Gulf Oil Spill

As millions of gallons of oil loom off the Gulf coast, the rust-colored crude has already seeped deep into the mindset of those who call the region home.  An SCA intern in Mississippi now must conduct her daily shorebird surveys from inside a Tyvek haz-mat suit.  Another intern’s start date has been delayed as park officials focus instead on the crisis at hand.  Still others keep a wary eye on the water as experts predict the spill will soon surround Florida and sweep up the Atlantic coast. Credit: Satellite image of natural oil seeps in the Gulf of Mexico by Jesse Allen, NASA

SCA is currently talking with Department of the Interior officials about the best way to assist in mitigation and restoration efforts.  Although many unknowns remain, sadly, it has become clear that this will be among the worst human-influenced environmental disasters in history.

Like many who have contacted us, SCA is eager to lend a hand to help protect and rescue the habitats, estuaries and wildlife in the spill’s path.  We have partnered with Gulf Coast parks, seashores and refuges for decades; as one staffer noted the other day “we know where the sea turtles lay their eggs.”  And for now, they are squarely in harm’s way.

We will keep you informed as recovery plans are developed, and encourage you to follow oil spill response activities as posted by National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  If you would like to financially support interns in the Gulf today or future SCA restoration teams, please donate now.