Ms. April White and senior Kriseira Lamas both went on expeditions for a week this summer to participate in climate fieldwork change for Earthwatch, a program that allows students, teachers and other researchers to investigate critical environmental issues across the globe.

On an Earthwatch Expedition, volunteers can help find solutions to some of today’s environmental challenges. Teams from around the world are formed for every expedition, and consist of both adults and teens. On expeditions you are able to study ancient sites, climate change, ocean health, wildlife, and ecosystems.

Ms. White volunteered in a phenology study of birds and tree fruiting, a seaweed growth study, and a crab population data collection at Schoodic Education and Research Center at Acadia National Park in Maine. Lamas volunteered in following flammulated owls and monitoring cavities in various tree species at the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona.

Anyone is able to become a volunteer for Earthwatch, and can sign up at earthwatch.org. Spots are limited for every expedition, so you need to book you spot before it fills up. There are set prices for every expedition that includes accommodations that vary for each expedition. Prices vary per expedition and range from $750 to $5775, but you have anywhere from two months to a year to pay for the expedition as long as it’s paid 30 days before the trip. Students that apply can go on an expedition for free, and educators can get up to $1000 towards their expedition.

Many expeditions are available for teens and adults. Some expeditions include conserving endangered rhinos in South Africa, monitoring ocelots in Trinidad, studying the archaeology of the Mongolian Steppe, and helping prevent climate change in the Arctic.