a walk wild side - ecology project international€¦ · of eastern north america’s temperate...

1Field science • cultural exchange• conservation2018 STUDENT TRAVEL GUIDE

on the

WILD SIDEtake a walk

www.ecologyproject.org • 406.721.8784 • [email protected]

About EPIEPI Fast Facts............................... 3The EPI Advantage..................... 4Meet Your Instructors................ 5

EcuAdor 6

HAwAII 8

costA rIcAOn the Beach with Sea Turtles....Pacific Exploration.........................

1012

bElIzE 14

GAlAPAGos IslAnds 16

bAjAOn Shore and Underwater............

Whales and Turtles - Up Close....

18

20

YEllowstonESummer: Home on the Range..... 22

Winter: Following Tracks.............. 24

MorEFor Students ................................ 26

Research with a Purpose............ 29

Solo Student Travel..................... 30

For Teachers................................. 32Scholarships & Financial Aid..... 34

Take the Next Steps.................... 35

Teachers, Students, and Parents, I’m thrilled to announce the addition of two sites to the EPI family in 2018. In Ecuador, we’ve expanded from our beautiful home

base in the Galapagos to the mountains and rainforest of the mainland. In Hawaii, we’ve forged new partnerships to support sea turtle and cultural conservation efforts on Maui. This work is us doubling down on the value and

importance of what we do - now more than ever, the world needs strong leaders with skills in education, science, and cross-cultural understanding. EPI’s programs are designed to help build up these future leaders, one course at a time.

When I look back at where we started as an organization, on a single Caribbean beach, I’m reminded of the power, and the limits, of ideas. A new idea like EPI’s can change the world - but not without the help of

villages, families, communities, teachers, students, and individuals, ready and willing to tell a different story. I’m thankful for how far we’ve come, humbled by the support that’s allowed us to grow our impact, and excited for

the places we’ll go together in 2018.Yours in conservation -

Scott Pankratz

ePI executIve DIrector & co-founDer

InSIDe Your GuIDe

Ecology Project International (EPI) is a non-profit that delivers place-based, field education programs that partner local experts with high school students to address critical conservation issues.

EPI’s mission is simple, yet profound: to improve and inspire science education and conservation efforts worldwide through field-based student-scientist partnerships. You can learn more

about how we support underserved students in all our programs at ecologyproject.org/our_impact.

3Field science • cultural exchange• conservation

* Airfare included in all programs except Yellowstone. Contact us for all-inclusive Yellowstone pricing.

EPI FAST FACTS

ProGrAM locAtIon

coursE oPtIons

tuItIonstAndArd coursE

lEnGtHdAtEs

GrouP sIzE

Costa Rica 2 $2995-3295 9 days January - August 7-20

Belize 1 $3695 9 days January - July 7-20

Galapagos 1 $5495 12 days February - July 10-18

Baja 2 $2995 9 days October - May 7-16

Yellowstone 2 $1895-2195 9 days January - August 7-15

Ecuador 1 $3995 9 days March - June 7-15

Hawaii 1 $2695 9 days April - July 7-15

Our partnership model allows us to work closely with research organizations to give

our students behind-the-scenes access to animals, landscapes, and protected areas that are often

inaccessible to the general public.

As a mission-based non-profit organization, we value service, education, and diversity

over income. The proceeds from your course costs allow us to grow our impact in U.S. and

international communities.

Airfare includedin price

Beyond research, participants help

conservation efforts by preserving

endangered species and restoring threatened

ecosystems through service projects. EPI’s

participants hail from 40 states and

11 countries.

EPI has worked with more than 30,000 participants since 2000. Each EPI student takes

an active role collecting data to be used by

professional researchers in major

science and conservation efforts.


Online Support From planning to building your student group, and all the way to packing for your

course, our website and online support system make it easy for teachers and participants to prepare.

Commitment to Local People & Places Our programs offer unique

educational experiences to students living near our research sites, and we include cultural exchange as

a key aspect of visiting courses.

All-Inclusive Tuition Our international course prices are designed to include

everything - your airfare, food, lodging, transport, snacks, educational materials, tips, taxes, and an

EPI t-shirt. Our up-front approach lets you focus on the course content.

Pre-Course Prep Well before you leave for the field, you’ll have all the info you

need - your participant handbook, packing list, and ample supporting resources, including videos,

articles, lesson plans, and book recommendations.

Post-Course Opportunities Many of our students are inspired to do more

for their local communities when they return from their EPI course, and EPI wants to help make that

happen. In addition to alumni-focused courses, EPI offers startup funding toward student-led projects

through our Alumni Leadership Award. Contact us to learn more: [email protected].

Student Safety Our number one priority is student safety, and we take it very seriously. EPI

maintains a comprehensive risk management plan that engages participants, staff, and partners long before students

ever set foot into the field. Furthermore, our instructors are certified Wilderness First Responders who have the training and

skills necessary to manage illness and injury in remote settings like the ones in which we operate.

At all times when students are in the field, EPI staff can be reached via a 24-hour contact phone; should your family need to

communicate something to your student, we are here to help facilitate that communication.

THE EPI ADVANTAGE

mailto:info%40ecologyproject.org?subject=Leadership%20Award


Juan Carlos ZunigaMS: University of Jyväskylä Finland -

Sustainable Management of Inland Aquatic Resources

Juan Carlos is a veteran EPI instructor with field experience in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Belize. Originally from San Josè, Costa Rica, his academic background includes biological studies and research at home and in Finland. Beyond his role as instructor, Juan Carlos is the co-author of upcoming research on the ecologically-sensitive Humedal

Nacional, Costa Rica’s Pacific mangrove ecosystem. A passion for travel has taken him to over 30 countries on four

continents, where he’s spent time in the outdoors hiking, snorkeling, and diving. His current project? Constructing an

organic fruit orchard.

Our instructors are scientists, educators, naturalists, and communicators . Their level of experience and enthusiasm is

what sets EPI apart. Find bios for all our instructors on our website.

Adam BavierBS: Botany - Rutgers University

Adam was born and raised in northern New Jersey, only a few hours drive from the Catskills, the Adirondacks, the Appalachians, and the Atlantic Ocean.

As a youth he learned to love the flora of eastern North America’s temperate

deciduous forests, culminating in his 2009 degree in botany. He has since taught in his home state of New Jersey, Indiana, Montana (three seasons with EPI), and Southern California, seeking always to encourage self-discovery and promote investigation. At play, you’ll find him star gazing, fly fishing, or any other activity that requires the patience of a tree.

Olivia Angel lBS: Marine Biology - Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur

Born in California, Olivia grew up in Loreto, Baja California Sur. With her mom working as a kayak and mule tour guide and her dad as a sailing instructor, Olivia’s childhood featured nature,

camping, and conservation in large quantities. As a local participant, she traveled with EPI twice, then joined the crew as an intern. Her

outdoor experience continued to grow through stints in the U.S. and Mexico, before she decided to make an impact in the world through environmental education, informing her students about the world they live in and how they can help protect it. Olivia recently completed the Mula Mil, a 91-day mule ride up the entire length of the Baja

Peninsula.

Jaen Nieto AmetMS: Marine Biology and Ecology - University of Aix-Marseille, France

A Franco-Mexican born in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, Jaen’s past field assignments helped bridge the gap between local communities and ongoing research projects in Mexico’s Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and led her to live and work in France, Costa Rica, Portugal, Italy, Mexico, and Belize. A woman of many talents, Jaen speaks five languages and is also

qualified as a Dive Master, Kundalini Yoga Instructor, and Reflexology Therapist.

Klavdija Jenko MS: Biology - University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

Born in Slovenia, Klavdija has been working as an EPI instructor for three seasons. After working for EPI in Belize, Mexico, and the

Galapagos, she’s managing EPI’s first season in mainland Ecuador. Previously, Klavdija worked as a field scientist for Blue Ventures Belize,

spreading her endless enthusiasm for marine life to volunteers from all over the world. A dive master with a passion for marine mammals, she had a leading role in the development of Blue Ventures’ manatee monitoring program. Some of her favorite things to do: traveling without an agenda, diving, learning new languages, dancing, mountain hiking, and rollerblading.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS


AndEs to AMAzon ProGrAM

ECUADORSmall but MightyEcuador takes you by surprise. It’s dwarfed on the map by its South American neighbors, but this mountainous land is the size of Nevada. Home to the Galapagos (where EPI also works), mainland Ecuador boasts cloud forests and a high-elevation plateau called the páramo. Here, spectacled bears search for food in a landscape under pressure from human development. Join researchers in their efforts to track bears and tapirs using GPS and telemetry techniques, studying their numbers and distribution.

RainforestAt your research station along the banks of the Napo River, a major tributary of the Amazon, you’ll help maintain a native plant nursery and learn about sustainable forest resource management. You’ll also visit a local animal rescue center that works to rehabilitate injured Amazonian wildlife.

Kichwa CommunityEcuador is world-renowned for its vibrant and colorful indigenous Kichwa culture, and you’ll spend a day at a community in the Amazon. You’ll visit a local school and a community craft market and hike through the forest with a Kichwa guide to learn about medicinal plants and traditional livelihoods.

MountAIns And rIvErs

Bears By the NumBers6,000

estimated remainingspectacled bear population

1 poundweight of a

spectacled bear at birth

$21average daily wage in Ecuador

$150black market price for one

illegally-harvested spectacled bear gall bladder

NewiN2018!


“Where does the program take place?”You’ll fly into Quito, the world’s highest-elevation capital, then head down to the Amazon basin before returning to the Andes for your field research.

“What are the accommodations like?”Groups will stay in cabin and hostel-style lodging, with 2 to 4 participants in each room. Running water and electricity are available at all sites.

“Are there other course options in Ecuador?”Yes! EPI’s been running programs in the Galapagos since 2003. Learn more on pages 16-17.

You’ll experience a combination of very welcoming and warm native people and a variety of landscapes - these ecosystems host incredible species biodiversity as you move from the Amazon high up into the Andes. And where else can you track bears and tapirs?

-KlAvdIjA jEnKo, EcuAdor

ProGrAM coordInAtor

“ “

airfare included

tuItIon coursE lEnGtH dAtEs GrouP sIzE

$3995 9 days March-July 7-15

FAQS Program highl i ghtsMonitor spectacled bears in the Andes

Raft the headwaters of the Amazon

Visit an indigenous Kichwa community

EcuAdor

What sets this program apart?

EcuadorianAmazon

Andean Highlands


HAWAIITourism Meets ConservationHawaii is a tourist mecca; it’s also one of the most remote island chains on Earth. Its waters are a surfer’s paradise; they’re also thronged by an abundance of sea turtles and aquatic wildlife. Tourism and a growing population are putting pressure on a traditional land management system that sustained Hawaiians for centuries, and our new Maui program dives into the heart of modern issues facing this island paradise.

Ridge-to-ReefYour time on Maui will give you tools to address critical conservation and restoration issues. You’ll assist researchers with sea turtle recovery efforts and discover how federal endangered species mandates are implemented at the state and county level. You’ll also conduct snorkeling surveys of fish species to contribute data to a community-led conservation project that is changing the way people interact with and perceive the natural resources at their doorstep. And you’ll learn about the historic ridge-to-reef (ahupua’a) concept of resource management that has successfully guided the work of generations of islanders.

Overlooking it all is Haleakala, the 10,000-ft. volcano that built Maui from the seafloor up. Hawaiian for “House of the Sun,” the cinder desert landscape is home to unique plant and animal life that live nowhere else. It’s a breathtaking capstone to a course that puts you at the intersection between modern and traditional Hawaiian life.

AdvEnturEs on tHE vAllEY IslE

hawaiiaN PhraseBookmauka

towards the mountain (inland)

makaitowards the sea

kulianapersonal responsibility of care

ahupua’awedge-shaped self-sustaining

pieces of land, running from the mountain to the ocean

kama’aina“child of the land” - a person born

in Hawaii

IslAnd EcoloGY ProGrAM

NewiN2018!


HAWAII“Where does the program take place?”You’ll fly in and out of Kahului Airport on Maui and will travel to several sites around the island, including the Haleakala crater.

“What are the accommodations like?”Participants will camp on Maui’s beaches in 2-person tents throughout the course. You’ll also join rotating cooking crews to help prepare group meals.

“Are there other U.S.-based options?”Yes! Our Yellowstone program offers summer and winter programs (see pages 22-25), and we’re actively seeking new research partners. Want to see an EPI field site near you? Get in touch at [email protected].

A focus on human relationships with the Earth. Everything is connected from mauka (inland) to makai (sea), and students will see that humans play an integral part. Maintaining that system means recognizing your personal kuliana to give back to the lands and seas that give to us.

-MEGAn EdGAr, HAwAII ProGrAM coordInAtor

“ “

*airfare not included


$2695 9 days April-July 7-15

FAQS Program highl i ghts

Protect endangered sea turtles

Hike through tropical volcanic landscapes

Learn Hawaiian traditions and history

What sets this program apart?

Maui

HAwAII


sEA turtlE EcoloGY ProGrAM

COSTA RICAon tHE bEAcH wItH sEA turtlEs

Ancient GiantsThe dark beach rolls out in front of you. You take careful steps forward, keeping your eyes on the water for signs. A strip of darkened sand shows what might have been here an hour ago – too late. You keep walking with your group, until you see it – a lumbering shape emerging from the water. It’s so dark you can barely see it, but it’s coming closer. The mother leatherback turtle powers herself up the beach. You’re there to be a witness, a researcher, and a guardian, and your work is just getting started.

Enveloped in BiodiversityThe small country of Costa Rica is home to an outsized portion of the world’s species, and your research subject, the leatherback sea turtle, is a grand example. Our Sea Turtle Ecology program offers you an amazing opportunity to engage with Costa Rica’s immense biodiversity, both on the coast and in the rainforest. While at our sea turtle reserve, EPI groups monitor the beach, guided by trained researchers. You’ll collect data on turtle numbers, size, and nesting locations, for use in developing your field-based research project.

The RainforestOur tropical reserves are home to howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, iguanas, leafcutter ants, dart frogs, and an uncountable number of other species. Your guides will engage you with the natural history of this spectacular place and show you how the coast and the rainforest are tied together here.

Fast Facts<2%

predation rate of sea turtlenests at Pacuare Reserve

5%percentage of the world’s

species that call Costa Rica home

2,500acres of coastal rainforest

at Pacuare Reserve

211bird species call Pacuare home


“Where does the program take place?”You’ll fly in and out of San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital. Chartered buses will take you to the turtle reserve, located south of Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast. You’ll also visit local communities and rainforest preserves.

“What are the accommodations like?”For most of your course, you’ll stay in rustic, dormitory-style cabins that are single-gender. Your first and last nights will be in a hotel near San Jose or at EPI’s campus.

“Are there longer course options?”Interested in our 12-day course or our Atlantic-to-Pacific 18-day Research Expedition in Costa Rica? Get in touch: [email protected].

The most amazing opportunity I had while in Costa Rica was holding a leatherback turtle’s flipper while she laid her eggs. Watching a turtle with a shell the size of you is unbelievable in itself, but being able to help it in one of its most natural biological processes is indescribable. This is a memory I will cherish forever.

-costA rIcA PArtIcIPAnt

“ “

airfare included


$2995 9 days March-August 7-20

FAQS Program highl i ghtsGo rafting through a tropical forest

Photograph monkeys, sloths, birds, and other native wildlife

Work side-by-side with researchers to protect a critically endangered species

costA rIcA

Turtle Reserve

EPI Campus

mailto:info%40ecologyproject.org?subject=


troPIcAl EcoloGY ProGrAM

OSA PENINSULAPAcIfIc ExPlorAtIon

The Peninsula LifeCosta Rica’s Osa Peninsula is an isolated, awe-inspiring place, home to one of the richest concentrations of biodiversity on planet Earth. There’s no place like the Osa, home to jaguars, howler monkeys, sea turtles, and so much more - you’ll get a rare view and the opportunity to study and protect this ecological treasure on your EPI course.

From Land to SeaYour program in the Osa is divided between terrestrial and marine portions. In the rainforest, you’ll work with Osa Conservation to set and monitor camera traps for local wildlife - jaguars, primates, and other jungle-dwellers. On the coast, you’ll head into the water to monitor three species of sea turtles that call these waters home.

The RainforestThe research conducted here (with data you collect!) furthers our understanding of this well-preserved ecosystem; at the same time, it helps build the case for conservation efforts to continue and grow. Once your research is complete, we’ll take you up into the canopy for an aerial tram tour.

the osa700 sq mi

the size of the entire peninsula

2.5%of the world’s biodiversity exists

on this tiny peninsula

4sea turtle species call

this area home

323endemic plant and animal species


“What are the logistics like?”You’ll fly in and out of San Jose. A small plane will fly your group to the Osa Peninsula, where a private bus will pick you up at the airport and transport you to the Osa Conservation site.

“Where will we stay?”On the peninsula, you’ll stay in single-gender dormitory-style cabins. Your first and last nights will be in a hotel near San Jose or at EPI’s campus.

“Can I see both coasts with EPI?”Yes! Our Atlantic-to-Pacific 18-day Research Expedition in Costa Rica is holding space for individual students. Get in touch: [email protected].

My daughter came home exhausted and wound up like a top at the same time, talking nonstop for about five hours...AND, it was two hours before she even mentioned the zip line. She was so captivated by the people and the coast and the critters and the vegetation and the climate.”

-costA rIcA PArtIcIPAnt PArEnt

“ “

airfare included


$3295 9 days Jan.-Mar.; July-Aug. 7-15

FAQS Program highl i ghtsHelp restoremangrove forests

Get up close with elusive rainforest species

Study & protect green & olive ridley sea turtles

Osa Peninsula

EPI Campus

costA rIcA

mailto:info%40ecologyproject.org?subject=


B E L I Z EfroM corAl rEEf to MAYAn rAInforEst

The Mesoamerican Barrier ReefIn Belize, you’ll see the world from a dolphin’s-eye view. Tangled in the low islands and turquoise waters off the coast, researchers are working to study and protect this delicate ecosystem for the species that depend on it. You’ll join them on the reef to conduct research on the invasive lionfish before heading inland to explore ancient Mayan culture and tropical ecology in the Belizean rainforest.

Turneffe AtollUnder the guidance of your instructor team, with assistance from researchers from the University of Belize, you’ll get familiar with the reef around Turneffe Atoll and collect data from the water. You’ll transport captured invasive lionfish back to the lab, where you’ll help gather insights on this prolific fish’s diet and feeding habits. Dozens of bird species and tropical fauna will surround you on land, but the real diversity is under the water, where you’ll observe coral reef ecosystems and more than 500 species of tropical fish.

Jaguar JungleBelize’s ties to its ancient Mayan culture are enduring, and you’ll explore them through cultural visits around San Ignacio, deep in the inland rainforest - try your hand at making corn tortillas and chocolate the traditional Mayan way! At Cockscomb National Wildlife Sanctuary, researchers share their jaguar & mammal tracking work with you, and you’ll experience the jungle at night.

oceaN to JuNgle560 miles

length of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System

106different coral species can be

found on the Belize Barrier Reef

128,000acres of inland jungle protected

by Cockscomb Sanctuary

200jaguars call Cockscomb home -

the largest concentration in the world

MArInE EcoloGY ProGrAM


raft the Pacuare River

The course was incredible! Searching for lionfish, studying dolphins, exploring Mayan ruins, and learning about the rainforest - it was fun every step of the way. I see the world with a new, broader perspective, and I know I can do something. I feel empowered.

-bElIzE PArtIcIPAnt

“What’s the language in Belize?”English is the official language, but many Belizeans also speak Spanish, Kriol, and other traditional Mayan languages.

“How about the climate?”Tropical Belize experiences sun and high temperatures, but it can also be rainy (especially in June and July). Be sure to pack your rain gear, just in case.

“How will we get around?”Boats and private buses. You’ll be amazed how many different shades of blue you can see on the short ride to Turneffe Atoll!

“ “

airfare included


$3695 9 days January-July 7-20

FAQS

Study the Belizean Reef and control invasive lionfish

Track jaguars and large mammal species at a private reserve

Explore the Belizeanrainforest

Program highl i ghts

Turneffe Atoll

Cockscomb

bElIzE


IslAnd EcoloGY ProGrAM

nAturE’s fInEst lAborAtorY

GALAPAGOS ISLANDSA Living LaboratoryThe Galapagos archipelago is your living laboratory! The highlands and coasts are a naturalist’s dream, with unique species behind every rocky outcrop. However, a burgeoning human population and high tourism demands mean these islands face serious challenges. In an exclusive partnership with the Galapagos National Park (GNP), you’ll work to help protect this fragile ecosystem and get a behind-the-scenes look at daily life and nature on the islands.

Ancient GiantsThese dramatic islands and their protected waters are home to abundant wildlife, active volcanos, emblematic species like Darwin’s finches, and your research subject, the giant tortoise. Guided by GNP rangers, you’ll enter limited-access areas & ecosystems to monitor tortoises at all stages of their development - from newly hatched to 600-pound adult - through the wild interior highlands of Santa Cruz Island.

Cultural ExplorationAfter your fieldwork, you’ll meet a local school group and share your experiences before you head to Isla Isabela for wildlife excursions and island exploration. Snorkel, hike, and view wildlife on land and under the waters of the marine reserve.

islaNd NumBers19

islands comprising the Galapagos archipelago

2,909marine species that call the

Galapagos’ waters home

97%portion of the islands

designated as national park

51,352 sq misize of Galapagos Marine

Reserve - one of the largest in the world


“Where will we go?”After flying into Quito and spending a night on the mainland, you’ll fly to Galapagos for the duration of your course.

“Do people live on the islands?”Yes - there are over 30,000 residents, distributed between five main islands. You’ll meet some of them on course!

“Will we be scuba-diving on course?”No, but you’ll have many opportunities to enjoy some of the world’s best snorkeling throughout the Galapagos archipelago.

“Are there shorter course options?”Yes! Ask us about our 9-day program: [email protected].

It was an unforgettable experience that takes you beyond what being a tourist can ever do. The immersion into the culture and science provided me with a new perspective on what conservation is really about.

-GAlAPAGos PArtIcIPAnt

FAQS“

airfare included


$5495 12 days February-July 10-18

Observe animals foundnowhere else on earth

Explore secluded waters & islands

Conduct hands-on research with wild giant tortoises alongside National Park Rangers

”Program highl i ghts

Isabela

Santa Cruz

GAlAPAGos

IslAnds

mailto:info%40ecologyproject.org?subject=Galapagos%20Program%20Options


BAJA ISLANDSIslAnd EcoloGY ProGrAM

on sHorE And undErwAtEr

Fun (Science) in the SunFrom your research station on the rocky beach, you can see your domain. You’ll sink beneath clear blue waters, monitoring the health and changes in the reef below, while the parched red cliffs behind you beg to be explored. For a few days, this island teeming with life is your home and your research station – prepare for a week filled with discovery.

An Underwater ClassroomThe Sea of Cortez is your classroom for nine incredible days. A World Heritage Site home to 39% of the planet’s marine mammal species, Cortez is also home to the spectacular Espiritu Santo Island, where the pace of life slows and yet comes alive - if you’re looking in the right places.

Mainland ExplorationThough it’s hard to leave the island life behind, thankfully Baja’s mainland is just as enchanting. You’ll meet some of our Mexican program participants, then head inland to the Sierra de la Laguna, the rocky spine of the peninsula, home to dry forests and hidden pools beneath waterfalls.

BeyoNd the sea5 million years

age of the Sea of Cortez - the youngest of all the world’s seas

2,000+marine invertebrate species

32marine mammal species gather

in the Sea of Cortez to feed and breed

900+fish species native to

the Sea of Cortez


“Do we need wet suits?”If they’re necessary, EPI will provide them. But the water is typically warm enough that they’re not needed.

“What are the accommodations like?”Your first and last nights are typically on EPI’s campus in La Paz, with dorm-style rooms and running water. Nights on the island are spent in tents on the beach with camping toilets, but no showers or running water. The only thing better than the view is the food!

This was a trip I will never forget. It has changed me for the better and I feel recharged and ready for anything.

- bAjA PArtIcIPAnt

“ “

airfare included


$2995 9 days October-April 7-16

FAQS

Snorkel with sea lions,sea stars, & tropical fish

Explore marine diversityin the Sea of Cortez

Camp on a pristinebeach under the stars


La Paz

bAjA MExIco


MAGDALENA BAYturtlE EcoloGY ProGrAM

wHAlEs And turtlEs - uP closE

Community ConservationTake a journey with EPI to the Pacific coast of Baja, Mexico, where the waters of Magdalena Bay teem with life. From your campsite on an island sandbar, you’ll see firsthand how the local fishing tradition co-exists with sea turtle conservation efforts. Come study green sea turtles and whales up-close in this dune-strewn ecosystem.

Oceanside ResearchIn the fertile waters of Magdalena Bay, you’ll work with local fishermen to study and protect green sea turtle populations, and you’ll learn how local communities are working to protect their marine resources. Your research project is part of a worldwide model for community-based sea turtle conservation. Local residents will guide you through a research protocol to collect sea turtles using specially-designed nets, then you’ll record critical data before releasing the turtles back into the wild.

Whales!Whales migrate more than 5,000 miles to reach this protected bay. After learning more about gray whales’ incredible lives spent in migration from the Arctic to Magdalena Bay, you’ll set out for a whale observation excursion. From a small fishing boat, you’ll approach and admire whale pods, catching sight of plenty of dolphins and turtles along the way.

whale tales20,000

gray whales migrate to Mag Bay each year

5species of sea turtle live

along the Baja coast

50 kmlength of Magdalena Bay

40-50 ftaverage length of a gray whale


“Is the water safe to drink?”You’ll always have access to clean water. In Magdalena Bay, EPI provides purified water to participants at all times on-course - and under the hot Baja sun, your instructors will be regularly encouraging you to drink up.

“What are the accommodations like?”Your first and last nights are typically on EPI’s campus in La Paz with dorm-style rooms and running water. Nights at Magdalena Bay are spent in 2-person tents pitched in secluded coves on a semi-permanent sand dune within walking distance of the bathroom facilities and classroom tent.

Every journal entry at Magdalena Bay started with, “Today was the best day ever!”

- MAG bAY PArtIcIPAnt

“ “

airfare included


$2995 9 days January-May 10-16

FAQS

Explore unique dune & mangrove ecosystems

Track whales and green sea turtles through the bay

Find a duneside camping site with 360-degree views


La Paz

bAjA MExIco

MagdalenaBay


wIldlIfE EcoloGY ProGrAM

YELLOWSTONE SUMMERHoME on tHE rAnGE

An Intact EcosystemIt’s no wonder that America’s tradition of conservation grew up in this ecosystem with its thermal features, rich wildlife, and abundance of natural wonders. Today, countless species continue to find a refuge here, even in the face of natural and man-made challenges. You’ll learn how human-wildlife interactions continue to shape the landscape, and with EPI, you’ll gain an insider’s view.

Beyond the TrailsIn this ideal setting for wildlife immersion, you’ll team with bison and bear researchers. On-trail and off, your instructors will guide you through wild surroundings and introduce you to the forces that shape it. By the end of the course, you’ll have a strong understanding of the complex conservation issues facing the region.

Partnering for SuccessEPI’s partnership with the National Park Service allows you a unique viewpoint on the park’s efforts to monitor and protect wildlife species. From wolf experts to your core research on bison and bears, those who know this plateau best will share their knowledge with you as you seek out your own observations.

yellowstoNe1ST

the world’s first national park

34,375 sq misize of Yellowstone National Park

10wolf packs that call Yellowstone home

717estimated grizzly bears in the

Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem


YELLOWSTONE SUMMER raft the Pacuare River

Before this trip, I had always had this urge to turn my love of nature into a career. After the Yellowstone EPI course, it just clicked.

- YEllowstonE suMMEr PArtIcIPAnt

“ “



$1895 9 days May-September 7-15

FAQS

Survey wildlife - frombison to wolves

Raft the incredibleYellowstone River

Explore Yellowstone’s ecosystem, filled with thermal features

Program highl i ghts“Where does the program take place?”Students arrive and depart from Bozeman, Montana, and the 9-day course takes place in and around Yellowstone National Park.

“What are the accommodations like?”We’ll be tent camping under the stars! You’ll have drinking water, but no running water or electricity. However, camping in Big Sky country likely means more rainbows and unbelievable sunsets than you’ve seen anywhere else.

“What is Montana summer weather like?”Generally, the weather is very pleasant, with hot temperatures during the day and colder temperatures at night. But the weather can also be unpredictable: snow is possible in any month, and July and August days can hit 100 degrees.

RooseveltArch

YEllowstonE


wIntEr EcoloGY ProGrAM

followInG trAcKs

YELLOWSTONE WINTERLife in the Dead of WinterOn the high-elevation plateau of Yellowstone, winter comes early and lingers on the ground. Herds of bison take advantage of open thermal pools while the park’s predators prepare their own strategies. You’ll study it all, on foot and by snowshoe, and catch a unique look at the ecological ties that bind our first National Park together, even in the cold, short days of winter.

Tracking with the ProsYour home base for the week is the beautiful Paradise Valley, situated on the park’s northern edge and home to the famous Roosevelt Arch entrance. Each day, you’ll explore wintry landscapes, snowshoe, observe wildlife, visit geothermal features, and collect data about bison, elk, and mule deer movements. You’ll also pay a visit to a wolf expert in the park’s Lamar Valley, observing wild wolves, learning the story of their reintroduction, and exploring how one species can impact the shape of an entire ecosystem.

Keeping WarmVisiting Yellowstone in the winter is unique — you’ll encounter a solitude and beauty in the cold that’s harder to come by in the busy summer months. Your course capstone is a long dip at a local hot springs, where you’ll enjoy the hot waters as you look out over a sparkling, snowy landscape.

wiNter woNderlaNd50-200

inches of snow Yellowstone receives each year

1road is open year-round

22 yearssince wolves were reintroduced

in Yellowstone

24° Faverage daytime temperature in

the park during winter


YELLOWSTONE WINTERMy EPI experience in Yellowstone inspired me to spend more time outside and ask more questions about how and why the ecosystem operates - it really engaged my curiosity.

- YEllowstonE wIntEr PArtIcIPAnt

“What kind of wildlife will I see?”Your research will involve tracking cougars and moose; you’ll likely see or find signs of many other mammal species.

“How cold will it be?”As in summer, temperatures can vary dramatically within the park. Highs may hover around freezing or below - take special care of your hands and feet when packing.

“Where will we stay?”No tents involved in the winter course! You’ll stay at a cozy lodge in Gardiner, Montana, at the park’s northern entrance.

“Track elusive species through the snow

Visit the Park’s world-famous thermal features

Observe and study wolves with an expert



$2195 9 days January-April 7-15

FAQS“ Program highl i ghts

RooseveltArch

YEllowstonE


My EPI course reminded me that I can have a positive influence in the world and that when you are passionate about something, you really can use your passion to change the world.

-bElIzE PArtIcIPAnt, 2014

“ “`

m o r e thaN a Field tr i PEPI’s partnership model gives you insider access - you’ll travel behind the scenes in

incredible natural ecosystems, work with renowned

researchers, and see the sights like no one else can.

With new skills learned from one-of-a-kind on-course experiences,

your college essays will write themselves. How many

high school students can say they conducted research for the

Galapagos National Park or added to a key study on leatherback

sea turtle populations?

Built From the grouNd uP


I want to be a scientist and change the world, and I figure that this is a good place to jump in...When I work outside, I feel connected to something bigger than my everyday life, something worthwhile.

- connor, 2017

“ “adveNture, educatioN, culture

Built From the grouNd uP

It’s true: EPI is focused on science. But it’s the kind of science that sends a

thrill down your spine. We know how to have fun in the field,

too, and your instructors are chosen for their ability to create amazing

experiences for you.

EPI is invested in the local communities where we work. As a

non-profit, we work hard to offer program opportunities to local students,

and we’re proud to say that more than 60% of our alumni come from

outside the U.S. You’ll meet some of them on course.


Both the ecological experience and the interactions with local students made the trip one I will never forget. EPI’s instructors made us feel comfortable in our new surroundings and impressed me so much with their skills. The things I learned through EPI have helped me get closer to my goal of entering a career involving ecology and conservation.

-GAlAPAGos PArtIcIPAnt, 2015“ “


From their hatchling weight of 1.5 oz., leatherback sea turtles will grow to an average of

1,000 lbs-more than 10,000 times their original weight!

The average body length for a nesting female is

6.5 feet.

Nearly 100% of the leatherback diet is jellyfish. Because jellyfish are primarily saltwater, leatherbacks have the largest salt excretion glands of any reptile - twice as big as their brains.

A typical nest contains

80-110 eggs.

50-70% of them will hatch. Less than 1% of fertile leatherback eggs

will reach adulthood.

The best beach sites for leatherbacks are gently sloped and devoid of light - they nest only at night.

RE SEARCH WITH A PURPOSE

Seventeen years later, the first hatchlings observed by EPI students are now returning as adults.

Cause for Celebration

In 2000, the leatherback nest predation rate at EPI’s main field site was 98%. By 2014,

this rate had dropped to 2%.

9,500 students have monitored crucial nesting habitat in Costa Rica through EPI.

Student-driven data aids countless research projects; EPI has presented student findings at the annual International Sea Turtle Symposium.

Local residents are now employed by EPI’s partner reserves to monitor turtle populations.

Students monitor protected beaches at night during nesting

season, from March to July.

When a turtle is sighted, students and researchers collect biometric data -

including length, appearance, and number of eggs.

Nesting turtles enter a trance while laying eggs, allowing

for close observation without interference.

Students and researchers often relocate nests to areas

of the beach better suited for hatching success.

Your impaCtthe proCess

PHoto bY: olIvEr GrunEwAld


SOLO STUDENT TRAVELWhile we primarily work with teachers and groups, EPI offers opportunities to motivated individual students at our research sites around the Western Hemisphere. From marine biology to conservation, sea turtle research to wildlife photography, we’re here to help connect you or your students with field and travel experiences.

The course was the best time of my life. I loved everything we did, and I made bonds that will last forever.

-YEllowstonE studEnt, 2015

“ “

Many group courses accept individual students from other

schools. Check our current offerings at:

ecologyproject.org/students

For students looking for an extended research opportunity,

check out our 18-day Research Expedition: Costa Rica.

ecologyproject.org/expedition


DIVE IN ONLINE

manY of the photos featured in this Catalog were taken bY epi students. want to enter our photo Contest? head to ecologyproject.org/photocoNtest for details.

ecologyproject ...

Liked by epimexico and 2k others

ecologyproject Since 2000, we’ve been sending teachers and students to incredible locations. Our new sites in Hawaii and Ecuador are primed to bring new adventures your way!

Learn more online & follow the journey - on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

http://www.ecologyproject.org/photocontest

www.EcoloGYProjEct.orG • 406.721.8784 • [email protected]

Online ResourcesOur staff know and

appreciate the time-intensive realities of life as a classroom teacher. We’ve streamlined our planning, paperwork, and payment processes, and we’ve made all our

pre-course resources and curriculum pieces for your classroom available online.

Teacher Pricing1 teacher travels for free

with 6 students

2 teachers travel free with 12 students

Service Learning All EPI programs incorporate

service projects as a key component of the field

experience. Carry a sense of accomplishment home with

you after you help restore tropical forests, remove

invasive plants, or improve endangered wildlife habitat.

Appl ied Research EPI student research directly

benefits endangered species and threatened ecosystems. You’ll be contributing to a body of

knowledge that helps scientists, policy-makers, and the public make informed decisions and positive impacts in the world.

I n s p i r a t i o n When did you feel most

connected with the natural world? When you step back into that feeling, the ripple effects reach your students and beyond. EPI specializes

in creating inspiring field experiences for teachers

and students alike.

Inquiry EPI courses provide a

concrete framework and context within which your students can ask questions that interest them. When

students take responsibility for their education, the

results are powerful.

Be the teacher your studeNts

rememBer32


CLASSROOM IMPACTEnvironmental Literacy: Demonstrating the knowledge,

dispositions, competencies, and behaviors necessary to actively engage, individually

or as a group, in the task of addressing environmental challenges.

EPI’s curricula are built on the environmental education guidelines of international

frameworks and the Next Generation Science Standards.

For much more, including how we work to change student behaviors through the

use and development of Knowledge, Competencies, and Dispositions, visit our EPI Educational Approach website:

www. ecologyproject.org/about/our-educational-approach.

As I continue to try to find the right ways to advocate for wildlife and bison, particularly now, when it is challenging to see a brighter future, every day I am reminded that EPI provides an unprecedented opportunity to educate and inspire.

-cHrIs GErEMIA, YEllowstonE bIson bIoloGIst

“ “

www. ecologyproject.org/about/our-educational-approach.

www.EcoloGYProjEct.orG • 406.721.8784 • [email protected]

SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AIDaid From ePi

Need-based funding is available to enrolled

students. Applications are available upon request and

typically due in late fall. Most qualified students who

apply receive $300-$600 in scholarship funds.

iNterNatioNal commuNity FouNdatioN scholarshiP

Thanks to the ICF, first-time school groups who enroll

at least six students before our summer deadline receive a

$1,200 scholarship for their group. Contact us for more

information and specific deadlines for 2017 and 2018.

FuNd r a i s i N g o Pt i o N sOur easy-to-use online fundraising platform has launched! Many groups have successfully raised large portions of their tuition through incredibly creative fundraising ideas.

Contact us for help or to take advantage of our ready-

made coffee fundraiser - for every bag sold,

your students raise $5 towards their course.

Field science • cultural exchange• conservation

take the Next stePs “When should a school sign up?”Reserve early! Many courses are reserved before the previous school year finishes. A $1,500 deposit reserves 6 spaces.

“Where does this deposit money come from?”There are three options:1. Students. Students can submit

their applications and deposits directly to EPI.

2. School. Reserving early guarantees a desirable course date that can be advertised to prospective students. EPI will refund the deposit to the school once applications and deposits are received.

3. Teacher. If you cover the deposit, you will guarantee that you get the exact course date that works best for you. EPI will refund your deposit once applications and student deposits are received.

“Is airfare included?”Tuition prices include airfare from the Continental U.S. for all courses except Yellowstone & Hawaii.

“Do I have to be part of a pre-established group to participate?”No. Many courses are “open enrollment.” See page 24 or get in touch for more information about traveling on your own.

“Can individuals and groups from outside the U.S. participate?”Yes. We welcome students from any country in the world. Because airfare is not included for international students, tuition prices are reduced.

“Will I be able to check e-mail and use the internet while on course?”No. EPI maintains an ‘unplugged policy’ at all times on course to help ensure that students maximize their time away from home (and away from cellphones, computers, and iThings) and to minimize the chance of damaged and/or lost electronic equipment. Participants are encouraged to bring cameras. If students wish to bring these devices to use on airplanes, they are welcome to do so. EPI instructors will collect the devices on arrival to the host country and return them to students at the end of the course.

“Do participants prepare their own meals?”No, except in Yellowstone & Hawaii, where students help with meal prep. On all international courses, EPI hires local cooks to prepare meals.

FrequeNtly asked questioNsOnce you’ve chosen the program(s) that interest you, here’s what our

process looks like:

Get in Touch We’re always happy to help answer your questions and provide additional information.

Select Dates Your EPI contact will help you choose the right time to travel, depending on your school schedule and our field site availability.

Spread the Word Share the opportunity with your students. We have posters, videos, pre-departure lesson plans, and many other outreach materials available, and we can provide suggestions for after-school and parent

meetings. Enrollment is easy through our website, and if six or more of your students enroll before our June 15th deadline, group scholarship funds are available to first-time schools.

EPI would like to thank Alex Wiles for contributing our cover photo, as well as the following contributing photographers: Francisco Laso, Oliver Grunewald, Mavis Negroni, Art Westwood, Haley Hanson, Rachael Caldwell, Simon Buzzard, Kyle Watson, Chris Kamman, Carlos Trejos, Scott Pankratz, Eric Ramos, Matt Carter, Corey Constantino, Don Hebert, Atenea Guerra, Micah Sewell, Erin Clark, Melissa Peterson, Lisa Macki, John Kamman, Megan Edgar, and countless instructors and participants over the past 17 years.

Interested in Eco Tours for the whole family? Visit

www.ecologyproject.org/ecotour for more info.

35• culturAl ExcHAnGE• consErvAtIonfIEld scIEncE

www.ecologyproject.org/ecotour


315 S. 4th Street E.Missoula, MT 59801

a walk wild side - ecology project international€¦ · of eastern north america’s temperate...

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