The Well Done Foundation (WDF) is making significant strides in addressing one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time: orphaned oil and gas wells. These abandoned wells, left unplugged across the United States, leak methane—a potent greenhouse gas—into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and posing safety risks to nearby communities. Through innovative solutions, dedicated partnerships, and a commitment to environmental restoration, WDF is tackling this problem head-on, transforming landscapes and creating a sustainable future.

A Milestone in Methane Reduction

This week, WDF celebrated a major achievement: successfully plugging 12 orphaned wells in Oklahoma. These wells, previously leaking methane, no longer pose a threat to the environment or local communities. Methane is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential significantly higher than carbon dioxide, making the plugging of these wells a critical step in reducing emissions. By sealing these wells, WDF has not only mitigated immediate environmental harm but also set a precedent for scalable climate action.

However, the work is far from over. Thousands of orphaned wells remain across the country, silently releasing methane and other harmful gases. WDF is committed to addressing this widespread issue, with plans to continue identifying, assessing, and plugging wells to protect ecosystems and public health. The organization’s mission is clear: to leave no well unplugged and no land unrestored.

Engineering Solutions for Ecosystem Protection

Beyond well-plugging, WDF is actively engaged in broader environmental restoration efforts. One such project is underway at the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, where the organization is addressing riverbank erosion along the Deep Fork River. Erosion threatens trails, habitats, and water quality in the area, and WDF’s engineering partners are conducting a comprehensive assessment to design sustainable solutions. This work involves stabilizing riverbanks, reducing sediment loss, and protecting the surrounding ecosystem.

By collaborating with experts in engineering and environmental science, WDF ensures that its projects are built to last. The Deep Fork initiative exemplifies the organization’s holistic approach, combining technical expertise with a commitment to preserving natural habitats. This project not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also safeguards the refuge’s biodiversity for future generations.

The Power of Carbon Credits

A key component of WDF’s mission is its innovative use of carbon credits. Each plugged well generates verified carbon credits, which are sold to support methane reduction goals. Unlike traditional carbon offset programs, WDF reinvests every dollar from these sales directly into its work. This creates a self-sustaining cycle: plugging one well generates funds to plug the next, amplifying the organization’s impact. It’s a model of climate action that delivers measurable results, with each credit purchased contributing to a cleaner, healthier planet.

The simplicity of this approach belies its profound impact. By purchasing WDF carbon credits, individuals and organizations can directly fund the plugging of additional wells, creating a ripple effect of environmental benefits. Interested supporters can reach out to sales@welldonefoundation.org to learn more about how their contributions can drive this virtuous cycle.

Restoring Land and Wildlife

Plugging wells is only part of WDF’s mission. Restoration is equally critical, ensuring that former well sites are returned to a natural, healthy state. In Pennsylvania, WDF has completed restoration projects that leave no trace of the once-problematic wells. These efforts involve rehabilitating the land, replanting native vegetation, and ensuring the area is safe for wildlife and human use. The result is land that looks better than it did before—a testament to WDF’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

At the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge, WDF is particularly focused on protecting local wildlife. The organization is mindful of how its projects impact species like raptors and seabirds, which are vulnerable to environmental changes. Drawing inspiration from innovations in wind energy—such as painting turbine blades to reduce bird collisions or using AI-powered cameras to detect wildlife—WDF ensures that its work enhances, rather than disrupts, local ecosystems. This wildlife-conscious approach is integral to the organization’s ethos of leaving sites better than they found them.

Community and Collaboration

WDF’s success is driven by the people behind it, from dedicated volunteers to skilled partners like Joseph Baily of Bailey’s Well Service. Baily’s team operates a second rig at the Deep Fork project, doubling the organization’s capacity to plug wells efficiently. This collaboration exemplifies the power of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.

The organization also celebrates its supporters through initiatives like the “We Are Well Done” series, which highlights the stories of donors, volunteers, and partners. WDF invites its community to share their experiences by emailing erikak@welldonefoundation.org, fostering a sense of shared purpose and inspiring others to get involved.

Engaging the Public

To raise awareness and build community support, WDF offers creative ways for individuals to show their commitment. The “PLUG BABY, PLUG” bumper sticker campaign is a fun, lighthearted way for supporters to spread the word about the organization’s mission. Available by emailing sales@welldonefoundation.org, these stickers are a small but meaningful way to champion climate action. Additionally, WDF encourages donations to fund its ongoing efforts, emphasizing that every contribution helps “plug baby, plug.”

A Vision for the Future

The Well Done Foundation is more than an environmental organization—it’s a movement to restore the planet, one well at a time. By plugging orphaned wells, stabilizing ecosystems, and protecting wildlife, WDF is creating a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable world. Its innovative carbon credit model ensures that every action has a multiplying effect, turning small contributions into large-scale impact.

As WDF continues its work, it invites individuals, businesses, and communities to join the fight against methane emissions. Whether through purchasing carbon credits, donating, or simply spreading the word with a “PLUG BABY, PLUG” bumper sticker, everyone has a role to play. Together, we can ensure that the Well Done Foundation’s mission continues to thrive, leaving behind a legacy of restored land and a healthier planet.

For more information or to get involved, visit sales@welldonefoundation.org or follow the #carbonwildcat for updates on WDF’s inspiring journey.