Massabesic Middle School, East Waterboro ME
Complete the Galapagos Educator Course through "Ecology Project International" to explore biodiversity and the impacts that a changing climate and human activity can have on the local ecosystem, and gain insight into what conservation efforts are being used in order to spark engagement and creativity on student climate and environmental projects.
While visiting El Chato in the highlands of Santa Cruz, we were able to work alongside park rangers to help monitor the Western Santa Cruz Tortoise population.
Being from Maine, I often get to see igneous rocks along the coast that formed intrusively, such as granite. However, I was able to see igneous rocks that were formed extrusively, which are everywhere, and absolutely beautiful!
We also worked alongside park rangers in another part of the highlands in Santa Cruz to help with invasive species control of the Giant African Snail, which is wreaking havoc on the native vegetation in the area.
We had the opportunity to explore the Charles Darwin Research Station, where amongst other things, they are working on breeding land tortoises from each specific island to help with the populations that are critically endangered.
Also while at the Charles Darwin Research Station, we were able to view the remains of "Lonesome George", who was the last of the Pinta Island Tortoises until his death in 2012. It was very humbling to view the last specimen of an entire species.
Finally, working alongside an environmental educator, we worked together on Playa Brava in Tortuga Bay to conduct a microplastics survey. The process of sifting through the sand to find the microplastics was fascinating!
I knew that having the opportunity to visit the Galápagos was going to be amazing, but I was not prepared for just how much this experience would have an impact on me. The people that live there and the value that they place on protecting the land and the animals that are there is just extraordinary. It was a constant reminder of how precious and fragile every moment on our planet is. I am returning home energized to continue working with our youth about the importance of conservation.
There is always such high value of getting students out into the field and interacting with their own local ecosystem. During my time on the Galápagos, we met with local students who are a part of the Molas Environmental Club, which is in partnership with the ECOS Foundation. The pride that these students exhibited for their home was absolutely inspiring. I am hopeful to move forward and put a larger emphasis on helping provide that spark for my own students in their local area.
I really enjoyed getting to know the local people that live in the Galápagos. There is so much knowledge and wisdom to be gained from them. Only 3% of the islands are inhabited by humans, and even that amount is heavily restricted by the Ecuadorian government. We were able to work with brilliant park rangers, environmental educators, science experts, students, teachers, and more who all come together to help protect the land that they love fiercely.
I am excited to share my experience with my students this school year, and want it to serve as a reminder to never stop being curious and wanting to learn about everything around you. I always like to think of myself as a lifelong learner, which I hope to inspire in my students as well. My aim with sharing this experience with students is that they are able to think of themselves as conduits of change, and risk-takers who are willing to show pride in their community by taking action.
I look forward to expanding on topics that I already teach about, such as invasive species, biodiversity, climate change, conservation, and more with an added Galápagos spin! My students explore invasive species in Maine, but I want to compare this research and control work to what is being done in the Galápagos Islands. This way students can have a better idea of the impacts of invasive species, especially in small ecosystems like islands, and the importance of biosecurity and monitoring work.
Typically, my students participate in an innovative climate solutions project, which culminates in a presentation of their work at a community event where the public is invited in. I would love to see an added layer to this where students advocate for current local conservation projects for people to get involved in. Not only would students be sharing their creative solution ideas, but they would also be helping to guide interested community members in a direction where they can be helpful too.