Contribution starting at $3,300
Exported from Streamline App (https://app.streamlineicons.com)
7 days - Each day filled with impactful activities Includes accommodations, food, and all related research costs

As a paying volunteer, you directly fund scientific research by covering permits, equipment, and other costs while supporting local vendors.

BOOK WITH A $500 DEPOSIT
Climate Change

Climate Change: Sea to Trees at Acadia National Park

Location
Acadia National Park, Maine, United States
Activity Level
Moderate
Accommodations
Housing Varies
Food
Chef-prepared meals

TYPICAL ITINERARY:

  • DAY 1  Meet at rendezvous, travel to Schoodic Institute, Project introduction and safety overview
  • DAY 2: INTRODUCTION
  • Introduction to research site and lab, research methods, and species identification training.
  • Safety briefing
  • Learn to use iNaturalist, eBird, and other helpful citizen science apps
  • Collect data on intertidal and/or forest biodiversity.
  • DAYS 3鈥6: DATA COLLECTION  
  • Continue biodiversity data collection at different forest and/or intertidal sites.
  • Safety briefing
  • 1鈥2 research presentations or lectures.

THIS EXPEDITION IS OPEN TO STUDENTS AND TEENS!

Learn About Teen Teams

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volunteers at acadia national park
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volunteers at acadia national park
volunteers at acadia national park
volunteer studying climate change at acadia national park
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Join us in Acadia National Park to help scientists uncover the impacts of climate change on one of New England's most iconic and biodiverse landscapes, contributing to crucial conservation efforts for its future.


studying climate change in acadia national parkThe granite mountains and craggy coasts of the islands that make up Acadia are famous for their beauty and wildlife. This is classic, unspoiled New England. Our partner, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, is based near the tip of Schoodic Point, feet away from the crashing surf.

Acadia is home to a stunning diversity of wildlife. It is on a bird 鈥渟uperhighway,鈥 a route heavily traveled by birds that migrate between Canada and South America. Researchers have recorded 23 species of warblers alone here. The park鈥檚 lakes and coastal waters also provide a home for 30 fish species and a wide array of invertebrates, such as sea stars and urchins.

But global changes鈥搇ike warming temperatures and ocean acidification鈥揳re significantly impacting the park, threatening the diversity of wildlife within. Acadia鈥檚 scientists have compiled over 120 years of detailed natural history observations to compare current patterns to. On this expedition, you'll help collect similar data that can be compared to this extended time-series data set, revealing how a changing climate influences Acadia. Few places in the country have such a rich pool of observations to draw from and make comparisons to.

Join us in helping scientists tell the story of how humans are transforming Acadia. Your efforts will contribute to research to inspire management strategies to protect this unique and vital national treasure. This is your chance to impact the future of one of the nation鈥檚 most beloved parks.

 

Why It Matters:
The Impact of Volunteer Science

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In 2024, volunteers contributed 6,200 research hours!

These efforts provide valuable data that directly inform resource management decisions, helping Acadia adapt and remain resilient in the face of rapid climate change

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HOW WILL YOU HELP

Explore the coastline and the forests of the Schoodic Peninsula at Acadia National Park as you:

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Hike to observe birds, plants, and insects
Hike to observe birds, plants, insects, and intertidal organisms

While covering about two miles a day, you'll identify and record forest edge and intertidal zone species and some bird species that visit or inhabit this edge.

hiking to observe birds plants and insects
Record flowering shrubs

You will record when native shrubs important to migrating birds flower and bear fruit.

 

survey the crab populations at acadia national park
Survey crab populations

You will hunt for crabs in the intertidal zone, counting the number of invasive green crabs and native Jonah crabs. You will learn to use citizen science apps such as iNaturalist and eBird to record biodiversity data that can then be accessed and used by researchers and park managers.

Field conditions and research needs can lead to changes in the itinerary and activities. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

 

Highlights to Explore at this Destination

  • Bar Harbor: Situated on Mount Desert Island right on the gorgeous Frenchman鈥檚 Bay, this is the best place to stay, eat, and shop.
  • Cadillac Mountain: One of the first spots in the United States to view the sunrise.
  • Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse: Gorgeous view of a lighthouse along Maine鈥檚 rocky coastline.
  • Sand Beach: Known for its turquoise water and white-stand shoreline.

 

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FEEDBACK & QUESTIONS

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5 Reviews on this Expedition

If you have been on this expedition, others considering attending would love to hear about your experience.
Helen Hanselmann |
From Day 1 scrambling through brush in the field to count berries & subsequent days slopping in tidally exposed seaweed looking for green crabs to the last afternoon in the lab identifying and counting collected insects it was fabulous "hands-&-knees-&-brains-on science!" Friendly & knowledgeable staff, good company & great grub, too!! Plush accommodations at recycled Navy observation facility
Jared Biunno |
Climate Change: Sea to Trees at Acadia is, in the best of ways, a down-and-dirty expedition. You work out in the field as if you were an actual researcher collecting data, studying samples and truly contributing to the program. This is not a beach vacation by any means, and that's my favorite part about it. You're learning with your team members, discovering new things all the while enjoying the breathtaking natural beauty of Acadia National Park. The accommodations were very pleasant, both the lodging and meals were great and the campus is beautiful, and for someone like me who lives in a big city it was so easy to get lost and completely detach from my busy life. There was lobster dinners, s'mores at a campfire, meeting new people and hearing stories and building a sense of camaraderie amongst your fellow team members. I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone looking to learn more about climate change, the natural world and to take a vacation that is truly meaningful and impactful.

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