Friend,

Do you remember the images of thousands of monarchs resting on trees during their long migration south?

Branches so laden with butterflies, no leaves could be seen -- only fluttering orange and black wings. Moments like this inspired and informed Americans about the incredible monarch butterfly ... but now they could be a thing of the past.

Between 80 and 99% of monarchs have been lost in the last 20 years, and the species, especially the western monarch, now flutters on the edge of extinction.

Climate change and habitat loss have left us with fewer than 2,000 western monarchs, and if we don't take action to save them, this vibrant species may only live on in fading photographs.1

We've set a goal to raise $30,000 by midnight on Sept. 30 to fuel our work to defend monarchs, other pollinators and our environment. Join us by making a donation today.

Our best tool to stop extinction is the Endangered Species Act, which creates protections for endangered species and safeguards their habitats. But the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently refused to grant these protections to monarch butterflies, leaving them without help as their population continues to plummet.

We know that the Endangered Species Act works. More than 200 species have been revitalized with its help, including the iconic American grizzly bear.2 The monarchs' situation is dire, but it's not too late to save them and enact a comprehensive recovery plan under the Endangered Species Act.

We're working to get monarch butterflies the protection they deserve, but we need your help.

Your support makes our efforts possible -- donate today.

Monarchs are just one example of the many pollinators that have been hit hard in the last few decades. From banning bee-killing pesticides to advocating for pollinator-friendly habitat, Environment Colorado is standing up for the survival of pollinators across the nation. We envision a different kind of future: One with clean air, clean water and thriving wildlife.

But it's only because of you that we're able to work for that future. Without your support, none of our campaigns would be possible.

Our goal is to raise $30,000 to fuel our work to protect the planet -- will you donate today?

Thank you,

Rex Wilmouth
Senior Program Director

1. Theresa Machemer, "Why Monarch Butterflies Aren't Getting Endangered Species Status," Smithsonian Magazine, December 21, 2020.
2. Christopher Ketcham, "Inside efforts to weaken the Endangered Species Act," National Geographic, August 12, 2019.

Your donation will be used to support all of our campaigns to protect the environment, from saving the bees and protecting public lands, to standing up for clean water and fighting climate change. None of our work would be possible without supporters like you. Environment Colorado may transfer up to $50 per dues-paying member per year into the Environment Colorado Small Donor Committee.