours, serve as roving naturalists on the trails, clean the nature center, lead field trips, and more. But after consecutive seasons that were scaled back and some fears about COVID-19 still looming,
Rowe is operating this season with less than half its usual volunteer base. This means fewer guided tours which are a vital source of funds used to support conservation efforts year-round at Rowe Sanctuary. 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.
Three seasons ago, rains and flooding greatly reduced tourism, resulting in a loss of more than 70% of Rowe's revenue. Two seasons ago the pandemic brought crane season to a halt. Last season, the nature center remained closed for safety reasons and guided tours were reduced by over 90%. Now we are facing a negatively impacted season for the fourth consecutive year due to a lack of volunteers.
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
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