“Earthwatch offers people the opportunity to be part of something much bigger than themselves. Whether you join an expedition or donate to our cause, you are an integral part of a global mission that is making a difference on a daily basis around the world.” — Larry Mason, Earthwatch CEO The land, oceans, and atmosphere have been transformed by human activities—threatening the TABLE OF CONTENTS health of many species, including our own. While many choose to look away, we choose to face THE EARTHWATCH APPROACH...... 2 the challenges directly—making a difference, CITIZENS FOR SCIENCE...... 4 the Earthwatch way. SCIENCE FOR SOLUTIONS...... 6 During this time of accelerating global change, Earthwatch is more relevant SOLUTIONS FOR SOCIETY...... 8 than ever in our history. Earthwatch is committed to studying global changes in the environment and finding effective ways to address them. We’ve done EARTHWATCH SUMMIT 2014...... 10 it for nearly 45 years by connecting citizens with scientists whose research drives sustainable solutions. PEOPLE POWER...... 12 Our volunteers provide the people power to assist leading researchers. They return home with a deeper understanding of what is at stake. Armed OUR CONTRIBUTORS...... 14 with first-hand knowledge, these ambassadors institute change in their own lives, their workplaces, and their communities. OUR GLOBAL PRESENCE...... 16 This year’s annual report celebrates the three essentials that powerfully propel our mission forward: Citizens for Science, Science for Solutions, and Solutions for Society. Earthwatch will use this momentum to drive We designed this year’s annual report to showcase the powerful imagery that the understanding and action necessary to improve our planet. volunteers have collected from our more than 50 expeditions around the world.

1 1 2 3 DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION Volunteers often go above and beyond their duties in the field. The far-reaching impacts of Earthwatch expeditions often In Nicaragua, volunteer Cliff Gill, occur years, or even decades, after the initial experience. a caving enthusiast, had been experimenting with a new tool Here’s just one example: that creates 3-D renderings of interior spaces using digital photos. He realized that the tool Thirty years ago, Jeff Jakubiak, generosity—perhaps none could be used to provide 3-D tours then a junior at Rufus King High more than Peggy Leonhardt. “Our kids got of the extinct lava tubes that Earthwatch research teams were School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Peggy has two children— studying to create detailed maps of the space. According to was awarded a scholarship to so much out of both of whom received funding Earthwatch researcher Guillermo Caravantes, this innovative join an Earthwatch expedition it. I always felt from Jeff to travel to the idea could help to improve predictions of the behavior of lava in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Caribbean to join Earthwatch flows on slopes, which would enable researchers to alert sponsored by a local business- that if we were expeditions. Peggy’s daughter communities in advance of incoming lava flows. “It could man. Jeff, who grew up in in particular was transformed change everything,” he said. a blue-collar, middle class able, I’d like to by her experience on an family in Milwaukee, had sponsor our own archaeological dig. It helped only had limited exposure her to focus her career choice to the world outside of his scholarships.” and, according to Peggy, was A RETIREMENT PAYS DIVIDENDS neighborhood community. The —Peggy Leonhardt truly a life-changing experience. IN DREAMS FULFILLED Earthwatch expedition opened Twenty years ago, middle school his eyes to a world beyond his science teacher Kathie Kelly hometown, connecting him PAYING IT FORWARD businessman who made it participated on her first to a diverse group of people A couple of years ago, possible for him to participate. with a passion for science. Peggy learned that one of her Earthwatch expedition. Her He reached out to Earthwatch investments did quite well, and experience was so powerful that and offered to co-sponsor she promised herself she would GIFTING THE she knew what she wanted students from Rufus King. to do. She sold it and used the sign up for at least one expedition EXPERIENCE For years, Jeff has been money to start an endowment a year when she retired. Kathie retired OF A LIFETIME supporting high school students fund for charitable donations. in 2013 and has more than fulfilled Years later, while working in to join Earthwatch expeditions Part of that fund now sponsors her promise, signing up for four expeditions this past year New York City, Jeff recalled around the world. These a Rufus King student to join alone. During one expedition in the Peruvian Amazon, Kathie his experience in Colorado students and their families an Earthwatch expedition connected to the fact that she was doing more than having an and the generosity of the have been touched by his each year. adventure of a lifetime. She was part of a critically important mission – particularly in the face of accelerating environmental change – and her contribution really IS making a difference. Kathie now serves as an ambassador for Earthwatch, helping Earthwatch staff to spread the word about the importance of supporting environmental research. 4 5 ONE LONG SWIM FOR A TURTLE, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR CONSERVATION Earthwatch is unique in that volunteers support long-term data collection. In Costa Rica, volunteers Earthwatch researchers have harnessed the skills of have been collecting data on “conservation cowboys” to help teams capture, tag, and leatherback sea turtles for nearly 20 years. In 2014, one release threatened wild game in the Mongolian Steppe. of the first turtles to be tagged returned to the nesting site, to the surprise and delight of the research AND THEY’RE OFF… to collect data. One person team. What’s more, 50% of turtles tagged in 2014 were first- From the camp, skilled These novel measures their ears, hooves, time nesters—a great sign. But the fight, of course, is far from Mongolian horsemen break methods of animal and horns; another applies over, and the threats facing the ocean and its inhabitants have out single file and begin a long ear tags and collars; another grown more complicated. The research team is now focused sweep over the rocky terrain capture have monitors body temperature on identifying the best ways to protect these animals to to search for argali sheep—the helped to provide to make sure they do not ensure a sustainable future. largest wild sheep in the world. overheat, and cools them Soon they spot a small herd, some of the only down with water. As soon surround them from behind, rigorous data on as possible, the sheep are and coax them forward. released to re-join the herd. PROTECTING THE PREDATORS: Meanwhile, Earthwatch these wildlife And so ends a typical field day EARTHWATCH AT THE READY volunteers position themselves populations. on Earthwatch’s “Wildlife of the When people think about sharks behind nets set up to capture Mongolian Steppe” expedition. in South Africa, they often think the sheep. They are far away into their radios to signal the about great whites, or perhaps from the horsemen, so they volunteers. The horsemen THE FINISH LINE… other large species such as clutch their radios, waiting push harder—moving the Argali sheep face a number hammerheads or bull sharks. for word that the sheep are sheep towards the nets. of threats, including poaching, But beneath the surface of on the move. As the stampede approaches, competition with livestock—even South Africa’s waters lives a kicking up dust, the volunteers attacks by domestic guard dogs. diverse array of other, fascinating THE RACE work hard to ensure that the The data collected on this and shark species, which have been argali don’t skirt the nets. They CONTINUES… other species, including Siberian largely unstudied. With a quarter of the world’s shark and capture three ewes from the The horsemen and the argali, ibex and Mongolian gazelles, ray populations at risk of extinction, it’s possible these lesser- herd, and then the real moving at a slow clip, close have enabled researchers to known species face similar threats and yet lack the necessary excitement begins. in on the nets. The horsemen implement protective outreach protections. In response to these challenges, Earthwatch alert the researchers who To protect the animals’ health, and management plans with mobilized the resources necessary to launch the “Discovering immediately shout instructions the team has just 15 minutes the local community. Sharks in South Africa” expedition—a study that is helping to collect the necessary data to conserve these unique species.

6 7 A COMMUNITY RESOLVING CONFLICT IN SOUTH AFRICA South Africa’s Soutpansberg Mountains support one of the Inspired by his experience with Earthwatch, Rodrigo highest leopard densities in Africa. But in the foothills of George transformed his career from corporate executive these mountains, farmers, to champion in the federal government, who are seeking to protect their crops and their livestock, helping to improve our management of natural resources are coming into conflict with on a national level. these animals. To respond to these concerns, in 2014, Earthwatch teams hosted educational events for the community about living sustainably with predators that In 2012, after more than ten their impact, and govern- play a critical role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. years working in the corporate “Everyone has ments are responsible for They also helped community members to invest in the sector, Rodrigo decided to regulating industry to help construction of “bomas”—structures that serve to better change course. For years, he a role to play them do this. In his role as protect the livestock from the threat of predation. had been thinking back to his to address a federal employee, Rodrigo experience with Earthwatch. communicates the value He couldn’t shake the feeling climate change… of sustainability—it’s about that he had been exposed to operational efficiency, A TEACHER PLANTS THE EARTHWATCH SEED something truly meaningful— It’s non-profits reducing energy and water Juliet Crupi, a high school teacher and that supporting efforts like Earthwatch and waste, reducing fossil to promote sustainability fuel and greenhouse gas in New York City, was awarded was his true calling as a that hold these emissions, and promoting a fellowship with Earthwatch business professional. a culture of change, he said. to participate in a songbird efforts together.” population study in the Grand “There I was—one day sitting on But his societal impact Tetons. During the expedition, my computer in the office and Rodrigo is now the doesn’t end there. Rodrigo she connected with nature in a the next day out in the middle of Sustainability Program is now an adjunct professor way she hadn’t felt able to do in her the forest, measuring trees and at Portland State University, Manager at Bonneville Power home city. She was inspired to bring learning about the impacts of where he teaches a course Administration in Portland, that connection back to her students. She taught her students climate change and carbon on corporate responsibility Oregon—a federal nonprofit to identify tree species, and eventually developed an urban sequestration,” he said. Rodrigo and sustainability. Because farming class. She and her students transformed the empty felt his contribution to the agency that is part of the of his experience with space behind the school into a flourishing garden with onions, research, however small, was U.S. Department of Energy. Earthwatch, he feels tomatoes, peppers, and pollinating plants. “It’s almost like a incredibly important—it would He believes that everyone has equipped to help these result in data that scientists a role to play in addressing young business professionals miniature Earthwatch where they get to be scientists in the could use to improve policies climate change: businesses to promote the conservation classroom just like I was a scientist in the Grand Tetons.” The to protect the environment. have to find a way to mitigate of natural resources. power of Earthwatch often extends far beyond the field experience.

8 9 To watch videos of each of the Summit presentations, including an introductory address by Earthwatch’s Chief Scientist Dr. William Moomaw, please visit: earthwatch.org/events/earthwatch-summit-2014.

In November, Earthwatch convened a Summit in Cambridge, . The event brought together hundreds of scientists, volunteers, staff, and members of the public to celebrate the power of citizen science in advancing scientific field research at a time when the planet needs our help more than ever.

CONNECTING CITIZENS TO SCIENTISTS The event was a rallying call—an opportunity to share the latest news stemming from our conservation science expeditions, empower citizen scientists to create change, and inspire our global community to continue to support the Earthwatch mission.

The Summit included presentations by Earthwatch scientists on conserving whales and dolphins in California, monitoring environmental changes in the , understanding human-wildlife conflict in South Africa, and more. The day offered an unparalleled opportunity to share stories and reaffirm our call to action. One of the most exciting aspects of the event was the interactive poster session, which provided an opportunity for Earthwatch scientists to engage with the public about their work. Repeatedly, they emphasized that their research results, which are being used to inform policy and management decisions, would not be possible without the help of Earthwatch volunteers.

10 10 11 “Earthwatch provides opportunities for people to live their dreams, help the environment, and share the experiences and knowledge that they acquire.” —Earthwatch Volunteer

Passion and people fuel the Earthwatch mission, and remain our most cherished assets. We’d like to thank our volunteers for their commitment to helping us drive forward the research we need to develop sustainable solutions for our shared planet. Earthwatch volunteers once again proved their commitment to hands-on research to help us protect threatened wildlife and ecosystems, promote ocean health, and support a sustainable planet. Our volunteers—from teens to grandparents—represent all sectors of society, and they bring a wide range of expertise and special interests to the research tasks at hand. Check out just a few examples of what we can achieve when citizens and science connect (see right).

12 13 Goldring Family Foundation Kay & Leo Drey Holy Names High School Trinity School Raymond Poshkus Samuel Hamill Stephanie Field & John Harris HSBC Philanthropic Programs Karen & Stan Watt Karen Rankin Gaye Hill & Jeffrey Urbina G. Keith Funston Kimberly Hughes Worldwide Small Change Foundation Marci Rubin GlobalGiving Foundation Pam Inman S. Paul Wright Edward Sagritalo $50,000–$99,999 William J. J. Gordon Family Foundation Fae James Arlene Segal MD Mimi Slyngstad Ahmanson Foundation Rupert Johnson Judy Judd $500–$999 Whitney Johnson Carl Strodtman Helen & Peter Bing Marjorie Kaplan Terry Ainsworth Donald Kendall Jr. Carol Swarts Chesonis Family Foundation Hideko Kawabata Allstate Giving Campaign Merrill Magowan Marjorie & Ralph Koldinger Patricia Turner MD Jeffrey Jakubiak Ester Ansel Ron Mattson William Kwan Adam Vancini Marymount School of New York Peggy & Carter Bacon Teri Mendelsohn Liberties College Claudia VanWie The following individuals, corporations, and foundations Kenneth A. Picerne Foundation Martin Barrett Helen Nichols Lincoln Park Zoo Jill & John Walsh Shell International B.V. Evan Buck offered invaluable support to Earthwatch in fiscal year Royce Family Fund Lila Luce Bradford Warner UPS Foundation Jane & George Bunn Jr. Ruth Anne Weisenauer 2014. We thank them and all of our generous donors San Francisco Zoological Society Deborah Lynch James Carpenter Wells Fargo Bank Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign Lisa Sarasohn Christian Martin Vinod Choyi Carolyn Whitfield for their commitment and service. Christine Schmidt Thomas McGrath Brian Crawford $10,000–$49,999 Jon Wilson Silicon Valley Community Foundation Juanita Miller Gary David Anonymous Kathrin Winkler Skyscrape Foundation Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation Dr. Lydia Eastburn Harry H. and Anna Borun Foundation Gertrude & Theodore Winsberg Betsy & Peter Snow Namaste Foundation Alexander Eddy Richard Burnes Jr. Jonathan Zrebiec Spence School Network for Good Faerie’s Dance Inc. Crescent School Robert Stack New Headings LLC Fanwood Foundation *Of $500 or More George Eberstadt Onnolee & Orlin Trapp Thomas Nicholson Susan Gartner Alexandra Goelet Penguin Group (USA) LLC GGE Foundation U.S. BOARD U.S. BOARD Arthur D. Riggs, Ph.D. Henry Greenewalt $1,000–$4,999 Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Robin Halford Kelly Family Charitable Foundation OF DIRECTORS OF ADVISORS Christine Bata Schmidt AAA Southern New England Jane Phillips Larry Heeren IN MEMORIAM Los Angeles Zoo Judith Ferguson & James Pitts Alexandra Goelet, Co-Chair Betsy Snow American Leak Detection Houghton Mifflin Matching Gifts We are honored to recognize the Amy Ruth Borun, Chair Kristen & Lawrence Mason Kim Poggenpohl Lauren Hutton Merrill L. Magowan, Co-Chair Victoria Stack Beasley Family Foundation following long-time donors whose Kevin J. Anton Microsoft Matching Gifts Norman Powers Randall Jahren Diana Barrett Pamela Wilton Ulm Buckingham Browne & Nichols School support lives on through bequests Richard M. Burnes, Jr. Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation Alice Chen Barbara Roby Kenneth Malcolm Jones Mark Cappellano, Emeritus Karen Zukerman for the Americas or life income gifts. George A. Eberstadt Conservation & Preservation Mary Rowe Karen Keith Pamela Chesonis Holly & Steve Muson Charities of America Daniel Rubenstein PhD Kids Company Charlotte Bell G. Keith Funston, Jr. Paul Cummins $1 MILLION PLUS Catherine Nierras Gene Daniels Seattle Foundation Craig Lanway Lee Ann Faucette Alexandra Goelet Jacqueline Schulman Dobranski HSBC Anne & Robert Pedrero Fledgling Fund Claudia Seldon Jennifer Lauer Gilbert Glass Gary F. Goldring Gaye L. Hill Riverside Education Enrichment Fonds Aluminerie De Baie-Comeau Pour Julie & Henry Sharpe III Mary Waterman Lunt Valerie Hurst Foundation (REEF) Samuel M. Hamill, Jr. Jeffrey A. Jakubiak $250,000–$999,999 Les Collectivites Durables Marty and Dorothy Silverman Foundation Julia Maher Ralph Jankins Ruth Scheer Whitney L. Johnson James Patrick Kelly James Forster Skyline High School Meredith McBurney Kathryn Lewis Durfee Foundation Pamela Wilton Ulm Sherry Matthews Charles Ganson Jr. Split Rock Charitable Foundation Barbara Meyer Barbara McEwen Donald R. Kendall, Jr. Jane & Arthur Riggs Teri Mendelsohn Dr. Margaret D. Lowman Myles Goldfein Victoria Stack William Miller Cyrelle Pinar Holly Muson $5,000–$9,999 Myra Hart Roger Stube Mohansic Foundation Joni Ross Brian A. Rosborough, ex officio Wallace J. Nichols, Ph.D. $100,000–$249,999 Kevin Anton Hewlett Packard Matching Gifts Swift Attorney Service Joan Moran Joy Valentine Dr. Daniel I. Rubenstein Thomas H. Nicholson Alcoa Foundation Amy Borun Joan Hiam Thomson Reuters Matching Gifts Constance Hoguet Neel Elephare Zimmerman Ruth C. Scheer Catherine Nierras, Emeritus British American Tobacco Catlin Group Alan Hickenbottom Joan Thuebel James Nystrom Robert J. Stack Anne Pedrero EY Davlin Foundation Donna Hollinger Harriet & Conrad Todd Paypal Giving Fund

14 15 has operations in 38 countries across the globe. This annual report contains the U.S. based financial results of the U.S. 501(c)3 Earthwatch Institute. In addition to the financials outlined here, Earthwatch has licensee operations in the Earthwatch, Europe Mayfield House U.K., Japan and Australia, which report their financials according to stringent local 256 Banbury Road requirements. We are proud to also post affiliate annual reports on our website Earthwatch, U.S. Oxford, OX2 7DE United Kingdom Earthwatch, Japan at earthwatch.org/about/annual-report, where you will also find the U.S. Form 990 114 Western Avenue Food Science Building 4F and U.S. Audited Financial Statements. , MA 02134 U.S.A. University of Tokyo 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Earthwatch, India Tokyo 113-8657 Japan Augusta Point (Level 4) Sector 53, Operating Results for Golf Course Road Earthwatch, Earthwatch U.S. FY 2014 (US$) FY 2013 (US$) Gurgaon, 122002 India Hong Kong Breakthrough Centre INCOMING RESOURCES 8,182,199 8,529,099 191 Woosung Street, Jordan, Kowloon RESOURCES EXPENDED 8,383,129 8,234,761 Hong Kong Program Expenses 7,059,218 6,751,319 Facilities and Administration 1,060,652 1,099,772 Development 263,259 383,670 Earthwatch, Avenida Sete de NET (OUTGOING/INCOMING RESOURCES) (200,930) 294,338 Setembro 6665 Curitiba-PR -CEP END OF YEAR NET ASSETS 4,973,001 5,267,859 80.240-001 Brazil Earthwatch, These figures refer to Earthwatch Institute (U.S.), a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)3 Australia of the Internal Revenue Code. 126 Bank Street South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Australia

TAX ID# 23-7168440 This map depicts Earthwatch’s four licensee offices, three satellite offices, and 38 research countries around the world.

16 17 GROWING OUR COMMUNITY Earlier this year, we re-launched the Earthwatch blog—a place where Earthwatch volunteers, researchers, fellows, and staff regularly contribute stories from the field. Check it out!

BLOG: earthwatchunlocked.wordpress.com

SHARING NEW STORIES

POWER OF YOU VIDEO We’d like to share a glimpse of some new storytelling After 44 years, there’s one thing we know for sure: efforts we’ve spearheaded at Earthwatch in 2015. We are Earthwatch researchers and volunteers make a difference. In the face of major environmental always on the lookout for ways to advance our mission and challenges, volunteers have helped leading build our community. We’d love to hear what you think! scientists to collect critical data faster than ever possible—unearthing new understanding Send us an email at [email protected]. that powers real solutions. To celebrate the volunteers and researchers who make Earthwatch so special, we developed this short JOIN THE CONVERSATION video. We hope you enjoy it! Join in the ongoing conversation on social media and keep your finger on the pulse of the planet with Earthwatch. THE POWER OF YOU: earthwatch.org/PowerOfYou FACEBOOK: facebook.com/earthwatch TWITTER: twitter.com/earthwatch_org MULTIMEDIA INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/earthwatch This multimedia story takes a closer look at YOUTUBE: youtube.com/earthwatch Churchill, Manitoba—the edge of the Arctic— as a canary in the coal mine of the large-scale challenge of climate change. Filled with images, videos and vignettes about Earthwatch volunteers in Churchill, pick and choose what you want to read—or read the whole thing through. Follow Earthwatch scientists as they study climate change in the region. Hear from Earthwatch Chief Scientist and climate change expert, Bill Moomaw, as well as Mark Stratton, a reporter who covered this expedition for National Geographic. Dive in and discover! 18 18 DIVE INTO A MULTIMEDIA STORY HERE: earthwatch.org/TreesinTheTundra Earthwatch Institute 1.800.776.0188 facebook.com/earthwatch 114 Western Avenue [email protected] twitter.com/earthwatch_org Boston, MA 02134, U.S.A. earthwatch.org earthwatchunlocked.wordpress.com