Newest in Conservation
Aaron Judah wanted to be a marine biologist from the time he was three. Two decades later, he’s a PhD candidate studying deep-sea biodiversity around the globe—and his journey began with an Earthwatch expedition in Belize.
16 stories
By Alix Morris Welcome to Churchill, Manitoba At the southern edge of the Arctic, in Canada’s Hudson Bay lowlands, lies Churchill, Manitoba—a small town that sits at the convergence of tundra, forest, freshwater and marine ecosystems.
Buzzwords like “conscious travel” and “authentic travel” are everywhere these days. But what do they actually mean? And can travel and science come together to create a meaningful benefit for people, wildlife and the places we visit?
Walking through a Big Five wildlife reserve on foot is not a typical safari experience. It requires focus, awareness and trust. On Earthwatch’s Walking with Wildlife in South Africa expedition, participants do exactly that, collecting data that helps guide the management of one of Africa’s most important protected areas.
Insect populations are declining around the world, and the loss of pollinators is especially concerning. Bees, butterflies, beetles and other pollinating species play a critical role in food production, ecosystem health and biodiversity. The good news is that individuals can make a difference.
Where Conservation Becomes Connection Across mountains, oceans and forests, Earthwatch participants follow the paths of wildlife—and often discover something about themselves along the way. We’ve all seen the phrase on trailheads and park signs: “Leave only footprints, take only memories.”
—By Harvey Trop For some people, there’s nothing better than a tropical beach vacation. The broad expanse of sand and surf, along with a pleasant breeze—especially appealing during the cold, rainy or snowy months in the U.S. and Canada—can be irresistible.
By Alix Morris and Dr. Stan Rullman As darkness settles over the forest, tiny owls emerge from the shadows. Their soft-edged wings move silently through the trees as they search for prey.
On the northern edge of Kenya’s Greater Maasai Mara, a powerful restoration effort is reshaping a once-degraded landscape. At Enarau Conservancy, eroded gullies are stabilizing, native trees are returning and wildlife is reappearing in areas where it has vanished.
At first light on the Yarapa River, participants gather along the deck of a restored wooden riverboat, notebooks in hand, ready to record the first data of the day. Macaw pairs lift from their roosts, primate calls reverberate across the canopy and the soft exhalation of pink and gray river dolphins breaks the river’s surface.
More women than ever are embracing the freedom, adventure and personal growth that come with solo travel. In fact, women account for the majority of solo travelers today, and that number continues to grow in the U.S. and around the world. Many choose group experiences that provide both independence and community while exploring new destinations.
Why hands-on science travel became the highlight of Judy’s retirement—and how it could transform yours. When Judy Wieske retired at age 55 after a 37-year career as a visual information specialist for the federal government, she knew exactly what she wanted to do next: see the world. But not just as a tourist.
By Sarah Wishart Touching Down in the Mara Nearly two days after leaving my home in a chilly Mystic, Connecticut, our 14-seater Cessna plane ground to a halt at the Ngerende Airstrip, a gravel runway within the Olchoro–Oirogua Conservation Ranch just outside Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve.