2.  The world's largest environmental volunteer nonprofit organization.  Earthwatch’s Mission Statement- “Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. We believe that teaching and promoting scientific literacy is the best way to systematically approach and solve the many complex environmental and social issues facing society today.”  Earthwatch supports research relating to sustainable development in countries all over the world.  Earthwatch believes that education is the best way to solve many of the world’s problems. More than 3,500 students and 4,000 classroom teachers have participated in Earthwatch expeditions.  Earthwatch promotes conservation by establishing partnerships with communities to protect unique and valuable ecological and cultural areas.

3. In 2008,  Will sponsor 130 research projects  In more than 40 countries and 20 US states,  Estimated volunteer field grants of $5 million. Since its founding in 1971,  Supported nearly 1,350 projects  In 120 countries and 35 states.  More than 90,000 volunteers have contributed $67 million and 11 million hours to scientific fieldwork.

4.  On September 21 st I will fly to New Orleans to meet the other members of the expedition.  The principal investigator, Dr. Lee Dyer, is an ecologist at Tulane University. He is studying caterpillars in Louisiana, Arizona, Ecuador, and Costa Rica.  We will then go to the Pearl River Management area on the border of Louisiana and Mississippi.

5.  Where in the world is New Orleans? Where in the world is New Orleans?

6.  We will spend the next 8 days at a station in the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area. I will be studying caterpillars and blogging each day about my adventures. You can read along and comment on my blog at:  http://www.earthwatch2.org/LFF/rodriquez/ http://www.earthwatch2.org/LFF/rodriquez/  http://www.willingtonpublicschools.org/ http://www.willingtonpublicschools.org/