Expedition Assignments
This year the Earthwatch Summer Educator Fellowship Program will support two research projects: Spirit of the Rockies: Songbirds, Mountain Lions, and More, and Climate Change and Caterpillars in Arizona and Ecuador.
Embere Hall, Spirit of the Rockies: Songbirds, Mountain Lions, and More, and Dr. Lee Dyer, Climate Change and Caterpillars, are excited to be hosting the 2012 Educator fellowship program. Focusing on these projects will give these expeditions the support needed to sustain meaningful and relevant research while exposing teachers to issues ranging from urban development, habitat encroachment, and climate change. As a member of one of these expeditions fellows will be an active part of data collection and nightly learning sessions.
Many songbird populations in the Jackson Hole area are declining, and you can help researchers study these birds and their habitats in an effort to stop this decline. You’ll search for migratory birds’ nests and relocate color-banded birds, providing much-needed information on seasonal survivorship and productivity.
Climate Change and Caterpillars (Arizona and Ecuador)
Caterpillars have developed a bizarre armory of defenses to protect themselves from both predators and parasites. Some eat and then use plant toxins to keep parasites off; others bungee-jump out of harm's way. You will help scientists understand why one caterpillar is a predator and the other becomes prey is an important part of conserving forests and other habitats.