What's next? Much work to do in the Gulf.

Amazingly, last week marked the 100-day anniversary of the beginning of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Although BP seems to have found a solution to halt the gushing flow of oil, updated reports indicate that the spill had already spewed at least 4.9 million barrels of crude into the Gulf’s waters. While some of this is dispersing, many millions of gallons remain. NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco warned that the remaining oil -- much of it below the surface -- is a threat to aquatic life and Gulf Coast marshes. There is a long road to recovery ahead.

In the wake of what has quickly become one of the worst environmental disasters in America's history, EarthShare’s member charities have been on the scene organizing cleanup in affected areas, rallying for political action, and contributing their unique expertise in assessing the damaged land, water, and wildlife.

Here’s an update on just some of the ongoing response efforts from EarthShare’s member organizations:

Oceana is preparing to launch an eight-week scientific expedition aboard the Latitude this month to assess the environmental damage in the Gulf.

Through Thursday, August 5, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) supporters Jeremy and Hannelore Grantham will contribute $2 for every $1 donated to support EDF’s restoration work in the Gulf region.

Food & Water Watch launched the “Spill the Truth” campaign, encouraging participants to rally for the shut down of BP’s Atlantis oil well due to elevated safety and engineering concerns.

Ocean Conservancy called on Congress to fully implement a natural resource damage assessment process in the wake of BP’s Deepwater Horizon blowout. Read President Vikki Spruill's editorial here.

The National Wildlife Federation has been on the ground organizing a Gulf Coast Volunteer Surveillance Network to track the impacts of the spill.

Defenders of Wildlife launched a Gulf Oil Spill Recovery websiteto advance effective efforts to save wildlife and keep track of response and recovery in the Gulf of Mexico. Users were able to map oil spill impacts, share recovery projects and observations, share photos, ask for help, and track the long term impacts of the spill. Defenders also offered fact sheets about the impact on wildlife in the Gulf.

Florida Wildlife Federation has called for a constitutional amendment to help safeguard coastal areas and has also teamed up with The National Wildlife Federation to protect crucial sea turtle habitat against development being promoted by FEMA.

Environmental disasters like this one impact us all, from directly-affected Gulf Coast residents to those of us who have watched the tragedy from afar and want to help. EarthShare member organizations are leading the charge on the ground to resurrect damaged areas by bringing hope and renewal, and laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future.