Yellowstone was the first national park ever created anywhere in the world, with a history spanning more than 150 years. And although it remains one of the least human-altered landscapes in the United States, the impacts of climate change are already becoming visible across this iconic conservation area. EPI students learn about this impacts through participatory science while collecting data for ongoing research

At just 23 years old, Maeve Cain has lived a lot, and in a lot of places. In that journey, she has taught in Yellowstone, instructed ski lessons in Idaho, and now works as a science educator in one of the most diverse national parks in the world: Olympic National Park in Washington. And we're proud to say that EPI has been part of that path.

What are the odds? Two childhood friends once traveled to Mexico together on an EPI trip, and years later, fate brought them back together, this time as coworkers. In this interview, they share what that journey meant to them, how their paths crossed again, and what it's really like to work alongside someone who's been part of your story since the beginning.

I am an anxious traveler and an overpacker. I don’t get out of the country much, and I get SUPER motion sick on planes. Despite all of this, I found myself on a flight to Costa Rica in the middle of March. Here’s how it went

Chandra Dunbar and Birgid Niedenzu are bringing the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems into their classrooms. By joining EPI’s professional development, these educators traded traditional lectures for hands-on research in Costa Rica and Mexico. Now, their students are solving real-world problems with urchins and sea turtles, sending engagement "through the roof". Discover NGSS-aligned PD that slashes prep time and reignites your passion for teaching.

The Galápagos Islands were fundamental to our understanding of life's evolution on Earth, but the effects of climate change are already evident in this natural sanctuary. Because they are islands, their ecosystems are extremely fragile and now face serious risk. Faced with this alarming reality, Ecology Project International (EPI), in partnership with the local organization ECOS, is strengthening its commitment to working with young people through conservation-focused educati

At EPI, conservation has always been about more than science. It’s about people: students, educators, communities, and supporters working together to protect the natural world. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome Mia Wais as EPI’s new Director of Philanthropy. Mia joins our team with a passion for building relationships and helping supporters feel deeply connected to the impact they make.

Healthy rivers don’t happen by accident. In this webinar recap, Rad Watkins explains how forested watersheds and thriving riparian zones prevent flooding, reduce erosion, filter pollutants, and protect water quality. Learn why native vegetation along riverbanks is essential—and how simple human actions can either restore or degrade an entire river system.

Coral reefs in Belize are revealing early bleaching signals, and students document these shifts with the Coral Watch protocol, contributing data to global monitoring efforts. This hands-on reef science anchors their learning as they explore climate impacts, build critical thinking skills, and return home motivated to take meaningful action.

For 20 years, EPI Mexico has inspired more than 64,000 young people to connect with nature through science, community, and hands-on conservation. Learn about the stories and impacts behind two decades of transformative education.

Durante 20 años, EPI México ha inspirado a más de 64.000 jóvenes a conectarse con la naturaleza a través de la ciencia, la comunidad y la conservación práctica. Conocé las historias e impactos detrás de dos décadas de educación transformadora.

Climate change is reshaping life at Costa Rica’s Pacuare Reserve. Rising sand temperatures skew sea turtle hatchlings toward all females, and coastal erosion threatens nesting sites. EPI students witness these impacts firsthand, joining nightly beach patrols, collecting data, and learning how science and conservation practices help protect endangered turtles.

Citizen science is rewriting what we know about Yellowstone’s wildlife. Two groundbreaking studies—powered by data collected by students and volunteers—reveal that bison are ecosystem engineers and that large herbivores defy the old grazer-browser labels. From DNA metabarcoding of scat to tracking bison herds, these discoveries show how community-driven science is transforming conservation and inspiring the next generation of ecologists—thanks in part to the fieldwork of EPI

From biking across the globe to leading wildlife surveys in his hometown, Ganesh Nayak, assistant professor at Manipal Institute of Technology (India) and EPI alumnus, is turning adventure into environmental action. Discover how he’s inspiring students to explore, protect, and connect with nature.

At Pacuare Reserve, a young girl saw a leatherback turtle for the first time and discovered her scientific calling. Today, programs like EPI Costa Rica’s continue to inspire local students to protect biodiversity and become agents of change.

En la Reserva Pacuare, una joven vio por primera vez una tortuga baula y descubrió su vocación científica. Hoy, programas como el de EPI Costa Rica siguen inspirando a estudiantes locales a proteger la biodiversidad y convertirse en agentes de cambio.

The Knowledge from the Territory project strengthens basic and upper secondary education in Baja California Sur through situated learning, involving teachers, students, and communities in a lively, participatory methodology connected to the environment.

El proyecto Saberes desde el Territorio fortalece la educación básica y media superior en Baja California Sur a través del aprendizaje situado, involucrando a docentes, estudiantes y comunidades en una metodología viva, participativa y conectada con el entorno.

A journey of hope and loss: honoring Lonesome George, nurturing new life, and facing the challenge of plastic pollution in the Galápagos.

Exploring Galápagos with EPI: wildlife tracking, invasive species control, and kayaking reveal the archipelago’s unique natural wonders.