Why Earthwatch? - Posted by Camila Lock

The Earthwatch Institute provides volunteers with an authentic experience alongside practicing scientists doing real research. I've always been intrigued by the various science research expeditions offered by Earthwatch, so when I heard about their Project Kindle Teacher Fellowship program, I jumped at the opportunity to apply.

Following my acceptance into the program, in the summer of 2017, I traveled with seven other New York City teachers on my first Earthwatch expedition to the Central Caribbean Marine Institute on the Cayman Islands. We spent our days snorkeling and learning about current research monitoring the health of endangered coral reefs. We met local conservation scientists and learned about their work, participated in a beach clean up, and even got to go on a "turtle walk" to monitor locations of nesting sites for endangered sea turtles. That's me, holding a baby sea turtle egg! I loved being out in the field, and was inspired to bring my students on an expedition of their own.

After months of planning, recruiting, and fundraising, we are finally on our way! On April 3, I will travel down to the Southwest Research Station (about three hours outside of Tuscon, Arizona) with nine of my students and two amazing teacher colleagues. We will spend a week studying tiny forest owls in the Chiricahua Mountains, monitoring their populations and learning about the effects of climate change on their species.

Follow this blog to hear about our experience!