Category: Content
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Improving Urban Conservation in New Jersey
Flying over northern New Jersey isn’t easy. The airspace is complex, but that’s exactly where LightHawk volunteer pilot Mike McNamara flew with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in New Jersey, following the Passaic River through one of the most densely populated regions in the country. New Jersey may be the fourth smallest state in the nation,…
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Pilot View: Documenting Port Pollution in Southern California
Along the coast of Southern California lies the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, a maze of cargo ships, oil tankers, and infrastructure and one of the busiest gateways in the global supply chain. They’re also a source of emissions that contribute to climate change and local air quality impacts. Media partner Capital &…
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Choosing the Right Aircraft for the Mission
As a new pilot, LightHawk contributing writer Kristin Smith wanted to know how we choose the right aircraft for each conservation mission. She spoke with CEO Jim Becker about what goes into those decisions, from carrying photographers and scientists to transporting endangered species. Here’s what she learned. It’s hard to beat a small plane with…
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Studying Nutrient-Rich Runoff in Florida with Flight
When you think of Florida, you picture clear blue water stretching beyond sandy beaches. But from above, a different story is unfolding. Across Florida Bay, sediment plumes and algal blooms are spreading, changing the color, clarity, and health of these waters. Working alongside scientists from Florida International University, LightHawk took to the air to help…
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On The Wing News: Winter 2026
In this edition of On The Wing, we look at LightHawk’s role in the long-term recovery of the Mexican wolf, including collaboration with partners working directly on the ground. The other wildlife mission focuses on aerial monitoring, showing how a small aircraft can provide the perspective needed to understand changing conditions across landscapes and shorelines.…