Earthwatch Institute is an international nonprofit organization that involves people directly in conserving our planet and the diversity of life it supports. We do this by recruiting volunteers to go on field research expeditions, on which they work alongside leading scientists to save endangered species, protect threatened ecosystems, and improve the lives of people and animals in biodiversity hotspots. About 4,000 volunteers every year travel to 50 countries to collect field data related to climate change, sustainability of the oceans, sustainable human communities, and natural resource management. Whether volunteers monitor meerkats in the Kalahari, measure whale sharks off Australia, or tag sea turtles on Costa Rican beaches, the data they gather helps scientists and policy-makers get the information they need to protect threatened species and places. Since 1971, more than 85,000 students, teachers, professionals, and seniors have joined an Earthwatch expedition and come home more connected to nature and more committed to protecting our planet. And they have a great time. Earthwatch-supported projects are not only making real differences on the ground, they also support global environmental agendas. Around the world at any given time, teams are in the field banding penguins, measuring snowpack density, checking water quality, tagging endangered animals, cataloguing rare species, and taking to the treetops to look for new ones. Earthwatch is committed to environmental education, and is bringing the excitement of field science to 70,000 classrooms worldwide through hands-on participation, interactive webcasts, and curriculum materials.

Volunteer on an Earthwatch Expedition.

Become a Member and Get Involved.

Donate and help support critical research around the world.

For more information, visit Earthwatch Institute's Web site. or call 1-800-776-0188.