2016STUDENT YEARBOOK

Photo credit: Sally Henkel

“This EPI course was an opportunity for me to learn more about science and nature in a dynamic, ‘real life’ way. I now understand how important it is to keep our own planet healthy for future generations.”

Julexi is an outgoing young lady with a big dream - to become an astronaut. She loves investigating the latest scientific advances and watching online videos about what life is like in space! While on course with EPI Galapagos, Julexi says she felt more engaged with science through EPI’s curriculum, which strengthens STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills by integrating academics with applied conservation service work. She also said she can’t wait to apply what she learned about the complexities of life on earth and compare it to what she knows about space.

Addison, 18 • Belize

Ju

lexi, 1

4 • Galapagos

“After seeing the beauty of the reef and how garbage affects the marine ecosystem, I have a new respect for the

conservation of my country’s resources.”

Addison dreams of travelling the world one day, though

surprisingly, he never experienced the world’s second largest barrier reef just a short boat ride away from his home. On EPI’s Belize Marine Ecology course, Addison was finally able to explore the Mesoamerican reef and learn first-hand about the extraordinary array of

species that live there. He also sharpened the leadership and

team building skills he intends to use organizing conservation projects like

beach clean ups.

Ecology ProjEct IntErnatIonal • www.EcologyProjEct.org • 406.721.8784 consErvatIon • EducatIon • cultural ExchangE

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Ecology Project International We founded EPI to bring people together in nature, to learn science and connect with the world and each other. The impact of this physical connection with our Earth changes perspectives, impacting our students in ways they never imagined before course. We’re excited to share their stories here - to show, in their own words, what ignited their dreams and passions for what they

can achieve.

“This generation of young people can change the world with innovative ideas that will lead us toward a more sustainable

future. EPI helped me understand how I can share my passion and understanding with La Paz and the world.”

Paula is proud to call La Paz home. Her desire to learn more about the local landscape and how to share her appreciation for southern Baja California with the world led her to EPI. She was especially grateful for the opportunity to gain a more intimate knowledge of endemic species through field work with local scientists. Paula’s experience presenting research to her peers and instructors on course gave her the skills and confidence to share what she learned about protecting the environment with her beloved community.

Paula, 15 • Mexico

GalapaGos

3,225sIncE 2003

FIEld PartIcIPants

FIELD PROGRAMS ALUMNI ACTIVITIES

761 1710

Mexico

13,436sIncE 2005

FIEld PartIcIPants

FIELD PROGRAMS ALUMNI ACTIVITIES

2,178 1,968

Belize

sIncE 2013

1,332FIEld PartIcIPants

FIELD PROGRAMS ALUMNI ACTIVITIES

687 153

2016 PARTICIPANT TOTALS

Thank you for your generous support of

the next generation. We need you now more than ever, for our future and the

future of our planet.

ecologyproject.org/donate

Inspiring StudentsIn 2016 we enagaged 10,302 participants - including nearly 4,900 unique individuals - for more than 23,000 participant days. About half of those individuals engaged in multi-day, field-based activities, and we brought our curriculum model to the other half through single-day workshops, eco-rallies, and community service activities. The remaining 5,400+ participants represent our alumni - those who join us after their course for activities like symposiums, festivals, eco-club meetings, and other events.

2016 PARTICIPANT TOTALS

2016 PARTICIPANT TOTALS

89%in 2016

of epi participants

were local to proGraM sites

costa rica

8,950sIncE 2000

FIEld PartIcIPants

“I created new connections with teachers and mentors, and I believe there will be a chance in my future to contribute to conservation at Pacuare. I plan to share this great experience and what I

learned with all my friends and family.”

Smallkel lives in Limon Province, just a short distance from Pacuare Reserve, one of the most

biodiverse areas of Costa Rica and where EPI students help protect threatened leatherback

sea turtles. When he started his EPI course, Smallkel was quiet but with encouragement his confidence grew, and he revealed a desire to deepen his involvement in conservation in

his home country. While at the Reserve, Smallkel was introduced to education and career choices

and mentors that can help create sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Smal

lkel

, 15 • C

ost

a Rica

Will, 13 • Montana, USA

“I LOVE animals and wildlife and want to learn more about them and help protect them in and around the park.”

Prior to attending our Winter Ecology Program in Yellowstone National Park, Will was uncertain

how he felt about some wildlife, particularly wolves. In his mind, these animals were something to be feared and not protected. However, after witnessing wolves in their natural habitat and learning about the essential role they play in the ecosystem, Will’s opinions about wildlife conservation transformed dramatically. His instructors say he left Yellowstone with a newfound passion for field work and for preserving all of

the species found in the park, especially those that he observed and helped monitor while on

course.

Yellowstone

1,224sIncE 2005

FIEld PartIcIPants

FIELD PROGRAMS ALUMNI ACTIVITIES

1,007 1,602

FIELD PROGRAMS ALUMNI ACTIVITIES

228 11A special thank you to EPI’s incredible instructors, who encourage and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders while keeping them safe in the field. Gracias!

BELIZEJaen Nieto Amat* Jordan FlagelEmil GrinageAbigail MackinnonKatharine MenaMarcelle Muniz BarrettoAlexander Navarro Andría Rosado

GALAPAGOSMaria CevallosAndres FialloAndres HolguinKlavdija JenkoJuan Carlos Montaño*Maria Veteri

MEXICOOlivia AngellJaen Nieto Amat * Jaime DuarteRoberto RodriguezJimel LopezAdriana MartinezJuan Carlos Montaño * Adrianna HernandezChristian TorresJoel Coronado Gaxiola *

COSTA RICASonia Recinos BrizuelaAdriana DiazKayla DeventhalRocio Valentin-GamazoJoel Coronado Gaxiola*Marcela Leon GonzalezAdam MartellKatherine Martínez CamposJenny OviedoStanley PrendizIsaac RojasLaura TellezJuan Carlos Zuniga

YELLOWSTONEAdam BavierKatie Ewen Rachel GarwinSally HenkelCalvin LinderThomas McKeanErik NelsonCarlisle Segal

* Instructor worked at multiple field sites

2016 PARTICIPANT TOTALS

2016 PARTICIPANT TOTALS