On the Expedition
Help lead the way in urban ecosystem research and show how the environment can be protected in and near the places most of us live.
At research sites in and around New York City as well as in some rural areas within 100 miles, you’ll study a range of wildlife species and the quality of their varied habitats. Depending on the time of year, you may track and camera-trap mammals, catch frogs and salamanders in nets or pitfall traps, identify birds, or survey native and invasive plant species. Each day you’ll also be able to learn about the “big picture” of the research, gain skills in a variety of field research methods, or hear about other research topics from guest speakers.
Meals and Accommodations
Teams typically stay at the Marshlands Conservancy in Rye, New York, near a mixture of hardwood forests, meadows, and salt marshes overlooking picturesque Long Island Sound. You’ll sleep in a historic farmhouse with modern bathrooms and hot showers. You’ll also have the option of camping on the surrounding lawn. A staff cook will prepare meals based on the team’s preferences. A number of restaurants are also available within a mile.
Please note: The Marshlands Conservancy facility is currently undergoing renovations. While it is expected that these renovations will be complete in time for the 2009 Earthwatch expeditions, there is a chance your team will be housed in comparable accommodations elsewhere.
About the Research Area
You’ll conduct research within various protected areas in the greater New York metropolitan area, within 100 miles of Manhattan, New York—moving from urban to suburban to rural landscapes. The most urban parks will largely feature temperate mixed hardwood trees such as oak, maple, hickory, and beech trees, surrounded by residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. Even these urban research sites have a long record of preservation—in some cases more than 100 years—and are enjoyable, interesting, and safe natural areas to work in.
The most rural parks will be set within continuous forest broken up only by occasional residential properties and farms. These rural sites are representative of the beautiful landscapes of New England and New York state forests.
New York City is a thriving, energetic urban center and is the center of the most densely populated urban region in North America. It is host to countless museums, restaurants, theaters, and other cultural and historical attractions. Downtown New York City is a 40 minute train ride from the field headquarters.