One of the goals of our research is to generate findings that can be used to help conserve at-risk species. However, scientific research is only one component of the conservation process, and so we also strive to involve local communities in our work as much as possible. This can take the form of helping train citizen scientists, working in classrooms, or speaking to the public through new media outlets. Our hope is that these efforts will help achieve lasting success for these ventures, as conservation is only successful if it has the support of the broader public.
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Aves Playeras a la Costa de America del Sur
An effort to train volunteer observers to identify and survey shorebirds along the coast of southern South America. The effort began in Peru in 2010 (photo above) and continued in Peru and Chile in early 2014, before expanding to include Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil in 2019. This project has already trained more than 500 volunteers, led to the recognition of two sites by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, and resulted in the creation of a provincial park in Piura, Peru. |
Science Curricula for Rural Alaskan Schools
Working with the students and teachers of the Tebughna School in Tyonek, Alaska, along with the Tyonek Tribal Conservation District and the videographers at MinuteEarth, we are developing freely available science curricula for rural Alaskan K12 schools. Our focus is on wedding local, place-based, knowledge about migratory birds and the effects of climate change with the latest science to create engaging and informative lessons. Check out our first video with MinuteEarth on YouTube! |
Kening fan 'e Greide
Working with cultural historians, farmers, economists, and biologists to preserve the ecosystems and cultural heritage of the province of Fryslân in The Netherlands. |
Extreme Animal Athletes
Developing media to help bring evolution into K12 classrooms with support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. |