1. travel
2. tourist destinations
3. national parks

TEEN TEAM
EARTHWATCH 2015
CLIMATE CHANGE: SEA TO TREES
AT ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
Nicole Morrill Page 1 6/22/15Nicole Morrill Page 1 6/22/15
MESSAGES FROM EARTHWATCH
DEAR EARTHWATCHER,
Welcome to the Climate Change: Sea to Trees in Acadia National Park expedition!
On this expedition you will help solve challenges caused by climate change and other consequences of fossil fuel emissions in one
of America’s most beautiful national parks. You will help track changes in the timing of bird migrations and breeding and fruit
availability—are birds getting the food they need when they need it? You will help us track biodiversity in the intertidal zone—are
periwinkles, crabs, rockweed, and other species adapting to ocean acidification? You may also collect dragonflies to help monitor
mercury in our lakes and wetlands—where is mercury reaching toxic levels in our wildlife? You will make critical contributions
to a large and long-term effort to understand how we can best protect our natural treasures in a time of rapid change.
The problems you help us address result from a variety of causes, but they mostly result from burning a lot of fossil fuel and
pumping carbon dioxide and other chemicals into the atmosphere. As a consequence, our climate is changing, interactions
among species (predator-prey, plant-pollinator, and birds and their food) are being disrupted, and our oceans are becoming more
acidic. These changes are affecting our most treasured natural places and the economies and livelihoods that depend on natural
resources—that is, pretty much everyone, including us in Acadia National Park.
Here in Acadia National Park, in other national parks, and really pretty much everywhere, we need to understand the details
of these changes and their consequences, so that we can respond to them and protect our forests, coasts, lakes, and streams.
The challenges you will help us overcome are of great concern to us in Acadia, and are among the biggest challenges for
conservation everywhere.
Your contributions will help us preserve Acadia National Park’s resources for future generations. We look forward to having you
on our expedition.
Sincerely,
Dr. Abe Miller-Rushing, Lead Earthwatch Scientist
DEAR EARTHWATCHER,
Thank you for joining this expedition! We greatly appreciate your decision to contribute to hands-on environmental science
and conservation.
As an Earthwatch volunteer, you have the opportunity to create positive change. And while you’re out in the field working
toward that change, we are committed to caring for your safety. Although risk is an inherent part of the environments in
which we work, we’ve been providing volunteer field experiences with careful risk management and diligent planning for
over 40 years. You’re in good hands.
We hope this expedition will inspire you to get more involved in conservation and sustainable development priorities—not just
out in the field, but also when you return home. We encourage you to share your experiences with others, and to transfer your
skills and enthusiasm to environmental conservation efforts in your workplace, community, and home.
If you have questions as you prepare for your expedition, contact your Earthwatch office. Thank you for your support,
and enjoy your expedition!
Sincerely,
Larry Mason
President and CEO, Earthwatch
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION ................. 4
TRIP PLANNER ............................ 5
EXPEDITION PACKING LIST .............. 6
THE RESEARCH ........................... 7
DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD ................ 9
ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD ......... 10
TRAVEL TIPS .............................. 11
PROJECT CONDITIONS ................... 12
SAFETY .................................... 14
PROJECT STAFF .......................... 15
RECOMMENDED READING ............... 16
LITERATURE CITED....................... 16
EMERGENCY NUMBERS .................. 18
3
GENERAL INFORMATION
SEA TO TREES IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
EARTHWATCH SCIENTISTS
EXPEDITION DATES
Dr. Abraham Miller-Rushing, Science Coordinator
National Park Service, Acadia National Park
Team 4 (TEEN): Jul. 27–Aug. 2, 2015
Hannah Webber, Education Projects Manager
Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park
*Earthwatch Teen Teams are open to 15- to 18-year-olds (18-year-olds may
participate if they finished their last year of high school in the previous
school year). Participants on this team will receive a separate expedition
briefing. 16- and 17-year-olds may also participate on standard teams if
accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Seth Benz, Bird Ecology Program Director
Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park
Dr. Richard Feldman, Post-doctoral Research Fellow
University of Massachusetts – Amherst
Please refrain from booking flights until
you receive your complete rendezvous
information, which will be sent to you
upon request
RESEARCH SITE
Acadia National Park,
Schoodic Education and Research Center, Maine
.
4
TRIP PLANNER
SEA TO TREES IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
TRIP PLANNER
IMMEDIATELY
60 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION
□ Make sure you understand and agree to
Earthwatch’s Terms and Conditions.
□ If you plan to purchase additional travel insurance,
note that some policies require purchase when your
expedition is booked.
□ Make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations
for your project site.
□ Review the Packing Checklist to make sure you
have all the clothing, personal supplies and
equipment needed.
90 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION
30 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION
□ Log in at earthwatch.org to complete your
volunteer forms.
□ Pay any outstanding balance for your expedition.
□ Book travel arrangements (see the Travel Planning
section for details).
□ If traveling internationally, make sure your
passport is current and, if necessary, obtain a visa
for your destination country.
□ Leave the Earthwatch 24-hour helpline number
with a relative or friend.
□ Leave copies of your passport, visa, and airline
tickets with a relative or friend.
Read this expedition briefing thoroughly. It provides the most accurate information
available at the time of your Earthwatch scientist’s project planning, and will likely answer
any questions you have about the project. However, please also keep in mind that research
requires improvisation, and you may need to be flexible. Research plans evolve in response
to new findings, as well as to unpredictable factors such as weather, equipment failure,
and travel challenges. To enjoy your expedition to the fullest, remember to expect the
unexpected, be tolerant of repetitive tasks, and try to find humor in difficult situations.
If there are any major changes in the research plan or field logistics, Earthwatch will
make every effort to keep you well informed before you go into the field.
5
EXPEDITION PACKING LIST
SEA TO TREES IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
EXPEDITION PACKING LIST
BEDDING AND BATHING
GENERAL
□ This expedition briefing
□ Photocopies of your passport, flight itinerary, and
credit cards in case the originals are lost or stolen;
the copies should be packed separately from the
original documents
NOTE: the project will provide linens, pillows, towels, blankets, etc.
PERSONAL SUPPLIES
□ Personal toiletries (biodegradable soaps and shampoos
are encouraged)
□ Antibacterial wipes or lotion (good for cleaning hands
while in the field)
□ Personal first aid kit (e.g., anti-diarrhea pills, antibiotics,
antiseptic, itch-relief, pain reliever, bandages, blister
covers, etc.) and medications
□ Passport and/or visa (if necessary)
□ Certification of vaccination (if necessary)
□ Documentation for travel by minors (if necessary)
□ Calling card or mobile phone (Note: the campus does not
have good cellphone reception, but does have wireless
internet available throughout)
□ Credit card that may be used in the event of an emergency
(travel delays, etc.)
□ Spending money
OPTIONAL ITEMS
□ Camera, film or memory card(s), extra camera battery
CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR FOR FIELDWORK
□ Binoculars
□ Hardware for sharing digital photographs at the end
of the expedition
□ Dry bag or plastic sealable bags (e.g. Ziploc) to protect
equipment like cameras from dust, humidity, and water
□ Warm layers of clothing (eg, jacket or fleece)
□ Lightweight, quick-drying, long-sleeved shirts
□ Lightweight, quick drying long pants
□ Rain jacket
□ Books, games, art supplies, etc. for free time
□ Well worn-in, comfortable hiking boots
□ Earplugs for light sleepers
□ Wide brimmed hat for sun protection
□ Flip flops or sandals for the shower
□ Warm hat
□ Mittens or gloves
NOTE: Do not bring more luggage than you can carry and
handle on your own. If traveling by air and checking your
luggage, we advise you to pack an extra set of field clothing
and personal essentials in your carry-on bag in case your
luggage is lost or delayed.
□ Earthwatch T-shirt
CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR FOR LEISURE
□ At least one set of clothing to keep clean
for end of expedition
□ Pair of light shoes or sandals
FIELD SUPPLIES
□ Small daypack
□ Sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 or higher
□ Flashlight with extra batteries and extra bulb
□ Two one-liter water bottles
□ Sunglasses
6
THE RESEARCH
SEA TO TREES IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
THE STORY
Climate change is also leading to ocean acidification in
Acadia, which affects the ecology and physiology of
intertidal species (Kroeker et al. 2013). This can have a
negative impact within ecosystems. For example, ocean
acidification can dissolve the shells of organisms. While
some species (especially those that are commercially
important) have been well studied in Maine – such as clams
and oysters – there is limited evidence available for many
other intertidal species (Green et al. 2009).
Climate-related changes in Acadia National Park have
altered the populations and behaviors of species and have
affected their interactions. Over the past 120 years, the
park has lost 18 percent of its native plant species (Green
et al. 2005). More recently, within the past 50 years, the
area has gained more than 500 new insect species (Chandler
et al. 2012), and the abundance of timing of bird migrations
and breeding have changed throughout the region (MillerRushing et al. 2008). These changes may be creating
mismatches among predators and prey, or plants and
pollinators by changing the timing of when various species
depend on each other’s resources or services. For example,
fruits that ripen earlier disrupt the timing of insects’ life
cycles, which can impact the fall migration for birds
(Primack and Miller-Rushing 2012). These mismatches are
one of the primary ways in which climate change is
contributing to the decline and extinction of some plant
and animal species (Cahill et al. 2013).
The Acadia region relies on its natural resources and
tourism for much of its economy. These rapid ecological
changes are critical for visitors and residents to
acknowledge and understand so they can help to preserve
this iconic national park. Long-term data monitoring is
critical to being able to truly understand the impact of
these changes, which is what makes citizen science so
important to the success of this research study.
7
RESEARCH AIMS
HOW YOU WILL HELP
The primary aims of the project, which are critical to
Acadia National Park because of their importance to the
long-term preservation of natural resources, are to:
As an Earthwatch volunteer, you will be involved in three
types of activities: conducting field work in forests looking
at mismatches among birds, insects, and plants; conducting
both field and lab work looking at the effects of ocean
acidification on intertidal communities; and transcribing
data from historical records related to this work.
1. Investigate the interactions among birds, insects,
and fruits, and determine the extent of spatial
and temporal mismatch;
ECOLOGICAL MISMATCH FIELD WORK:
2. Investigate the effects of ocean acidification
on intertidal organisms and communities;
You will visit plots of land each day to observe the presence
and abundance of flowers or fruits and plants, and will record
observations of target birds and insects. Volunteers will also
help to deploy bird cameras that focus on fruits of marked
plants to capture evidence of the birds eating those fruits.
Researchers will analyze the data to detect changes in life
cycle events and interactions between species over time.
3. Improve science literacy and environmental
stewardship among participants.
ECOLOGICAL MISMATCHES:
Changes in temperature and precipitation are known to
cause shifts in the flowering and fruiting of plant species.
Those shifts, in turn, may lead to a flower blooming before
its main pollinator arrives on the scene, or make it harder
for birds to find the fruits when they need them. Scientists
are just now trying to decipher what this means for natural
communities.
OCEAN ACIDIFICATION FIELD AND LAB WORK:
You will observe and measure species in the intertidal
zone. Back in the lab, you’ll be involved in conducting
lab experiments in aquariums to explore the effects of
pH on shell formation and predator-prey interactions.
During the study, the research team will aim to answer
the following questions related to mismatches:
HISTORICAL RECORDS:
You will be involved in transcribing historical records
related to the occurrence, abundance, and phenology
or forest birds, insects, and plants, and intertidal
communities.
• How do birds, insects, and plant life cycles vary by
season across time and space? Are the cycles changing?
Teams will examine breeding, migration, and feeding
behaviors for specific birds, insects, and plants.
• How do birds, insects, and plants interact, and how
does this vary across regions and over time?
• How do native and invasive plant species disperse fruit?
OCEAN ACIDIFICATION:
Increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere is
leading to ocean acidification – an increase in CO2 in
the water, leading to higher levels of acidity, which
can impact shell-bearing animals and affect their
survival rates.
The research team will aim to answer the following
questions related to ocean acidification:
• What is the community structure in the intertidal
system and how is it changing over time?
• How are aspects of the intertidal system such as pH,
temperature, and salinity changing over time?
• How are predator/prey relationships affected by pH?
8
DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD
SEA TO TREES IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
PLANS FOR YOUR TEAM
DAILY ACTIVITIES
Upon arrival, you’ll receive a safety briefing and a
presentation on local history, conservation priorities for
Acadia National Park, local examples of global issues, and
a framework for all the project’s key protocols. When
we begin our fieldwork, project staff will introduce and
demonstrate each new task; we’ll work with you until
you’re comfortable with any new activities. We will also
supervise to ensure data quality. You will spend your days
on the mountains, in the forest, and among tidal pools and
rock benches along the beautiful Maine coast, and during
free time you will have the opportunity to explore the
spectacular Acadia National Park.
While there is no typical day in the field our ‘typical’ day will
be: Breakfast, a briefing of the work to be done for the day,
the safety considerations involved with the work, and how
the scientists will be using the data we will be collecting.
We will follow this up by assembling our field gear,
gathering our lunch, and lunches and heading into the field.
We will observe and record bird behavior, change camera
traps, deploy and collect insect traps, and count and
measure the quality of fruit on different types of plants.
We will have lunch in the field and complete our field work
before heading back to the lab to add our data to the
database, identify insect, and debrief.
We will also spend part of our time together collecting
intertidal abundance and diversity data as well as collecting
dragonfly larvae for mercury analysis.
After a down time for journaling, hiking, taking pictures,
or hanging out we will have dinner and listen to a talk,
look for bats or moths, star gaze, or go to a performance
at the local ‘Schoodic Arts of All’.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
DAY 4
□ Assist with mist net collection, collect and process
insect traps. Collect camera trap data.
□ Arrival at Bar Harbor Airport
□ Transport to Schoodic Institute
□ Continue data collection on fruit and bird presence.
□ Team dinner and orientation
□ Project introduction and safety overview
DAYS 5-6
□ Continue data collection on fruit and bird presence and
lab work on identification and enumeration of insects.
□ Intertidal data collection—surveying study sites and
collect settlement plates. Celebratory dinner.
DAYS 2-3
□ Field training, health and safety briefing
□ Deploy insect traps, collect data on fruits and
bird presence
□ Deploy cameras traps
DAY 7
□ Free time will be spent exploring the park and local area.
□ Departure from Schoodic Insitute
9
ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD
ABOUT YOUR HOME IN THE FIELD
SLEEPING
FOOD AND WATER
The team will stay share bedrooms in 4-bedroom
apartments at the Schoodic Education and Research Center
(SERC) campus in Acadia National Park. The campus is the
largest National Park Service research learning center in the
United States. Until 2002, the building that now houses the
education and research center was a U.S. Navy base.
Meals will be served cafeteria style. Participants will eat
together with research staff and sometimes with other
science groups on campus.
TYPICAL MEALS
BREAKFAST
Toast, bagels, yogurt, granola and fresh fruit
The 4-bedroom apartments offer one full shared bathroom.
LUNCH
Bag lunches: sandwich, fruit, cookie or bar,
and chips
INTERNET AND COMMUNICATIONS
DINNER
Pot roast, baked chicken, lasagna, breads, s
alad bar, and dessert
BEVERAGES
Coffee, tea, bottled water or tap water, soda,
iced tea, and lemonade
BATHROOMS
The campus is equipped with WiFi capability, for use free
of charge by the volunteers. You are welcome to bring your
own electronic equipment (cellphones, digital cameras,
laptops, etc.) but you will be required to limit your use
of cellphones or laptops to recreational time only.
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
Please alert Earthwatch to any special dietary requirements
(e.g., diabetes, lactose intolerance, nut or other food
allergies, vegetarian or vegan diets) as soon as possible, and
note them in the space provided on your volunteer forms.
FACILITIES AND AMENITIES
Group activities will take place in Wright Hall (see map
here: http://www.schoodicinstitute.org/about/mapdirections/). On campus, there is a full gym and common
room with computers and a small library.
This project can cater for vegetarian diets easily, as well
as vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets.
DISTANCE TO THE FIELD SITE
The main field sites will all be within walking distance of
the campus, no more than one mile away. For any trips to
field sites farther away, we will use a van.
10
TRAVEL TIPS
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE ROAD
YOUR DESTINATION
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
LANGUAGE: English
Passport and visa requirements are subject to change.
Check with your travel advisor, embassy or consulate
in your home country for requirements specific to your
circumstances. Generally, passports must be valid for
at least six months from the date of entry and a return
ticket is required.
TIME ZONE: Eastern Standard Time, which equals
GMT -5 hours in the winter months.
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS: Casual, modest dress is
acceptable nearly everywhere. Tipping restaurant wait
staff, taxi drivers, airport curbside baggage handlers,
and hotel bellhops is customary.
ELECTRICITY: The U.S. standard voltage used for small
appliances, hair dryers, electronic equipment, etc. is
120 volts, 60Hz, supplied through type A or B sockets.
Citizenship
Passport Required?
Visa Required?
United States
No (but required to fly)
No
United Kingdom
Yes
No
Europe
Yes
No
Australia
Yes
No
Japan
Yes
No
If a visa is required, participants should apply for a TOURIST
visa. Please note that obtaining a visa can take weeks or
even months. We strongly recommend using a visa agency,
which can both expedite and simplify the process.
MONEY MATTERS
LOCAL CURRENCY: U.S. dollar
PERSONAL FUNDS: We recommend you bring some spending
money ($100-200 is sufficient) for snacks, extra beverages
(e.g., soda) and souvenirs.
11
PROJECT CONDITIONS
THE FIELD ENVIRONMENT
GENERAL CONDITIONS
ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Weather in Acadia National Park can be very variable in any
month. It can be warm (in the upper 70s in July to upper
50s in October) or cold (in the 50s [July} to 40’s [October])
during the day and is generally cold at night. We get a mix
of sunny and rainy days.
All participants must be able, independently or with
the assistance of a companion, to:
□ Follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently
or with the assistance of a companion.
□ Enjoy being outdoors most of the day in variable
weather, in the potential presence of wild animals.
Walking conditions on the Schoodic Peninsula are for the
most part very good. Trails tend to be in rocky areas with
thin soil. When we are off-trail we will be walking through
low brush—there may be roots and rocks. Walking in the
intertidal zone, though, where some of the fieldwork will
take place, is wet and slippery—in places it can be very
rocky, and in others it is muddy.
□ Tolerate cold temperatures and rain.
□ Traverse wet, slippery, rocky terrain.
□ Move through low, thick vegetation.
□ Carry personal daily supplies such as lunch, water,
and some small field equipment.
□ Sit upright in a 15-passenger van.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
HUMIDITY: 50%–95%
TEMPERATURE RANGE: July and August: 59º–79º (15º–26º C),
September: 52º–71º(11º–22º C); October: 42º-59º (6º–15º C)
ALTITUDE: Sea Level
RAINFALL: Avg: 3.5in (89 mm)
(July) to 5.3in (135 mm) (October)
12
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
SEA TO TREES IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
HAZARD TYPE
ASSOCIATED RISKS AND PRECAUTIONS
Transportation
We will travel on public roads in a quiet area with few traffic issues, but risks inherent in road travel still
apply. All volunteers will have a seatbelt and must wear it whenever the vehicle is in motion. A roadside
assistance service will be called if a vehicle breaks down.
Project Tasks
Hands should always be washed after being in the field, especially before eating. Volunteers are
encouraged to take regular breaks and to avoid overexerting themselves. Teamwork and attention to
proper technique will keep you from wearing out or getting injured. Inform a staff member immediately
if you are feeling tired or ill.
Hiking
You will be walking along a rocky coastline and hiking across the tops of mountains. Some areas are
very well protected from the elements, while others are exposed. You will also be walking off-trail,
in somethime thick, low vegetation. Participants will wear shoes with good grip to avoid slipping and
long pants.
Insects
Biting and stinging insects and ticks are present. Volunteers will be briefed on how to inspect for tick
bites daily.
Plants
Volunteers may walk through areas with dense vegetation and poison ivy (although poison ivy is very
uncommon in the Schoodic Peninsula section of Acadia), so all participants should wear clothing that
covers the arms and legs.
Personal Security
Acadia National Park is a generally safe region for travelers; however, do not leave valuables unattended
in public areas.
Swimming
No swimming is allowed in the Schoodic Peninsula section of Acadia National Park.
Distance from
Medical Care
There is generally a park ranger on duty during daytime hours who can provide first responder services.
The local police, fire, and ambulance are also nearby and can respond reasonably quickly.
Diseases
Please see the next page for immunization recommendations. Most diseases are prevented with basic
safety cautions. Please see the CDC (cdc.gov) or WHO (who.int) websites for more information. Diseases
present in this region of the U.S. include, but are not limited to, Lyme disease, rabies, bovine spongiform
encephalopathy, pertussis, and West Nile Fever.
13
SAFETY
HEALTH INFORMATION
EMERGENCIES IN THE FIELD
Accommodations and vehicles all have first aid kits. In the
event of a medical emergency, the Earthwatch scientists
will administer first aid, and depending on the seriousness
of the injury or condition, either take the volunteer to the
hospital using one of the project vehicles (always available)
or call emergency services by cell phone. If a volunteer has
to leave the expedition early for emergency reasons, the
Earthwatch scientists will determine the most appropriate
form of transport to the airport (either one of the project
vehicles or ambulance).
STAFF CERTIFIED IN SAFETY TRAINING:
Abe Miller-Rushing (Wilderness First Aid/CPR)
Seth Benz (Wilderness First Aid/CPR),
Hannah Webber (Wilderness First Aid/CPR),
John Cigliano (First Aid/CPR),
Teen Facilitator (First Aid/CPR)
NEAREST MEDICAL CENTERS:
Eleanor Widener Dixon Memorial Clinic,
37 Clinic Road, Gouldsboro, ME 04607
Maine Coast Memorial Hospital,
50 Union Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605
For emergency assistance in the field, please contact
Earthwatch’s 24-hour emergency hotline number on the
last page of this briefing. Earthwatch is available to assist
you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; someone is always on
call to respond to messages that come into our live
answering service.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Please be sure your routine immunizations are up-to-date
(for example diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles,
mumps, rubella and varicella). Medical decisions are the
responsibility of each volunteer and his or her doctor, and
the following are recommendations only. Visit the Healix
Travel Oracle website through the “Travel Assistance and
Advice” page in your Earthwatch portal, cdc.gov or who.int
for guidance on immunizations.
14
PROJECT STAFF
YOUR RESOURCES IN THE FIELD
EARTHWATCH SCIENTIST DR. ABRAHAM MILLER-RUSHING is the science coordinator for Acadia National
Park and the Schoodic Education and Research Center. His research specialties include conservation
biology and biological responses to climate change. He oversees all research in Acadia National Park and
will assist with various portions of the project in the field and the lab, will help to communicate the
importance of this project for the park, and will ensure that the project’s results inform the
management of the park’s natural and cultural resources.
EARTHWATCH SCIENTIST DR. RICHARD FELDMAN graduated with a PhD in Biology from McGill University
in Montreal, Canada. His dissertation combined behavioral studies of foraging hummingbirds, observational
studies of nectar availability, and modeling studies of species ranges in order to understand how climate
and plant resources affect bird abundances at multiple spatial scales. He has continued to pursue this line
of study by analyzing the changing relationship between duck abundances and wetland availability and
bird abundances and climate. He is super excited to have begun working at the Schoodic Institute and
Acadia National Park where he can help tease apart the relationships among climate, resources, and not
just bird abundances but how those abundances change within and across years.
FIELD TEAM LEADER SETH BENZ has amassed nearly 30 years of experience in conservation science
and environmental education leadership. He has guided Road Scholar birding trips in Maine, directed
Hog Island Audubon Camp, worked as an island supervisor for Project Puffin, and served as Education
Director of the Audubon Expedition Institute and as Assistant Curator of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in
Pennsylvania. He is now the director of the Schoodic Bird Ecology Program, a collaborative field station
focused on bird migration, phenology studies, and public participation in scientific research at Acadia
National Park.
FIELD TEAM LEADER HANNAH WEBBER is the Education Projects Manager for Schoodic Institute.
She manages projects at the intersection of scientific research and education, runs workshops and
summer institutes, and is always on the lookout for new research questions that will lend themselves
to Scientist-Citizen Partnerships.
Hannah has taught kindergarteners to adults in a variety of formal and informal education programs.
She has also been on research teams investigating behavioral effects of methylmercury; genetic bases
of wound healing; and the effects of PCBs on stream macroinvertebrate communities. When not busy
with projects Hannah is hiking or looking for cool invertebrates in tidepools.
An EARTHWATCH TEEN TEAM FACILITATOR will also accompany your team from the time you step
off the plane for the rendezvousuntil the end of the expedition. If you have any questions or problems,
such as issues with another volunteer, homesickness, or an emergency back home, please talk to your
facilitator. Follow your facilitator’s advice on safety and personal conduct. All facilitators have
experience teaching and leading groups of teenagers. Remember, your facilitator is there for you.
(Teen: Facilitator ratio is approx. 6:1)
NOTE: All staff schedules are subject to change.
15
RECOMMENDED READING
YOUR RESOURCES AT HOME
ARTICLES
PROJECT-RELATED WEBSITE
• In Maine, scientists sees signs of climate change:
www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/09/20/
maine-climate-change-taking-toll/
P41vVDd9v3knTUeDH2U6SP/story.html
• Early Bloomers: http://www.nytimes.com/
2012/04/19/opinion/earlybloomers.html?_r=0
• State of the Birds Report 2014:
http://www.stateofthebirds.org/
• 314 Species on the Brink:
http://climate.audubon.org/
• HawkWatch International: www.hawkwatch.org
• eBird: http://ebird.org
• Acadia National Park: www.nps.gov/acad/
naturescience/indes.htm
EARTHWATCH SOCIAL MEDIA
Get to know Earthwatch better at:
• FACEBOOK: facebook.com/Earthwatch
• YOUTUBE: youtube.com/earthwatchinstitute
• TWITTER: twitter.com/earthwatch_org
BOOKS
• The Incidental Steward: Reflections on Citizen
Science (Akiko Busch)
• The Homing Instinct (Bernd Heinrich)
LITERATURE CITED
• Chandler, D. S., D. Manski, C. Donahue, and A. Alyokhin. 2012. Biodiversity of the Schoodic Peninsula:
Results of the insect and arachnid bioblitzes at the Schoodic District of Acadia National Park, Maine. Maine
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16
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