Arizona (2022)
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Since 2009, Ms. Nelson (IB Environmental Systems teacher) and I have been taking teams of students on Earthwatch expeditions to participate in authentic field studies. For our 11th student expedition, we will visit the Chiricahu Mountains of southeastern Arizona! We will be joining Dr. Dave Oleyar of Hawkwatch International in southeast Arizona to study owl ecology (https://hawkwatch.org/about/staff-and-board/staff/item/612-dave-oleyar). We will learn about nesting and breeding behaviors, and investigate potential impacts climate change will have on owls and other wildlife. During the day, we’ll measure owl habitat—locating tree cavities and taking GPS and other measurements. At night, we’ll listen for the low-pitched ‘boop’ of the Flammulated Owl, the high-pitched laughing of Elf Owls, or the non-stop ‘reverse signal’ tooting of the Northern Saw-whet owl while we survey for, capture, and band owls. |
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Want to go? Here's what you need to do:
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Please be aware that the Issaquah School District does not sponsor these student expeditions. The ISD is aware and supportive of our travels, but is not the organizing body.
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WHAT IS AN EARTHWATCH EXPEDITION?
Earthwatch is the largest environmental volunteer force in the world. For more than 40 years, Earthwatch has involved students worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and knowledge for a sustainable environment. A student group on an Earthwatch expedition has the opportunity to conduct team-based research, gain scientific knowledge and skills and develop relationships with exceptional mentors in the field of scientific research. Students come back from their Earthwatch experience having been on the front lines of scientific research and environmental conservation. They’ve gone to learn, understand, and help protect the world’s most beautiful and threatened ecosystems. They’ve been taking water samples (not just pictures) and collecting data (not just souvenirs). After evaluating 155 organizations, National Geographic Adventure has named Earthwatch number one in both volunteerism and education.
ADVANTAGES FOR VOLUNTEERS?
Earthwatch expeditions provide excellent experience for college applications and valuable work skills for resumes. Volunteers will gain field experience with scientific research experts. They will learn and apply current techniques utilized in today’s most ground breaking research efforts. Students gain confidence, learn about other cultures and environmental issues as well as returning invigorated about science after seeing how it applies in the “real world.” If you are an IB diploma candidate in the class of 2023, this trip will provide you with amazing opportunities for your CAS and extended essay requirements.
WHEN WILL WE TRAVEL?
We will travel over Spring Break, April 12-18, 2022 (missing school Monday 4/18). If the team is interested we could arrive in Tucson 1-2 days early to explore the Sonoran desert with a visit to Saguaro National Park.
WHERE WILL WE STAY?
During the expedition, we will be staying at the Southwest Research Station, a year-round field station under the direction of the Science Department at the American Museum of Natural History (New York, NY). Information about the field station is available here: https://www.amnh.org/research/southwestern-research-station/about
Earthwatch is the largest environmental volunteer force in the world. For more than 40 years, Earthwatch has involved students worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and knowledge for a sustainable environment. A student group on an Earthwatch expedition has the opportunity to conduct team-based research, gain scientific knowledge and skills and develop relationships with exceptional mentors in the field of scientific research. Students come back from their Earthwatch experience having been on the front lines of scientific research and environmental conservation. They’ve gone to learn, understand, and help protect the world’s most beautiful and threatened ecosystems. They’ve been taking water samples (not just pictures) and collecting data (not just souvenirs). After evaluating 155 organizations, National Geographic Adventure has named Earthwatch number one in both volunteerism and education.
ADVANTAGES FOR VOLUNTEERS?
Earthwatch expeditions provide excellent experience for college applications and valuable work skills for resumes. Volunteers will gain field experience with scientific research experts. They will learn and apply current techniques utilized in today’s most ground breaking research efforts. Students gain confidence, learn about other cultures and environmental issues as well as returning invigorated about science after seeing how it applies in the “real world.” If you are an IB diploma candidate in the class of 2023, this trip will provide you with amazing opportunities for your CAS and extended essay requirements.
WHEN WILL WE TRAVEL?
We will travel over Spring Break, April 12-18, 2022 (missing school Monday 4/18). If the team is interested we could arrive in Tucson 1-2 days early to explore the Sonoran desert with a visit to Saguaro National Park.
WHERE WILL WE STAY?
During the expedition, we will be staying at the Southwest Research Station, a year-round field station under the direction of the Science Department at the American Museum of Natural History (New York, NY). Information about the field station is available here: https://www.amnh.org/research/southwestern-research-station/about
WHO CAN TRAVEL?
The nature of Earthwatch’s scientific research expeditions requires small groups. Our team is limited in size to 12 participants, which will allow us to take 7 students in addition to our own high school age kids. The team size is limited due to COVID mitigation, which also includes a requirement that all team members be vaccinated.
Priority will be given to past and current IB Biology and IB ESS students. Our expeditions have historically been very population with with students; it is anticipated that student demand for space will be high and space will be limited. Parents who wish to travel will be added to a waiting list and permitted to join the group as space allows. The research staff is lead by a primary investigator and 2 – 3 field research staff. This is beneficial as it enables students more direct interaction with the scientists.
WHAT DOES THE EXPEDITION COST?
The expedition fee is $2950 which includes food, lodging, on-site travel, emergency medical and medical evacuation insurance, all of the various costs of field research (field permits, equipment, etc.), chaperones and carbon offset costs. We will need to purchase airfare separately and perhaps 1-2 nights of additional hotel cost should we decide to spend extra time in Tucson.
In the United States, Earthwatch Institute is a public charity described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. In general, contributions of cash, securities and property donated by US citizens to support scientific research projects sponsored by Earthwatch Institute are 100% tax deductible. Participants and contributors should consult their local tax laws and/or tax attorneys or other qualified professionals for official tax advice.
DOES THE EXPEDITION QUALIFY FOR CORPORATE MATCHING DONATIONS?
Some students with parents who work for corporations that offer matching gift donations have reduced the personal expense to their family nearly in half! We are thankful to have had matching gifts from Microsoft, Home Depot and Nintendo. Please check with your company for compliance with their terms and conditions and note that some will charge a service fee (for example, Microsoft charges a 2.9% service fee (as of 2020). When you register and pay online, parents using matching gifts are encouraged to make ½ their son or daughter’s contribution to Earthwatch then immediately request for a match from the employer. Matching gifts must be confirmed and received by 90-days before the expedition start date . If Earthwatch does not receive the matching gift by 60 days before the expedition deadline, they will ask that you cover the payment out of pocket. When the matching gift does arrive, Earthwatch will refund you the payment.
If you have the financial means to pay-in-full, then request a matching gift, the extra funds are used to (1) pay for a scholarship for a Skyline student without the financial means to go otherwise or (2) subsidize future more costly expeditions for students.
NOTE REGARDING MICROSOFT CORPORATE MATCHING PROGRAM:
If you work for Microsoft, then donations to Earthwatch count towards the corporate matching program. In order to have our group benefit from the matching donation, the Microsoft employee pays and completes matching gift documentation form. The employee chooses the organization to which matching gift is to be sent (Earthwatch) and designates a GROUP within Earthwatch for matching. In the purpose line of the matching gift form, you MUST say: “For use by Skyline High School to be applied towards their total Earthwatch expedition contribution. Volunteer is (insert student name).”
A Microsoft employee cannot send matching funds for a specific individual (i.e. their own kid), but can designate matching funds for a volunteer group. Earthwatch then certifies that the employee has made a donation and a matching check is sent. At the Earthwatch end, the money is applied towards our whole group balance. If you are submitting for corporate matching, please plan on paying the expedition fee early, as matching gifts from Microsoft are paid quarterly. Please forward the confirmation email received from your matching gift donation for our records.
If you work for Microsoft, then donations to Earthwatch count towards the corporate matching program. In order to have our group benefit from the matching donation, the Microsoft employee pays and completes matching gift documentation form. The employee chooses the organization to which matching gift is to be sent (Earthwatch) and designates a GROUP within Earthwatch for matching. In the purpose line of the matching gift form, you MUST say: “For use by Skyline High School to be applied towards their total Earthwatch expedition contribution. Volunteer is (insert student name).”
A Microsoft employee cannot send matching funds for a specific individual (i.e. their own kid), but can designate matching funds for a volunteer group. Earthwatch then certifies that the employee has made a donation and a matching check is sent. At the Earthwatch end, the money is applied towards our whole group balance. If you are submitting for corporate matching, please plan on paying the expedition fee early, as matching gifts from Microsoft are paid quarterly. Please forward the confirmation email received from your matching gift donation for our records.
HOW DO I PAY?
Deposits are due when you enroll. Since the expedition size is limited, students who pay their deposits first will have priority for the trip. Student participants under 18 years of age may not register themselves. Instead, a parent or guardian must register their student(s) online by providing basic contact information for both the parent and the student. Registration is confirmed upon receipt of a $300 USD non-refundable deposit for all participants; those registering within 90 days of the expedition start date must pay a full, non-refundable balance.
WHAT OTHER EXPENSES ARE THERE?
On the expedition, students may want some spending money for souvenirs or incidentals. Other costs may include airport taxes, field supplies and vaccinations.
IF STUDENTS CANCEL WILL THEY RECEIVE A REFUND?
If you need to cancel your expedition, please inform Earthwatch as soon as possible. Your cancellation must be confirmed with an email from Earthwatch; you should not consider your expedition cancelled until you have received this confirmation. Cancellation, transfer, and refund policies are dependent on the number of days remaining until the expedition start date. Participants cancelling with 90 or more days’ notice may have their non-deposit contributions refunded, transferred to another eligible expedition of their choice, or placed in an Expedition Fund to be used at any time within three years of the cancellation. Deposits may also be transferred on a one-time basis to another expedition or an Expedition Fund; subsequent transfers will result in forfeiture of the initial deposit, and a new one will be required to reserve your space. Participants cancelling within 90 days prior to expedition start date are not eligible for refunds, transfers, or Expedition Funds.
WHAT IS THE DAILY SCHEDULE AND TASKS?
Please check the expedition briefing document linked at the top of this page for detailed information about the schedule, lodging, and foods you can expect in the field.
WHAT IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY?
Should any problems occur in the field, all projects have an emergency response plan and communication protocols both with area health care facilities and with the Earthwatch office. Our emergency medical assistance provider On Call International can give advice, assistance or support at any time around the world. Earthwatch has a staff member on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week to assist participants and field staff and to be available to relay emergency messages from home.
ARE THERE BEHAVIOR RULES?
Volunteers will be given a copy of the Earthwatch Rules and Regulations which is sent to each student prior to departure. All volunteers are required to sign a liability form acknowledging they understand and accept these rules as a contract so everyone understands what constitutes proper behavior while on the expedition.
Deposits are due when you enroll. Since the expedition size is limited, students who pay their deposits first will have priority for the trip. Student participants under 18 years of age may not register themselves. Instead, a parent or guardian must register their student(s) online by providing basic contact information for both the parent and the student. Registration is confirmed upon receipt of a $300 USD non-refundable deposit for all participants; those registering within 90 days of the expedition start date must pay a full, non-refundable balance.
WHAT OTHER EXPENSES ARE THERE?
On the expedition, students may want some spending money for souvenirs or incidentals. Other costs may include airport taxes, field supplies and vaccinations.
IF STUDENTS CANCEL WILL THEY RECEIVE A REFUND?
If you need to cancel your expedition, please inform Earthwatch as soon as possible. Your cancellation must be confirmed with an email from Earthwatch; you should not consider your expedition cancelled until you have received this confirmation. Cancellation, transfer, and refund policies are dependent on the number of days remaining until the expedition start date. Participants cancelling with 90 or more days’ notice may have their non-deposit contributions refunded, transferred to another eligible expedition of their choice, or placed in an Expedition Fund to be used at any time within three years of the cancellation. Deposits may also be transferred on a one-time basis to another expedition or an Expedition Fund; subsequent transfers will result in forfeiture of the initial deposit, and a new one will be required to reserve your space. Participants cancelling within 90 days prior to expedition start date are not eligible for refunds, transfers, or Expedition Funds.
WHAT IS THE DAILY SCHEDULE AND TASKS?
Please check the expedition briefing document linked at the top of this page for detailed information about the schedule, lodging, and foods you can expect in the field.
WHAT IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY?
Should any problems occur in the field, all projects have an emergency response plan and communication protocols both with area health care facilities and with the Earthwatch office. Our emergency medical assistance provider On Call International can give advice, assistance or support at any time around the world. Earthwatch has a staff member on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week to assist participants and field staff and to be available to relay emergency messages from home.
ARE THERE BEHAVIOR RULES?
Volunteers will be given a copy of the Earthwatch Rules and Regulations which is sent to each student prior to departure. All volunteers are required to sign a liability form acknowledging they understand and accept these rules as a contract so everyone understands what constitutes proper behavior while on the expedition.
TESTIMONIALS:
"I am headed to the tropics again this June for field work, and was reminiscing about my first experience conducting field work with EarthWatch several years ago now! I just wanted to let you know how appreciative I am of this experience, as it has had a positive and lasting impact on my educational path. I have gotten to do so many cool things because of it -field work in the cloud forests and coastal waters of Panama, plant community surveys in the old growth forests and montane meadows of mt. rainier, and forest surveys in the wildfire scorched forests of the interior PNW. I have remained fascinated with both tropical and temperate forest ecosystems, and am specifically interested in how forest ranges and boundaries are influenced by disturbances and climate change. I am getting ready to embark on yet another educational adventure over the next couple years, and am headed up to University of British Columbia to obtain my MS studying tropical forest ecology in Cambodia." Elise P.
"I am headed to the tropics again this June for field work, and was reminiscing about my first experience conducting field work with EarthWatch several years ago now! I just wanted to let you know how appreciative I am of this experience, as it has had a positive and lasting impact on my educational path. I have gotten to do so many cool things because of it -field work in the cloud forests and coastal waters of Panama, plant community surveys in the old growth forests and montane meadows of mt. rainier, and forest surveys in the wildfire scorched forests of the interior PNW. I have remained fascinated with both tropical and temperate forest ecosystems, and am specifically interested in how forest ranges and boundaries are influenced by disturbances and climate change. I am getting ready to embark on yet another educational adventure over the next couple years, and am headed up to University of British Columbia to obtain my MS studying tropical forest ecology in Cambodia." Elise P.
"The trip is the reason I do what I do (and I love it!)" - E.S. (Bahamas '09, now in graduate school studying shark biology)
"I'm pursuing a Wildlife and Wildlands Conservation degree because of my experience with Earthwatch" - M.A. (Bahamas '15, now at BYU)
"Definitely has helped me greatly with my research projects I have been involved in since that experience." - K.D. (Bahamas '09, now in veterinary school)
"I have completed a Wildlife Conservation minor and am studying Biology, specifically Evolution, Ecology and Conservation, all inspired by my trip to Trinidad!" C.S. (Trinidad '13, now at UW)
"The trip was my first experience in research and was a significant motivator for me to become a scientist." D.Z. (Bahamas '09. now PhD!)
