Quotes about the expedition experience from volunteers, students, teachers, and fellowship recipients.
Volunteers say:
"Hole digging was about the only skill I brought to this effort, but Earthwatch is used to taking lay people like me who show up with energy and will and figuring out how to make us useful."
- Joanne E., (10-time volunteer)
"We saw common, striped and Risso's dolphins, long-finned pilot whales and a beaked whale ... learned, photographed, laughed, swam, played and enjoyed fabulous food and drink - and the company of some incredible people."
- Karen , Spanish Dolphins (7 time expeditioner)
"The concept of Earthwatch is truly a good one. I know of no other way I could spend 2 weeks and $3000 and benefit as much. I get to learn, contribute to meaningful research, meet new people in new cultures, try new foods, have fun by traveling to 'exotic' places, AND the cost is tax deductible!"
- Larry V., Ecuador Forest Birds (5 times!) and 11 other projects.
"Earthwatch is my best attempt to do what I should have pursued my entire life. To assist scientific research and acquisition of knowledge for the good of the planet. There is no other organization that I know of where any individual can contribute so much to the understanding or our world. It doesn't get any better than this."
- Jimmy B., Puerto Rican Songbirds (3 expeditions)
"I urge anyone who has an adventurous and inquisitive nature, who loves the earth, and who wants to meet fun and interesting people to join an Earthwatch expedition. You will be rewarded in your efforts by conducting valuable research, being immersed in new environments, and spending time with individuals who care."
- John B, Mammoth Caves
"Although I've lived overseas for 17 years, being a volunteer on Earthwatch expeditions has opened a whole new world for me."
- Muriel H, Flight of the Hummingbird (35 Earthwatch Expeditions)
"The marriage of funding cutting edge research and involving volunteers, students, and teachers, hence spreading knowledge and building worldwide connections and friendship is unique and wonderful. I could not admire and feel more connected to the Earthwatch mission and vision."
- Elizabeth E, Puerto Rico's Rainforest (2 expeditions)
"This was my first expedition and it surpassed all I had hoped for. The guides were knowledgable and very professional while being very friendly and personable. They tried to make sure we all got to see as much wildlife as possible and also included tidbits about the flora and the amazing insects and reptiles."
- Anne P, Macaws of the Peruvian Amazon
Teachers say:
I feel Earthwatch is the most valuable program I have ever encountered in my professional career. It has had a most profound impact on me as an educator and as a citizen of the world.
- Sylvia S., Kenya's Wild Heritage
"The highlights of the trip were many . . . watching a baby crocodile hatch right before my very eyes, catching a 3.75 meter adult crocodile and having my picture taken with it, seeing a boa constrictor just inches above my head curled around a branch in the middle of the night, and it goes on and on."
- Kartherine H., Mexican Mangroves
"This was the best professional development opportunity that I have ever participated in. There are so many reasons that make an Earthwatch expedition extremely beneficial for teachers. At the beginning of the project, I was in the role of a student. It was great to be reminded of the frustrations and challenges that come with learning new material!
- Sarah S., Butterflies and Orchids of Spain
"The expeditions not only recharge my 'teaching battery' from year to year, but they also give me a series of experiences that I enthusiastically share with my students each year. Never do I have a more attentive classroom than when I'm sharing my Earthwatch slides. The enthusiasm for science (and the environment) has proven contagious."
- Casey McCullough, Conserving the Pantanal (4 expeditions)
"Spending time in the field with researchers has given me a sense of legitimacy in my own teaching and learning. The science I teach, the methods I use, and the questions I ask (and the questions my students
ask) are every bit as scientific as those used by "real" scientists."
- Debbie Hadley, Conserving the Pantanal
"I have come back with my reason and motivation for being a science teacher fresh in my mind."
- Belinda W., Climate Change in the Rainforest
Students say:
"The Earthwatch experience has been instrumental in shaping the direction of my interests and career. When I was 16, I traveled to Madagascar to work on the Carnivores of Madagascar project with Luke Dollar. Next year, I'll be returning to work in Madagascar and I owe much of this choice to the wonderful experience I had fostered by Earthwatch."
- Chris G., Ghana's Hippo Sanctuary
"Everyone I tell about the expedition and my experiences immediately sees the inspiration, energy and change of focus it has given me. Will I abandon engineering? No, of course not, but I will be searching for a way to integrate it into an environmentally oriented career, instead of the opposite."
- Sean F., Bahamian Reef Survey
"My future is most certainly changed from this experience. I am less worried about trying new and unusual things, and... I am much more conscious of the environment now and less afraid of bugs too!"
- Genevieve W., Hawksbill Turtles of Barbados
"There is nothing like the exhilaration of exploration... Even if I may not become a marine biologist, the idea of discovering new facts about the world has a certain charm, like an endless supply of tiny gifts waiting to be unwrapped."
- Leneve O. Manatees in Belize
Corporate Fellows say:
"It's not just the animals that make this project worthwhile. It's the whole exposure to sustainability and renewable living practices that others would benefit from experiencing."
- Kathy G. , Echidnas and Goannas of Kangaroo Island
"Earthwatch has given me a greater understanding of world issues and an improved sense of the urgency to save our planet."
- Nancy D. Blue Swallows of South Africa
"One of the best experiences of my life. So much fun and rewarding. I would be interested in doing another project in a couple of years."
- Amy T, Saving the Leatherback Turtle
"I believe Earthwatch has established an effective model whereby industry and science communities can move forward towards improving the sustainability of our environment whilst achieving our community and industry goals."
- Alan D, Seed Dispersal in Australia's Tropical Rainforests
"Participating on this Earthwatch project has been the most incredible experience and absolute privilege for me. I have learnt more than I could have ever imagined, about reptiles, birds, mammals and the habitat of the rainforest, also I have had the pleasure of meeting some amazing people who I hope to keep in contact with."
- Caroline R, Climate Change in the Rainforest
"I doubt that any person can go on an Earthwatch expedition like this and not come back changed. It's not a holiday, because you are part of the team. It's not a tour, because you believe in what you are doing. It's not hard work - you decide your own limits. What it is is an exciting adventure, where you are placed on the OTHER side of the "tourism tape"."
- Nathan M, New Zealand Dolphins
Community Fellows say:
"The experience of actually being there and working hands-on in the company of five other extraordinary artists and the rest of the wonderful volunteers and staff, fired my imagination in ways I cannot begin to describe."
- Will W, Traditions of Cedar, Salmon, and Gold
"I have more knowledge of Grevy's zebra and other wildlife in my Ngutuk Ongiron Group Ranch. I will now be in a position to hold meetings and create awareness amongst my community with regard to potential income generating activities through tourism."
- Daniel L. Grevy's Zebra
"During my 42 years of life, there are moments that I kept in my heart in a very special place. Thanks to Earthwatch, in May of 2004 I lived a experience that now I have in that special place. Thanks you all for your help and for being a part of this project."
- Octavio P., River Otters of Chile