[Teacher Name] presents: Saving Joshua Tree

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS

[Teacher Name] presents:

Saving Joshua Tree

EARTHWATCHSTUDENT EXPEDITIONS

[NAME OF HIGH SCHOOL]


WHAT IS EARTHWATCH?

Since 1971, Earthwatch has made it possible for people from all walks of life to join leading scientists around the world to help with crucial environmental research.

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THE MISSION OF STUDENT EXPEDITIONS

To engage students worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.

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EARTHWATCH AROUND THE GLOBE

Earthwatch has 23 Student Expeditions in 16 countries.

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EARTHWATCH RESEARCH PILLARS

Earthwatch offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to conserve and explore our planet while delving into

one of four research areas.

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EARTHWATCH BY THE NUMBERS

Last year, Earthwatch:• Sent 3,150 participants aged 10 to 80 on research

expeditions.• Supported 141,520 hours of research done by volunteers

across our whole portfolio of expeditions.

Research teams are typically composed of three to five staff members, plus one or more teacher chaperones—so your teen is in excellent hands!

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BENEFITS OF AN EARTHWATCH EXPEDITION

• Learn experientially through scientific field research.• Work directly with environmental science experts.• Get a boost for university applications and résumés. • Explore career paths in the sciences.• Support local communities and local educational

initiatives.• Grow personally and gain confidence.

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BENEFITS OF INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Students who travel internationally before the age

of 18 do better.• In high school: more than 80% had a GPA of 3.0 or

higher.• In college: more than 88% received a college degree.• At work: half of travelers surveyed reported a household

income of more than $75,000 as adults.

Source: The Student Youth & Travel Association, The Impact of Early Travel Experiences (2010 survey).

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A TYPICAL EARTHWATCH EXPERIENCE

• Teams for run 7 to 15 days. • Teams accommodate 7 to 20 volunteers.• Students will take on 2 to 5 research tasks per team.• Students stay in simple but comfortable accommodations

in the field.

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OVERVIEW: SAVING JOSHUA TREE

Help scientists understand and preserve the fragile Mojave Desert. Under the expert guidance of two researchers with a combined 50 years of experience in the field, you’ll have the chance to interpret and shape the future of one of the natural world’s most precious places.

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THE RESEARCH: SAVING JOSHUA TREE

• Build the world’s largest collection of data. Help scientists collect crucial data on the Mojave Desert ecosystem.

• Study climate change. Research environmental variables—such as wildfires and persistent droughts—to help conserve Joshua Tree National Park.

• Collect data on species. Study the effects of climate change on 40 species throughout the park.

• Provide people-power. Support Joshua Tree National Park conservation.

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MEALS & ACCOMMODATIONS: SAVING JOSHUA TREE

• Live at a research station near the Black Rock Visitor Center in Joshua Tree National Park.

• Stay in houses and dorms with shared bathrooms, refrigerators, and Internet access.

• Enjoy typical American fare: soups, stews, casseroles, salads, pasta, and California-style Mexican food.

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LEAD SCIENTIST: SAVING JOSHUA TREE

Dr. Cameron BarrowsAssociate Research EcologistUniversity of California Riverside

Dr. Barrows, an environmental scientist with three decades of field work experience, led an Earthwatch Expedition in the 1980s doing research in northern California’s redwood and Douglas fir forests. Today, he’s taking teams into the deserts of Joshua Tree National Park.

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SAFETY & WELFARE: SAVING JOSHUA TREE

• Earthwatch creates a comprehensive risk assessment and emergency response plan specific to each project’s location and activities.

• Medical and evacuation insurance is provided for every participant.

• National Park staff associated with the project are certified in Wilderness First Aid.

• The project has full use of National Park radios and central communication dispatch system.

• All team members carry personal locator beacons.• All participants will receive detailed training on the

identification and avoidance of venomous snakes and other field hazards.

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OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Passports & Visas: Citizens of the U.S. and Europe DO need a passport, but DO NOT need tourist visas. Minors must also have a notarized letter from all parents or legal guardians stipulating that they may travel in the presence of an adult other than their parent or guardian.

• Insurance: Your contribution to Earthwatch includes insurance and medical evacuation coverage.

• Flights: The teacher leading the expedition will coordinate travel.

• Language: All Earthwatch expeditions are led in English.• Packing Requirements: Earthwatch will provide an

expedition briefing 90 days before the expedition withdetails of what to bring (and lots of other information).

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NEXT STEPS

• Provide a $300 deposit and complete the Group Volunteer Registration Form by [Month, XX, 20XX].

• Call me with any questions or to enroll your teen.

CONTACT INFO: [Ms./Mr. Teacher][Name of High School][[email protected]][(XXX) XXX-XXXX]

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Documents

[Teacher Name] presents: Saving Joshua Tree