Contribution starting at $3,500
Exported from Streamline App (https://app.streamlineicons.com)
9 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

Wildlife in the Changing Andorran Pyrenees

Location
Valley of Ordino, Andorra
Activity Level
Very Active
Accommodations
Hotel/Resort/Lodge
Food
Chef-prepared meals

THIS EXPEDITION IS OPEN TO STUDENTS AND TEENS!

Learn About Teen Teams


TYPICAL ITINERARY:

  • DAY 1: Arrival, introduction to research
  • DAYS 2鈥8 (spring, summer, fall teams): Training on sapling techniques and activities, small and large mammal monitoring, bird monitoring, vegetation surveys, soil surveys
  • DAY 9: Departure

A beautiful scenic view in the Andorran Pyrenees (C) Mathew Yee
A researcher removed a bird from a mist net while two participants look on (C) Caroline Dunn
美姬社区 participants measuring the width of a tree trunk (C) Caroline Dunn
A Fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) in the grasses of the Valley of Ordino (C) Jana Marco
A researcher secures a camera trap on a tree trunk while a teen participant looks on (C) Amy Reggio
美姬社区 participants Black Pine and Scots pine seedlings as part of a tree seedling planting study (C) Dr. Bernat Claramunt
The team hikes through a meadow in the Valley of Ordino (C) Greg Schillo
A beautiful scenic view in the Andorran Pyrenees (C) Mathew Yee
A researcher removed a bird from a mist net while two participants look on (C) Caroline Dunn
美姬社区 participants measuring the width of a tree trunk (C) Caroline Dunn
A Fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) in the grasses of the Valley of Ordino (C) Jana Marco
A researcher secures a camera trap on a tree trunk while a teen participant looks on (C) Amy Reggio
.
The team hikes through a meadow in the Valley of Ordino (C) Greg Schillo

Environmental change shows itself in countless small ways. Engage your powers of observation to discover evidence of these changes in one of the world鈥檚 most fragile and beautiful places.


A teen participant blowing into a tube onto a table filled with pine needles (C) Dana Salomon. |. 美姬社区As climate change steadily transforms the high slopes of the Andorran Pyrenees, species are being forced to shift their ranges, and some are facing alarming declines. Human encroachment further disrupts this delicate alpine world. Still, little research has been done to understand how these forces reshape the landscape. Local organizations are urgently seeking sustainable solutions; now, you can be at the forefront of this critical research.

Join researchers on this expedition to help investigate the changing biodiversity of the region. While trekking through the breathtaking landscapes, you鈥檒l study small mammals, birds, and alpine flora. You鈥檒l weigh and measure mammals, monitor nest boxes for boreal owls, and spot other bird species. Your team will also track the growth of tree species and observe bats to determine how these key species respond to climate change. This data will be vital for understanding how species鈥 life cycles are shifting and how best to protect this delicate ecosystem in a changing climate.

Your work will help scientists understand how species鈥 life cycles are shifting and whether ecological relationships, such as plant blooming and pollinator activity, are staying in sync. This data will provide valuable insight into conservation planning and local decision-making.

 

Why It Matters:
The Impact of Volunteer Science

 


Since 2017, volunteers have captured and banded 1,325 birds from 31 different species!

bird against a gradient circle


This provides valuable data for studying and identifying individual birds, with five species captured more than fifty times, contributing to long-term avian research.

 

 

After nine years of fieldwork, we are beginning to answer some of our mid-term questions through the addition of a PhD thesis and postdoc research! The results from these two researchers, using data you helped gather, complement the papers included in the PhD thesis presented last year, which focused on describing insect communities along elevational gradient.

Dr. Bernat Claramunt,  Lead Scientist

.

HOW YOU WILL HELP

Your days in this stunning environment will vary. Sometimes, you鈥檒l work at a research site close to home; on other days, you'll walk amidst the mountains at high elevations. Throughout the expedition, you'll see much of the countryside, from wooded mountainsides to quiet valleys and open pastures. You will help:

.

Two women weighing a small mammal to track the health of vole, mouse, and shrew populations (C) Caroline Dunn
Monitor small mammals

Keep an eye on the health of vole, mouse, and shrew populations by capturing them, collecting measurements, and safely releasing them.

A researcher measures a bird while a participant records the data onto a clipboard (C) Caroline Dunn
Track biodiversity

In each of the 12 sampling stations, you will check some of the more than 100 nest boxes for birds installed and monitor camera traps set up by the researchers.

A participant measures the length of a pine tree branch (C) Kyle Gaw
Tree Growth Surveys

Assess the survival and growth of two species of planted pine trees and collect measurements on the growth rates of trees at various elevations.

In the late afternoon, the team will return to the hotel to rest, record data, and identify photos of animals taken by camera traps. Evenings will include a communal dinner and time to rest, visit local sites, or learn more about the research.

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

  • Andorra la Vella: The capital city, known for its shopping, restaurants, and vibrant cultural scene
  • Casa d'Areny-Plandolit: A historic mansion in Ordino, showcasing Andorra鈥檚 aristocratic heritage with exhibits on local history and culture.
  • Mirador Roc Del Quer: A breathtaking viewpoint in Canillo offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  • Tristaina Sundial Balcony: A 2,701-meter-high viewpoint with stunning views, featuring a 27-meter sundial that honors the "solar mountain."
  • La Massana: A charming town offering access to mountain activities and stunning views of the Pyrenees.

 

.

FEEDBACK & QUESTIONS

12 Reviews on this Expedition

If you have been on this expedition, others considering attending would love to hear about your experience.
Jean Bouteiller |
Just back from my first 美姬社区 expedition, which was Wildlife in the Changing Andorran Pyrenees. Wish I had not waited so long for my first one, but it was certainly worth the wait. Our leader, Bernat, and the rest of the staff were truly outstanding. They patiently and enthusiastically led us through all of our tasks, and answered even the most mundane questions cheerfully. The landscape was beautiful and dramatic with the snow-capped mountains, and steep terrain. The hiking was challenging, but adjustment to the altitude came quickly. There were options available to those in our group who did not wish to take on the most strenuous hikes, and for those that wanted to push themselves, there was ample opportunity there as well. If you enjoy being in the mountains and want to participate a wide variety of scientific research this is a trip for you.
Scott Peacock |
This expedition is very busy and high activity , so be prepared to enjoy hikes up beautiful mountains in sometimes glorious and sometimes less glorious weather, with a busy time at the research sites taking readings or tagging small mammals or birds. The evenings are very social with very good food and wine followed by a review of the days camera captures or a talk on an interesting topic. Views are breathtaking, and thats from someone that lives in Norway! The team lead by Bernat is very knowledgeable and fun and the days just fly by. The day in the middle is well organised and a mix of culture and shopping if you want. Main tips: Gatters really needed on occasions as is good light weight walking boots and recommend at least one walking pole. Pack for both hot/ sunny and cold / wet weather..you can get both! Finally, highly recommend explore Barcelona before or after the expedition..a great and busy city. Or if want something less busy, try Tarrogona, 1 hr west on the coast.
Jean Peacock |
This was my first 美姬社区 expedition and exceeded my expectations. It is one of the best holidays I can remember ever having. Knowledgeable, enthusiastic and very personable leaders imparted their knowledge in a relevant and practical way, and experts and volunteers alike interacted and worked together as a great team, whether in small groups or together as a whole. The work was challenging and interesting and we were made to feel that our contribution was valuable. Plus, we learned so much! I would highly recommend this expedition to active outdoor types of any age who care about the environment, and who enjoy being outside all day regardless of the weather conditions.

Have a question?

If your question is not answered by one of our FAQs, please reach out to us and we will answer your question as soon as we can.

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Explore More

GET EARTHWATCH NEWSLETTER

Bi-weekly announcements, new expeditions, and updates on our impact around the globe.