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Earthwatch Student Expeditions&

[Name of High School]

[Ms./Mr. Teacher Name] Presents:Carnivores of Madagascar

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Who Is Earthwatch?

Since 1971, Earthwatch has been enabling people from all walks of life to join leading scientists working on

crucial environmental research projects locally and globally.

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The Earthwatch Mission

To engage worldwide in scientific field research and education that promotes

the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable

environment.

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Earthwatch Across the Globe

Earthwatch has 20 Student Expeditions in 16 countries.

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Earthwatch Research Pillars

Earthwatch expeditions provide a chance to take a one of a kind journey to conserve and explore our shared planet across one of four research pillars.

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Earthwatch Learning Framework

Hands-onenvironmental field research

Informal learning

experience

HeadBuilding knowledge and skills

HeartInspiring passion and commitment

HandsTurning ideas into action

Environmental leaders who inspire real, lasting change

The experience The impact The outcome

The Earthwatch experience can be life-changing!

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• 3,153 participants aged 10 to 80 who volunteered to join an expedition

• 141,518 hours of research contributed by volunteers across our whole portfolio of projects

Earthwatch By The Numbers

Last year, Earthwatch had:

Research teams typically are composed of 3 to 5 staff members, plus one or more teacher chaperones – so your teen is in excellent hands!

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• Experiential learning through scientific field research

• Educational opportunities and one-to-one time with scientists

• Boosting experience for university applications, professional development, and career resumes

• Exploring career paths

• Supporting local communities or community-based learning

• Personal growth and building confidence

Benefits of Participation with Earthwatch

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• In High School – More than 80% had a GPA of 3.0 or higher

• In College – More than 88% received a college degree

• In Life – Half of travelers surveyed reported a household income of more than $75,000 as adults

Benefits of International Travel

According to The Impact of Early Travel Experiences, students who traveled internationally before the age of 18 are more likely to have success later in life:

Source: Citation from the Student Youth & Travel Association (SYTA) from a 2010 survey.

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Work with leading scientists in their field as they lead teams of volunteers doing real research:

A Typical Earthwatch Project

• 4 – 8 teams per year

• 7 – 20 volunteers per team

• 7 – 15 days team duration

• 2 – 5 research tasks per team

Live in the field in simple but comfortable accommodations.

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Overview:Carnivores of Madagascar

Long a villain in the ancient folktales of Madagascar, the real story is that the fosa need’s your help. Journey to Africa’s largest island to

reveal the secrets of one of the world’s most mysterious carnivores.

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The Research:Carnivores of Madagascar

• Up before the sun, you’ll hike as much as 10 to 20 miles a day to reach research areas.

• Experience the sights and sounds of this ancient forest as you collect evidence of fosa and follow tagged animals using radio-tracking transmitters and receivers.

• You may even get the chance to help measure trapped and sedated carnivores.

• Interested volunteers can participate in community outreach at nearby schools and villages, or remove invasive plants.

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The Destination:Carnivores of Madagascar

You’ll be based at Ampijoroa Research Station in Ankarafantsika, Mahajanga Province – one of the last and largest tracts of dry deciduous forest in Madagascar. The area has more than 20km of trails that traverse through tall baobob trees, stands of precious woods, and many species of orchids.

The team will rendezvous in

Mahajanga, Madagascar.

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Daily Life In The Field:Carnivores of Madagascar

Review project goals; Tour the forest; Training

Fieldwork• Assist the research staff with checking traps for captured animals.• Assist with handling, measuring, marking, collaring, and releasing animals.• Explore more remote parts of Ankarafantsika National Park to conduct

ecological and GIS surveys.• Quantify roadbed mortality along highway to be a driving force behind the

installation of speed bumps that will reduce the number of wildlife fatalities.

Final Evening• Special dinner prepared by the Ambodimanga women’s group followed by a

presentation of Dances Folklorique and an informal celebration.

Note: Actual activities performed may vary depending on weather and other variables.

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Meals & Accommodations:Carnivores of Madagascar

• You’ll stay at a tented research station with showers and toilets in Ankarafantsika National Park, Mahajanga Province, in the northwest part of Madagascar’s main island.

• Staff cooks will prepare local fare, based on rice and beans, topped off occasionally with exquisite, locally produced chocolates.

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Lead Scientist:Carnivores of Madagascar

Dr. Luke DollarDuke University

Dr. Dollar completed his Ph.D. in ecology at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment in 2006. He is a research associate with the Duke University Primate Center and founder of the Carnivore Conservation and Research Trust. He currently advises undergraduate and graduate students as assistant professor of biology at Pfeiffer University in North Carolina.

Dr. Dollar has worked on the fosa and its conservation for more than a decade. As director of this project, he has managed teams from five continents in more than a dozen field sites. In addition to being an avid outdoorsman, he is a compassionate conservationist, focusing equally on the human and biodiversity components of environmental management.

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Safety & Welfare:Carnivores of Madagascar

• Earthwatch has a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan for each project, and scientist Luke Dollar has past experience as an emergency medical technician (EMT).

• Dr. Dollar will be in continuous contact with teams in the field via handheld radio or satellite phone. Should an emergency situation arise, standard EMS pre-hospital procedures will be followed before evacuation from the site. The nearest city with international telephone facilities is Mahajanga.

• All volunteers will have up-to-date immunizations.

• Comprehensive medical and evacuation insurance is included with each expedition.

• For complete details, see the Expedition Briefing Guide, which will be provided 90 days prior to the expedition.

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Passports & Visas – Citizens of the U.S. and Europe DO need a passport, and DO need tourist visas for entry. Minors must 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 – MedEvac assistance, advice, and insurance are included in the contribution you pay to Earthwatch.

Flights – Coordinate through the teacher leading the expedition.

Language – All Earthwatch projects are held in English, regardless of the in-country language spoken.

Packing Requirements – An Expedition Briefing Guide will be provided 90 days before the expedition with details of what to bring.

Other Considerations

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Next Steps

• Provide $300 deposit and complete 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@schoolname.edu][(XXX) XXX-XXXX]