The oil spill in the Gulf is now considered one of the worst ecological disasters in the history of the U.S. It’s such a painful and horrible (and ongoing) problem, many of us don’t know what to do and where to begin. We become overwhelmed with shock and dismay. We are disheartened by big business and empty promises made by our government. It’s hard not to retreat in the face of such an epic horror.

Personally, I pray every day for the healing of our ocean, the giver of life. I pray for its protection, its purity. I do believe if we all spend one moment doing that we can make a difference. So if you can do nothing else, please pray to whatever higher power works for you. Our beautiful waters deserve it.

Here are some ways we can help.

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The Gulf: 3 Ways You Can Help

Written by Mark Tercek
Published on May 6th, 2010
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It’s hard to express how much all the phone calls and emails in the wake of the Gulf oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico mean to me and to all the Conservancy’s staff — especially those working long hours in the Gulf states.

Many of you contacted us again after reading our Alabama director of conservation’s latest blog posts about our efforts there, asking what you can do to help Bill and his team respond to the spill.

Here are three things you can do today to help the Gulf coast, its wildlife and the people who depend on it:

• Make a donation to help our restoration efforts in the Gulf – your contribution to our Fund for Gulf Coast Restoration will help us determine both the extent of the spill and the necessary long-term restoration work in the Gulf and states along its coast.
• Second, tell your friends about what’s at stake for the Gulf Coast. Share our work by posting it to Facebook or tweeting on Twitter. Get the word out that the plants, animals and people in one of North America’s most treasured places will need our help.
• Third, consider being a volunteer. The Conservancy is still assessing what volunteer opportunities will be needed and coordinating with groups like the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana.

Already, we’ve put to work The Nature Conservancy’s best knowledge and expertise in the Gulf region.

Our Fund for Gulf Coast Restoration will help us do even more and will be put to use by the Conservancy and its marine scientists and staff knowledgeable about the Gulf and about oil spill impacts to help the long-term restoration of this critical ecosystem.

Currently, our Louisiana staff is conducting flights over the coast with federal, state and some of our non-governmental partners to help determine the extent of the spill and are working to protect critical oyster reefs in the Grand Isle, Biloxi Marsh and Vermilion Bay areas.

I am in the Gulf region today to assess what more the Conservancy can do to respond and support our staff members who live along the Gulf and work every day on conservation here.

As you know, this is not just about the shrimp, the oysters, and the crabs. It is about both the Gulf’s marine ecosystem, as well the local economy and the people who depend on it.

I hope you will continue to follow Bill’s work and our progress on our blog, Cool Green Science.

Thank you for your offer to help and your critical support.