Selected partners on field programs for 2007, 2008

University of Hawaii

Educators and staff from the University of Hawaii campus in Hilo work closely with Earth Explore to arrange a vast array of hands-on experiences on the Big Island of Hawaii. University resource persons accompany groups to sites like Akaka Falls, Kealakekua Marine Sancturay, and Mauna Kea to provide expert guidance and instruction on-site. At other locations like Kilauea, UHH staff coordinates the finest local experts to share their knowledge of topics including volcanology, Hawaiian crafts and culture, and marine science.

Yellowstone Association Institute

Earth Explore works directly with the Yellowstone Association Institute on an unforgettable three day program of discovery. The curriculum includes wildlife viewing, trailside talks, and hands-on activities, based in the Upper Geyser Basin, Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs. Students will come to know Yellowstone as few other visitors ever do.

Teton Science School

The famous Teton Science School is our students' base while exploring the wonders of the Jackson Hole valley and the Teton Range. The program here focuses on glaciation and mountain ecosystems, and is presented during trail hikes and discussion groups.

During two full days at the School inside Grand Teton National Park, students explore and make discoveries in small groups, assisted at all times by fun and informative Science School naturalist-guides.

Camp Sea Lab:
California State University Monterey Bay

Camp Sea Lab staff and the University partner with Earth Explore to create an amazing and comprehensive learning experience. During a 5-day program, our students are based at the university dorms, where they eat and sleep before venturing out on a variety of marine science adventures. Guided by Camp Sea Lab staff, students kayak protected kelp beds just off Monterey's Cannery Row, spot humpback, gray and blue whales on a whale watch cruise, take part in a beach-bucket scavenger hunt for tidal-zone creatures, explore the wetland/ocean ecosystem and even build their own robotic models of deep sea craft. Camp Sea Lab and Earth Explore staff keep the experience fun and engaging, organizing daily team building and game playing activities for participating students.

Yosemite Institute

As recognized experts on Yosemite and the High Sierra, our partnership with Yosemite Institute opens up a world of wondrous learning opportunities for our Student Naturalists. From high country hikes, to walks and talks in Giant Sequoia groves, to the exploration of Yosemite Valley waterfalls, the activities available to Earth Explore students are memorable and diverse.  Institute staff lead all activities, including special evening campfire programs. From atop granite domes to the base of crashing waterfalls, there is no better way to learn about Yosemite's amazing environments, and fascinating natural history.

Wyoming Dinosaur Center
Big Horn Basin Foundation

In partnership with Earth Explore, WDC scientists and Big Horn Basin Foundation educators have assembled a unique and active two-day learning experience for our students.

Using supplied tools, Earth Explore students unearth actual dinosaur fossils at Jurassic quarry sites made available to our groups, and take part in lab activities like preparing bones for museum display.  Besides having lots of fun, students emerge with a better understanding of how dinosaur bones are unearthed, how they are identified, and how they are prepared for exhibit.

Buffalo Bill Historical Center

Under the direction of Earth Explore, educators at this world-class facility have fashioned an exciting and diverse program. Students will discover the wild west of Buffalo Bill Cody, Native American history and culture, and learn about the cultures of the west as they exist today. The curriculum includes multimedia and hands-on activities.

Museum of the Rockies

On the campus of Montana State University in Bozeman, this amazing facility houses exhibits detailing the discovery of nests of baby dinosaurs, as well as the natural history of the Rocky Mountain region. In partnership with Earth Explore, museum staff have assembled an exciting and interactive program through which students will explore a variety of natural science and history themes.

Great Barrier Reef and Blue Mountain World Heritage Sites

In tropical North Queensland, we work with partners inside the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Site on an unforgettable marine adventure.  Docked at an anchored "pontoon," we snorkel an underwater paradise of colorful coral and marine life.  Expert guides provide snorkel instruction, interpretation, and lunch on the Reef.  Just outside of Sydney, we partner with Blue Mountains Heritage Park to provide a thrilling and complete look at this amazing world resource.  The Blue Mountains are a natural and historical treasure featuring pristine eucalyptus forest, rugged sandstone peaks, and spectacular vistas.  We take the world's steepest train ride for spectacular views of this World Heritage Site.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

There is no better way to experience the Australian rainforest than by skyrail, which skims the top of the canopy for a amazing view of the rich diversity of life.  We also descend into the rainforest itself, on boardwalk trails, that allow us to experience the dense forest from ground level. 

Rainforestation Nature Park

Set in the midst of World Heritage Rainforest, we work with this preserve to introduce students to the mysteries of the tropical rainforest, and get up-close with the exotic animals that make Australia unique; including Koalas, Kangaroos, Dingoes, Salt Water Crocodiles and many others.  Also at this location we hear the didgeridoo, learn about dreamtime, and gain an appreciation of the ancient and beautiful Aboriginal culture of Australia.