FY 2019 Annual Report • September 1, 2018 - August 31, 2019
EPI IN THE FIELD
ENGAGING STUDENTS, ALUMNI, AND COMMUNITIES
YELLOWSTONE
Wildlife & WINTER Ecology
Students contributed to Yellowstone National Park’s understanding
of bison, and their role in the ecosystem, by using telemetry to track
collared bison, measuring grazing effects, and classifying herds of
ungulates. Summer groups worked with the U.S. Forest Service to
collect baseline data on amphibian populations and remove invasive
weeds to improve elk habitat. They also worked with local ranchers to
remove or modify fencing to improve wildlife migration opportunities.
Twelve EPI Yellowstone alumni were awarded Bitterroot Wildlife
Internships at MPG Ranch. They partnered with a dozen scientific
research mentors on diverse projects with high conservation value.
Interns also improved wildlife habitat, studied restoration ecology, and
prepared and presented their own scientific posters at the 6th annual
Bitterroot Wildlife Internship Research Symposium.
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HaWAII
Island Ecology
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Students from the island of Maui and mainland educators worked with
The Nature Conservancy in the Waikamoi Preserve to remove invasive
pine and ginger. Youth also contributed to Maui Cultural Lands’ efforts
to restore traditional and sustainable taro agriculture. On the Nā
Papalimu O Pi'ilani reef, participants collected field data on key reef
fish species, providing information on how human use of these waters
impact marine life of the islands.
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Galapagos
Island Ecology
EPI students worked with the Galapagos National Park to study the
ecology and migration patterns of two different species of critically
endangered Santa Cruz giant tortoises. Youth also assisted researchers
to identify seeds dispersed by giant tortoises, and eradicated invasive
plant species. As part of the Reef Environmental Education Foundation’s
(REEF) community science project, students also conducted roving diver
marine biodiversity surveys.
For the seventh year, EPI Galapagos’ Mola Mola Eco Club members took
action to protect endangered green sea turtle nests. Collaborating with
the Galapagos National Park and Intercultural Outreach Initiative, they
engaged 150 community members from Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands
to help safeguard the nests. EPI alumni also worked with Galapagos
Conservation Trust to conduct micro-plastic surveys at the green sea
turtle nesting site at Tortuga Bay.
1. YELLOWSTONE
2. BAJA
3. BELIZE
4. HAWAII
5. COSTA RICA
6. GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
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ALUMNI ACTIVITIES