Earthwatch Institute

Making life-long memories, connecting with nature, and learning from scientists are just a few things you can expect on an Earthwatch expedition. As participant Brooke Sabin says: "For the volunteers, it’s a chance to discover a destination in ways that take them far off the typical tourist track and to connect with people from varied backgrounds—all while contributing to research that aims to protect the planet. In other words, to travel with a purpose." — Brooke Sabin on the expedition "Wildlife in the Changing Andorran Pyrenees" Considering an expedition? Here's what you can expect ➡️ https://bit.ly/4aYoul7

Around 8,000 years ago, Central Portugal saw a major shift from hunting and gathering to farming and herding—the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition. Traditionally, it was believed that hunter-gatherers vanished about 7,000 years ago, giving way to farmers. However, recent discoveries are challenging this view! Researchers, aided by Earthwatch volunteers, are analyzing bone tools, shells, ornaments, and human remains to uncover changes during this pivotal period. Want to explore this fascinating history firsthand? Learn more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e6zimujY 📸: Jackie Haug

As the climate crisis unfolds, birds must contend with rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and habitat loss. For many species, these and other climate changes threaten their very survival. However, these challenges can teach us important lessons about the climate crisis. 

What’s driving the decline in leatherback turtle populations? 🌍🐢 According to NOAA, the global leatherback sea turtle population has declined by an estimated 40% over the past three generations. Threats include poaching, bycatching, and coastal development, and are compounded by climate change's impacts on their reproduction and habitat.  Yet, many worldwide efforts are being made to make a positive impact. For over thirty years, Earthwatch-supported scientists have been studying sea turtles in Costa Rica and finding ways to save leatherbacks and other species. With the help of volunteers, Earthwatch teams are monitoring nesting turtles, relocating vulnerable nests, and tracking sea turtle movements in Costa Rica. ➡️ Learn more about Earthwatch's decades-long work to conserve turtles globally: https://lnkd.in/gvKJHkFQ #Conservation #SeaTurtles #LeatherBackTurtle #Earthwatch #VolunteerTravel #CitizenScience #MarineConservation

School teacher Sam Garson is a beloved educator, capable of positively impacting the lives of numerous students with his infectious enthusiasm for teaching. Sam, the recipient of a Project Kindle fellowship from Earthwatch, is revolutionizing STEM education at Friday Harbor High School. He is willing to go out of the box to pursue learning opportunities for his students. Earlier this year, he traveled to Brazil on an Earthwatch expedition to get hands-on experience in field research and conservation. Read how his adventures are shaping the future of STEM education! ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/e4Ew8m9p #Earthwatch #ProjectKindle #STEMEducation #GlobalLearning #InnovativeTeaching

We've been closely following the adventures of teachers on one of our expeditions in Costa Rica. The cohort of teachers spent time studying bees and pollinators in the cloud forest as part of our Teach Earth program. The group has been blogging about their experiences and said of their final day, "This trip built unbreakable bonds between Earthwatch fellows and taught us all so much about conversation and scientific fieldwork." Their expedition allowed them to deepen their conservation knowledge and build lasting connections. Here’s a glimpse into their experience: 💬 “These projects are geared towards helping to save the environment and fostering a deep understanding and care for the planet among the next generation. By integrating the knowledge and insights we gained, we aim to inspire and empower our students and communities to become proactive stewards of the Earth.” #Earthwatch #TeacherDevelopment #STEM #TeachEarth #Expedition #Pollinators

We love hearing how Earthwatch expeditions shape our volunteers' lives! 🌍👏  Tara Lepore’s experiences on Earthwatch expeditions—from excavating in Jackson Hole to studying marine life in Costa Rica—played a crucial role in their journey to pursuing a PhD in Integrative Science at UC Berkeley. Thank you for sharing your story with us, Tara! Discover how Tara found clarity through expeditions. ⬇️  https://lnkd.in/eYPBPfUZ #Earthwatch #VolunteerTravel #Expedition #VolunteerAbroad #ConservationTravel

We're excited to highlight the achievements of this year's Girls in Science fellows, who joined scientists in the Sierra Meadows for an immersive experience.  The group explored the Tahoe National Forest in California and learned how climate change transforms this landscape. Each year, our Girls in Science program provides high school girls with valuable opportunities to experience science alongside leading experts.  Congratulations, Girls in Science! 🌱🔬 #GirlsInScience #Earthwatch #EnvironmentalResearch #WomenInSTEM #SierraMeadows

Be among the first to join our newest volunteer expedition to Kenya. You can help address decades of ecological degradation and disrupted wildlife migrations in Kenya's Greater Maasai Mara! 🌱🐘 You’ll be warmly welcomed by dedicated scientists and staff and even iconic wildlife. We recommend keeping your binoculars and cameras ready during the transfer to the Enarau Conservancy, as you might encounter a stunning array of iconic African wildlife—wildebeest, zebras, hippos, gazelles, lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, buffalos, and more. We are proud to be collaborating with lead scientist Dr. Antonio Uzal and a team of dedicated researchers and staff at the Enarau Conservancy-Maasai Mara.  The first expeditions will take place in 2025, but bookings are open right now! Discover how you can be part of this vital restoration effort: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eXg3HaNV #Conservation #WildlifeResearch #MaasaiMara #Eartwatch #Kenya #VolunteerTravel #Restoration #Expedition #VolunteerTravel #CitizenScience

At Earthwatch, we leverage scientific research to promote environmental conservation and provide impactful nature experiences for educators.  This year, our exceptional team of Project Kindle teachers participated in our wildlife and reforestation expedition in Brazil, gaining valuable experiences to take into the classroom. Through Project Kindle, we equip teachers with the tools to integrate outdoor education and enhance their students' understanding of conservation. Congratulations to our 2024 Project Kindle cohort for their exemplary accomplishments! 👏 📷: Christine Baumann, Dylan Harry, Sam Garson, Jennifer Stover, Jennifer Stover, Elizabeth Gilmartin, Ashley Hays, Ciara Everett, and Julie Tafelski #ProjectKindle #Earthwatch #OutdoorEducation #Conservation #STEM #Fellowships