Meeker International Ecology Program
Information
and Links
Bob
Dorsett, MD
Pacuare
Nature Reserve, Costa Rica. Bob Dorsett.
Established in
2004 by Dr. Dorsett and members of the Meeker High School Class of
2005, the Meeker International Ecology Program (MIEP) encourages
student involvement in scientific research, conservation, and
cross-cultural experience. As of 2018, more than 100 Meeker
students have participated in overseas projects with Ecology Project
International (EPI), including four trips helping with leatherback turtle conservation in Costa Rica, two trips to the Sea of Cortez to work on near-shore marine conservation, two trips assisting dolphin and coral reef conservation in Belize , and one trip to the Galapagos to help restore tortoise habitat. These trips give students marvelous experiences, new skills, a broader view of the world, and many happy memories.
Contents
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Preparing
for the trip:
-
Complete
application process
-
physical
exam
-
participation
agreements
- minor travel letter
-
PASSPORT!
-
Read
EPI Handbook carefully
- Read
equipment list carefully
-
Pack
your bags a couple weeks before the trip, to make sure everything fits
-
Think
about research questions you would like to investigate, related to leatherback turtles, rainforest ecology, culture, etc..
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After
returning home:
-
Review
your notes and journals
-
Reflect
-
what
did I learn about conservation that might change my behavior?
-
what
did I learn about ecosystems that might change my behavior?
-
what
did I learn about culture that might change my behavior?
-
what
would I like to do in the future to explore this world?
-
what
new questions do I have?
-
what
insights would I like to pass along to my friends and family?
-
how
can I help protect leatherback turtles, the marine environment, rainforest ecosystems, etc.?
Links
to Project Pages:
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The Picture:
The photograph
shows Caribbean surf out the front door from the dining hall / research
center for Pacuare Nature Reserve in Costa Rica. Turtle nest
sites
start to the north (left) and extend 4 km up the beach. Four
patrols
leave at 1.5 hour intervals, beginning at 1930 hours each night to
monitor
turtle activity and discourage poachers.
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Contacts:
Bob Dorsett
dorsett.bob@gmail.com
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