"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the
world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. --Margaret Mead
The KEEP Conservation Foundation
Founded in 1998, KEEP Conservation is a local non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and survival of migratory and breeding birds. Through the acquisition and careful management of threatened, environmentally sensitive lands along the migratory flyways in the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut area, KEEP Conservation will create sanctuaries for vulnerable birds and other endangered wildlife.
Education programs, guided nature walks and thoughtful shared use of KEEP Conservation lands for observation and contemplation will teach individuals and groups, from childern to the elderly, the vital importance of protection and stewardship of the declining natural world in "our own backyards."
Why was KEEP Conservation founded?
KEEP Conservation was founded in response to the overwhelming decline of migratory birds due to loss of crucial habitat. The National Audubon Society has reported on a devastating decline in the common bird. The 20 most popular species — the warblers and songbirds that frequent our backyard feeders, as well as the small ducks and game birds that scurry through fields and wetlands — have seen their numbers drop an astounding 54 per cent over the past 40 years, the NAS says. The top 10 birds in this category have seen their numbers dwindle by an average of more than 70 per cent. That translates to 432 million fewer sparrows, chickadees, eastern meadowlarks, hummingbirds and northern bobwhites, among others, today than in 1967, when a similar census was taken.
At the same time that wilderness and local fields and woodlands are rapidly disappearing, nearly 100 million Americans delighted in bird watching and other related interactions with nature. That number continues to grow. In response, the mission of KEEP Conservation is to ensure that local communities will be able to retain and have access to the lands and wildlife that are our shared heritage.
How is KEEP Conservation different?
KEEP Conservation is committed to the work done by established conservation groups on national and international levels. KEEP Conservation fills in the gap left by these groups in local areas by purchasing small, endangered lands along the Atlantic migratory flyway--land that might otherwise "fall through the cracks."
Staffed by dedicated, unpaid volunteers, all donations to KEEP Conservation go directly to purchase and manage land and to educational programming.
What can you do?
Join the KEEP Conservation Foundation. There is no better or more enduring gift you can give to yourselves, your children, and the generations to come.
DOWNLOAD our donation form, which can be printed and mailed.
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