Flying with Purpose

Expanding the future of conservation through the powerful perspective of flight.

Donors

Nature needs you! Your donations directly help expand the future of conservation.

WHAT WE DO

Pilots

Share your plane and reveal the earth in ways that inspire conservation action. Must have 1000 hours as PIC.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER PILOT

Partners

See the world in ways that help you create conservation changes to protect our precious natural resources, and our way of life.

BECOME A PARTNER

Register for our Southwest Regional Fly-In!

LightHawk’s Southwest Regional Fly-In his headed to the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona May 3-4! We’re bringing together volunteer pilots from across the West to catch up with our fellow aviators and to hear from aviation and conservation speakers. And of course, we’ll take a tour of the Pima Air Museum!

Invite your flying friends as well! This fly-in is for anyone interested in aviation and conservation!

LightHawk Transports 15 Gray Wolves to Colorado for Release

LightHawk completed the successful transport of 15 endangered gray wolves from British Columbia, Canada to Colorado on January 16, 2025. This critical mission, completed over three flights by a LightHawk volunteer pilot, ensured the safe transport of the wolves and their handlers. Upon arriving in Colorado, the wolves were transferred by Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff for their reintroduction into the wild.

50 In 50 Challenge Returns!

This summer, join us for one of the most ambitious conservation aviation campaigns in history: the 2025 50-in-50 Challenge! From May 26th to July 14th, LightHawk will fly 50 conservation flights in 50 days, connecting people, projects, and places to inspire action and drive real change across North America.

Together, we’re proving that the sky is not the limit when it comes to protecting our planet.

LEARN MORE

Gray Wolf Reintroduction in Colorado

Discover how LightHawk volunteer pilots play a crucial role in the reintroduction of gray wolves in Colorado. From the challenges of transporting wildlife to the benefits of using smaller aircraft, this FAQ covers everything you need to know about LightHawk’s mission to support endangered species and contribute to conservation efforts. Learn about the unique advantages of LightHawk flights and how you can get involved in supporting this critical initiative.

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California Condor Recovery

LightHawk assists the California Condor Recovery Program, focused on the creation of self-sustaining populations of this highly endangered bird. LightHawk helps by transporting California condors to the wild and for captive breeding populations. We also track radio-tagged birds to collect data on their movements and health.

Safeguarding the Colorado River

LightHawk is working to preserve healthy rivers and restore riparian habitats that benefit people and wildlife. The Colorado River is one of the world’s hardest‐working and most‐loved rivers. It provides water to 40 million people, irrigates 5.5 million acres of farmland in seven states in the U.S. and two states in Mexico, and serves as the lifeblood for native tribes, seven National Wildlife Refuges, and 11 National Parks.

Restoring the Everglades

Our flights monitor significant Everglades threats such as habitat and wildlife loss due to over-development, climate alterations, unsustainable water withdrawals and releases, and runoff, all of which impact the nation’s largest wetland. LightHawk flights have supported wildlife assessments throughout the area and are uniquely suited to monitor wetland/remote areas.

Saving Salmon

Salmon are the key to protecting a way of life rooted in the North Pacific environment: protect salmon and you protect forests, food, water, communities, and economies. From grizzly bears to orca whales, at least 137 different species depend on the marine-rich nutrients that wild salmon provide. With our partners, we are working to protect the best remaining watershed habitat for wild salmon.

OUR IMPACT OVER THE LAST YEAR

Conservation Flights

Conservation Partners

Flight Hours Donated

New Volunteer Pilots

GIVE THE GIFT OF CONSERVATION ACTION

Help us protect our planet through an online donation. Every dollar donated to LightHawk translates into tangible conservation achievements.

DONATE NOW

OUR COMMITMENT IN ACTION

At LightHawk, we take action to protect our planet’s precious resources and biodiversity through our unique blend of conservation and aviation. Collaborating with partners, stakeholders, and communities, our flights provide invaluable insights into environmental challenges and opportunities, inspiring awareness and driving positive change. Join us in our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and making a lasting impact.