EPI FY 2019 Annual Report 2019 Annual Report pages | Page 9

Baja Desert & Coastal Ecology Students conducted marine invertebrate censuses in the Gulf of California and collected water samples for environmental DNA (eDNA) researchers to help create a more efficient way of censusing marine species’ populations. Students also partnered with the San Diego Natural History Museum to conduct terrestrial reptile and amphibian studies, contributing to abundance and diversity baselines, and a better understanding of the ecology of these key desert species.  O ur 2018 P rograms Through EPI Mexico’s Eco Club, the Californios Verdes, alumni spent more than 4,000 hours leading environmental education and service activities. Californios Verdes also conducted public education outreach to help achieve a ban on the most common single-use plastics in Baja California Sur . Belize Marine Ecology At Payne’s Creek National Park, students worked with the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) to record and classify sightings of the threatened West Indian manatee. Roost counts of yellow-headed parrots were also conducted to monitor recovery of this endangered species and the health of the ecosystem. Inland, at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, students assisted researchers in setting camera traps to track mammals. EPI groups also snorkeled at the Port Honduras Marine Reserve to measure cover and density of seagrass—an important nursery ground and food source for many species, including sea turtles and manatees.  This season, EPI Belize partnered with the World Bank-funded Marine Conservation and Climate Adaptation Project (MCCAP) to deliver a suite of alumni and outreach activities, including field visits to protected areas, community conservation service, and internships. Costa Rica sea turtle Ecology At EPI’s Pacuare Reserve on the Caribbean coast, students conducted nightly censuses of nesting sea turtles, helped improve nesting habitat, protected nests and eggs against human and environmental threats, and released sea turtle hatchlings. Students collected population and behavioral data on three monkey species, and set camera traps and analyzed photos of felines. On the Pacific coast, students assisted researchers on an in-water project to collect data on sea turtles feeding in the Gulfo Dulce. By collecting seeds and planting seedlings, youth also helped restore the critical mangrove forests of the Osa Peninsula. For the sixth consecutive year, EPI Costa Rica hosted “Manos Unidas por el Maria Aguilar,” a community river basin clean-up effort in San Jose, and collected over 15 tons of garbage. EPI Costa Rica also led their seventh Biociencia exhibition, where students presented more than 110 science and technology projects and conservation-themed art and media works to more than 450 community members. 8