LightHawk

This #PilotViewFriday, we recognize Rhon Williams, a dedicated LightHawk volunteer pilot who’s been with us for over a decade. Rhon has flown nearly 20 missions and continues to support conservation efforts across the country with his time and skills. His long-standing commitment is a key part of what makes LightHawk’s mission possible. Join us in thanking Rhon for making a difference by hitting that like button!

?? Aloha from beautiful Colorado! ?? We’re feeling inspired at the @women-in-aviation-international conference this weekend! Today kicked off with a vibrant Hawaiian-themed breakfast and an unforgettable keynote from @emilycalandrelli —engineer, author, and astronaut—who reminded us of the power of curiosity, perseverance, and lifting each other up. ?? WAI CEO Lynda Coffman also delivered a powerful welcome, encouraging us to be fearless, focused, and tenacious in an ever-changing landscape. That message truly resonates with our work at LightHawk, where we combine aviation and conservation to protect what matters most. Here’s to celebrating the women shaping the future of aviation—and using flight to protect the planet. ???? #WAI2025 #WomenInAviation #LightHawk #AviationLeadership #ConservationFlying #AviationForGood

In 2020, we had the privilege of flying acclaimed writer and photographer Jon Waterman over Everglades National Park as part of his assignment for Men’s Journal (circulation 1.5M+). His goal? To better understand the environmental pressures on one of the nation’s most iconic ecosystems. From the air, the story revealed itself: water diversion canals, sprawling sugar plantations, and a shrinking wilderness. Jon’s aerial photography and investigative work have helped shine a light on critical conservation challenges—and LightHawk is proud to help make that possible. Partnering with journalists and storytellers is just one way we elevate conservation. #TBT #ConservationJournalism #Everglades #AerialConservation #LightHawk #EnvironmentalStorytelling

??? What do small aircraft, a stream restoration project, Lake Champlain, and seagrass beds have in common? They’re ALL part of this year’s 50 in 50 Challenge—and we launch in just 2 months! This summer, LightHawk is flying 50 conservation missions in 50 days across North America. From protecting critical waterways to monitoring sensitive habitats, each flight brings powerful perspective and real impact. ??? 50 flights. ?? 50 days. ?? No time to waste. Nature needs us! You’ve got 60 days to get ready. See you in the sky! #50in50Challenge #FlyingForChange #AerialConservation #LightHawk #CountdownToTakeoff

Land trusts work hard to monitor and manage the lands they protect—but monitoring thousands of acres on foot can be time-consuming and expensive. LightHawk provides an efficient solution: conservation flights that dramatically reduce the time and effort it takes to assess protected properties. All without draining resorces. We’re proud to partner with land trusts across North America, helping them save time, reduce costs, and see the full scope of their conservation work from above. ?? Learn how the power of flight is changing the game for land conservation: www.lighthawk.org

Did you know wetlands support 75% of commercial fish species and act as natural flood buffers? They’re also key to water purification and carbon storage. That’s why LightHawk connects pilots and conservation partners across the country to monitor and protect wetlands using the power of aviation. The aerial view allows our partners to assess threats, guide policy, and accelerate action. Healthy wetlands = healthier communities. Let’s protect what protects us. #WetlandConservation #AerialPerspective #EnvironmentalLeadership #LightHawk

Landscape conservation isn’t just about beauty—it’s about biodiversity, climate resilience, and long-term sustainability. One of LightHawk’s primary focus areas is helping our partners protect iconic and fragile landscapes. From the air, we can assess large-scale environmental changes, monitor threats, and gather data to guide conservation strategies. These breathtaking views remind us what’s worth protecting—and how aviation can make a real difference. #AerialConservation #LandscapePreservation #EnvironmentalStewardship #ScenicSunday #LightHawk

Today is #WorldWaterDay—a powerful reminder that water is at the core of life, communities, and ecosystems. At LightHawk, our conservation flights help monitor waterways from the sky, offering insights that can’t be seen from the ground. We work with partners across North America to safeguard rivers, wetlands, and headwaters—critical to everything from biodiversity to clean drinking water. Support our mission and help protect water at every level: ?? https://lnkd.in/dqQAEMZF

Aerial views from a 2018 LightHawk flight helped Finger Lakes Land Trust keep a watchful eye on protected lands in New York. When a reported excavation or land clearing raised concerns on a conservation easement in Tompkins County, aerial monitoring provided the best tool to assess the situation. The flight also offered a rare look at another easement property in Tioga County, ensuring these protected lands remained intact. Fast forward to today, and we’re still doing what we love—helping land trusts respond faster, protect more places, and make smarter conservation decisions. That’s the power of conservation from the sky! #TBT #AerialPerspective #LandStewards #ConservationFromAbove #LightHawk

Recycling isn’t just about waste—it’s about protecting our future. Every item we recycle helps reduce pollution, conserve resources, and keep our planet healthier. At LightHawk, we see firsthand how human impact is shaping our environment. Protecting our natural world starts with simple actions—like recycling—to keep our oceans and ecosystems clean. Every choice matters. What’s one way you or your organization prioritizes sustainability? Let’s hear it! #Sustainability #RecyclingMatters #ProtectOurPlanet #ConservationInAction