"It was like a hundred Hiroshimas just coming straight for you. The sun was blocked out. It was like Armageddon," cried one bystander. Another blared, "You could have taken every engine in the country, and it couldn't stop it."

It was Sunday morning, October 26th, 2003. The sun became blazing red. The sky turned a horrific, charcoal gray. Little did the residents of Southern California know — their lives would never be the same again. Let me explain...

24 lives lost, 3,645 homes and over 750,000 acres went up in flames. Rapid wildfires ravaged Southern California fanned by fierce, hot, Santa Ana winds.

Among the Black Smoke and Chaos...

As devastating as the wildfires have been — and as many people, homes, and businesses that have been affected — there is yet a larger number of lost lives that typically gets unnoticed. They are the silent majority. You rarely see them make the news.

You see, every time I hear about a tragedy like this, my eyes swell with tears. My resolve — shaken. First, for the victims who have lost a loved one. Then, for the victims who have lost their home and belongings. But equally, my heart cries out for the victims of yet another family: Mother Nature...

Because ecosystems are destroyed — the home to wildlife and plants. Plants lose their water source. Animals lose their sanctuaries. Both are forced to endure the soot and falling ash for days. It's sad to say... most never survive.

As the reports poured in that arsonists may be responsible for some of the blazes — my tears turned to rage. So much damage caused by a few tiny minds. I felt so upset, yet helpless. I kept asking, "Will Mother Nature ever recover from this tragedy?"

Human Beings doing the most Extraordinary Things...

It's times like these good people unite and display loving acts of kindness:

The hostels, the YMCA, and neighborhood schools opened their doors for the evacuees. Firefighters arrived from nearby states and counties. Federal Aid was approved. Private and corporate donations were raised. Families opened their doors to comfort hurting friends and relatives.

The true substance of human nature surfaces. It's what makes us all uniquely human. It's called love. And that love dwells in each one of us.

Which is why I'm writing you. I need your help...

The victims of unreported tragedies have no voice. The endangered wildlife has no vote. The damaged ecosystems have no spokesperson. Which is why The Nature Conservancy is so important.

We at The Nature Conservancy make up less than one half of one percent of America's population. We minor in numbers but we major in generosity. According to funds raised, we've grown to be one of the country's top ten charities.

Your Invitation to become involved in
a Distinguished Small Circle...

If you've ever witnessed salmon spawning, watched bison grazing, heard about plants harvested for miracle cures — you know there is a theater of life orchestrated by God. The fact is, that theater is being downsized.

If you appreciate all the wonders of the outdoors, you owe your children and your children's children a chance to experience God's theater. The Nature Conservancy assures there will never be a final curtain.

I'm writing you on behalf of The Nature Conservancy. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving plant and wildlife habitats throughout the world. That's been our proud mission for over 50 years. We are engaged in a monumental task that — with your support — can change the face of the world for the next millennia.

Engaging in Simple Solutions

We are not involved with radical activism. We get results the old-fashioned way. We simply buy land. Lots of it. We found this the most effective way of protecting nature and her offspring. And we also educate and partner with people, communities, and organizations to preserve and respect the land they use. This combination has proven to be a great success story. You can join in our success.

But this success comes at a price... a price that draws extraordinary people together.

With your help, we can replant forests... re-grow fire ravaged ecosystems... protect rare cave dwellings... preserve and manage national parks, rivers, and lakes... replenish rain forests, coral reefs, prairies, and wetlands (of which millions of plant and wildlife make their home)... and maintain sanctuaries for migratory birds.

You'll be pleased to know, The Nature Conservancy is one of the most respected charities in the world. Since our first purchase of 6.5 million acres in New York's Mianus River Gorge, we are now safeguarding 116 million acres worldwide in North and South America, Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean. I'm asking you to become an important part of our preservation network.

The infrastructure is in place. You don't even have to lift a finger. You'll be joining a unique community of caretakers dedicated to protecting wildlife habitat. Here's another trademark of The Nature Conservancy you may not know...

You Can Save the Rainforest

Did you know that every second of everyday, a slice of rainforest the size of a football field is mowed down? Trees, fields, plants and wildlife are innocently butchered for profits. Can you guess how we fight back? With money. Sounds harsh, but...

I know of a hospital in Northern California that spent over $5,000 for each palm tree planted in their parking lot. For less than the price of a planted palm tree, you can adopt and protect 66 acres of the most threatened ecosystem on Earth. To date, Adopt an Acre® has protected over 600,000 acres of tropical rainforest in Latin America and the Caribbean. You can become an adoptive parent and save an acre of precious rainforest.

A Massive Undertaking

The truth is, the odds of a project this massive to endure looks imposing. The governments alone cannot raise enough monies to stem the tide. Fact is, there are many more groups lobbying to tear down more and more fertile land and wildlife habitats. That's why I need your help: today.

May I Knight You to Protect Earth's Honor?

I'm sending this letter to people whom I feel will put their personal gains aside and invest in a cause greater than themselves. Just as the knights of olde protected and defended the Queen's honor, I'm in need of modern knights who will use their checkbooks as their sword and defend the Earth's honor. Whether it's for future generations... or for that rare medicinal plant... or for that exotic bird nearing extinction — please make your pledge to preserve them.

A Random Act of Kindness...

For a short time only, I'm waiving the usual $25 membership gift to preserve nature. I may be wrong... and I hope I'm not... but I believe you're the type of person whose kindness and generosity cannot be confined by fixed numbers. Please don't feel any obligation to give more than you are able. What you give does make a difference. It allows us to continue. We can't do it without you.

Claim your FREE Membership Benefits...

Act now, and I'll send you these free gifts as my way of saying thank you for your tax-deductible gift of $10 or more:

1. A membership card (included): good for discounts on Conservation Journeys and lodgings. Proudly highlights your name above our conservancy's leaf logo;

2. Periodic updates: allows you to see your dollars at work all over the world. We'll share all of our success stories with you. You'll see the difference you're making;

3. The Nature Conservancy tote bag: because so many of our friends are interested in nature, I've ordered a small supply of handsome tote bags featuring one of our wild and wacky clients. People will know you belong to a great cause. It's ideal for carrying knick-knacks on hikes, the beach, picnics, and outings;

4. A year's subscription to the new quarterly magazine: Nature Conservancy — brimming with live photos and stories of the wildlife and places you're helping protect. Our readers are among the most knowledgeable, savvy, and charitable people in America. A beautiful magazine you can proudly display in your home.

Can I Count on Your Help?

One thing's for certain: after the wildfires are extinguished, life will return to normal. The air will clear. Power is restored. Homes get rebuilt. There is a sense of hope.

But for the survivors that make nature their home — there is little hope. Please join me to become that unspoken voice of hope. Please join me by sending your reply today.

It's been said, "All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good (wo)men do nothing."

So let me ask you, "Can I count on you to make a lasting difference and promise the future of God's theater won't be overrun by evil?"

Sincerely,

Stephanie Meeks
Director of New Friends

P.S. Whether you love to fish, camp, photograph wildlife, explore subterranean caves, watch birds, hike, or ride horseback — you'll discover nature has everything you're looking for. Don't let anyone take that away from you or your children.

Please help us preserve and protect the nature we grew up with. Please join me in a cause greater than ourselves. Please send in your tax-deductible gift today.