Annual Report 2015 - Ecology Project International

Co
n
se
rv
ati
on
for the next
g
e
2015
A nnual R eport
September 1, 2014 - August 31, 2015
n
e
r
a
t
i
on
a lt
W
Dream BIG. Do BIGGER.
er, 1
8 ~ G ala
Dear Friends of EPI,
pag
o
It takes a leatherback sea turtle about 15 years to grow from a hatchling to an adult, to find
its way through thousands of miles of ocean and return near its natal beach to deliver a new
generation of turtles. When an EPI student encounters a leatherback, protecting its freshly
laid nest on the beach, it is a profound and life-changing experience.
s
“Every EPI program enriched me
as a person, and everything I learn
is in service to Galapagos conservation.”
~ Walter, EPI’s first Collegiate Scholarship recipient
Contents
Letter from the Board Chair........................ 1
FY 2015 Highlights ........................................ 2
Program Overviews ......................................
Program Numbers ........................................
Spotlight on Belize ........................................
Spotlight on Mexico .....................................
Spotlight on Educational Assessment ...
3
5
7
8
9
Financial Summary ....................................... 10
Statement of Activities &
Financial Position ..........................................
FY 2015 Giving ................................................
Celebrating 15 Years in Costa Rica .........
Leadership Circle ...........................................
Board of Directors & Staff ...........................
Partners .............................................................
page
1
11
12
13
20
21
23
Fifteen years ago, EPI sent its first alumni out into the world. In November, our Board
members had the pleasure of accompanying Scott and Julie to Pacuare Nature Reserve to
literally see where this little venture all began. In those 15 years, EPI students – from the
United States, including Native Americans, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama and Belize –
have helped protect hundreds of thousands of leatherback eggs – thus sending hundreds of
thousands of baby turtles into the ocean, some of which may return this year to nest for the
first time.
We’ve also sent more than 23,000 alumni into the world, creating ripples in their
communities as they engage in effective conservation solutions. We are helping some
of them achieve their educational dreams through EPI’s Collegiate Scholarship, and have
welcomed some back into the fold as instructors or as teachers with their own EPI student
groups. We’ve helped others start their own organizations and cheered as others have won
awards for their environmental leadership.
As we look to the future, it’s bright and filled with promise, but there are ominous threats
to the environment and its critical habitats and resources, requiring vigilance and strong
stewardship. With your support, EPI - like the leatherback - continues to create ripples,
sending thousands of young leaders out into the world to make a difference.
We thank you for your continued support, and your commitment
to conservation and science-based education.
In gratitude,
Buzz Hines
Chair, Board of Directors
P.S. - I invite you to be inspired by more of EPI’s
23,000+ participants in our 2015 Yearbook.
M
o n ce
i
s
is
scien
What a difference a year makes!
re
inspi ervation
d
n
a
h
cons
ove
Impr tion and de throug ist
i
t
a
educ s worldw ent-scien
t
effor sed, stud
ps.
a
b
ershi
n
t
field
r
a
p
2015
In 2015, EPI engaged more students and had a greater impact on conservation than
ever before. Local youth across five countries in North, Central, and South America
got involved in hands-on science and conservation projects, engaged their peers, and
made a difference in the world. We connected cultures and empowered the next
generation of conservation leaders, and we even received a few accolades along the way!
Check out some of our incredible 2015 highlights:
Visi
page
2
on
Crea
te
soci an ecolo
gica
yout ety wh
lly
e
h
an a are em re the w literate
ctive
p
o
role owered rld’s
in co
to ta
k
nser
vatio e
n.
• Reached 5,097 students and teachers through our field programs
• Provided more educational days to our students, with a 14% increase in
participant days to 22,478
• Piloted a new 18-day Research Expedition in Costa Rica that sent participants
coast to coast to delve deep into sea turtle conservation and ecology
• Celebrated our 23,300th participant
• Received national recognition by Outside Magazine as the #19 Best Place to
Work in the country - and the #1 non-profit
• Partnered with Galapagos National Park and Ministry of Education on a new
initiative that will grant credits to 200 Galapagos high school students who
participate in EPI’s program
• Piloted our first-ever Yellowstone winter program – engaging a total of 38
participants in 3 courses focused on rare carnivore research
Be
li
Our 2015 Programs
ze
In partnership with the Oceanic Society, University of Belize, Belize Audubon Society, and
Wildlife Conservation Society, EPI students engaged in bottlenose dolphin, lionfish, conch,
lobster, sea urchin, and coral research in the marine ecosystem of the largest barrier reef in
the northern hemisphere. They also participated in bird and terrestrial mammal research at
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Cost
a
Ri
ca
p
os
g
a
Ga
la
On the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, the world’s fourth most important nesting
habitat for vulnerable leatherback sea turtles, students monitored nesting females.
Youth helped restore habitat, gather vital data during nightly turtle censuses, and
protect nests against human and environmental threats.
In the Galapagos Islands, students worked with Galapagos National Park to rehabilitate
the threatened giant Galapagos land tortoise. Youth supported biodiversity protection
by helping researchers and park rangers monitor wild tortoises, protect nests, care for
juveniles, eradicate invasive species, and restore habitat.
page
3
M
e
co
i
x
Our 2015 Programs
Whale, Island, and Coastal Ecosystems Ecology programs in Mexico engaged youth in marine
biodiversity protection and research. Students collected data on cetaceans and invertebrates to
monitor populations and ecosystem health in order to support proposed conservation zones,
proactively address threats to marine life, and help ensure the future stability of the Gulf of
California marine environment.
Yello
w
st
on
e
In Montana’s Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem students contributed to the
Yellowstone bison team’s grazing study and the Yellowstone Cougar Project.
Students also went ‘undercover’ for the park service and observed park visitor
compliance with posted bear safety recommendations. Summer groups made an
immediate impact on habitat through conservation service projects to improve
wildlife migration opportunities and reduce invasive weeds.
Program Evaluation
EPI rolled out a new tool for program evaluation at all of its sites in 2015. We are using this pre- and post-course assessment tool to help
us determine the educational impact that our courses have on students by comparing their ecological knowledge, attitudes, skills and
behaviors before and after EPI participation. Preliminary results demonstrate that, on average, our field program participants show a 10%
gain in environmental literacy composite scores, as shown below.
Environmental Literacy Index
PRE
PRE
POST
POST
0
0
page
4
10
10
20
20
30
30
Knowledge
Knowledge
40
40
Dispositions
Attitudes
50
50
60
60
Competencies
Skills
70
70
Behaviors
Behaviors
80
80
90
90
100
100
Thanks to our generous
supporters, in FY 2015, EPI...
Belize
ed
Reach Costa Rica
5,097
ts
n
a
p
i
Galapagos
c
i
t
par
Mexico
Field Program Participation
We experienced significant growth in our FY 2015 season, increasing the number of participants and
participant days in the field as well as the number of scholarships provided to underserved youth.
In addition to helping provide more local teens with a transformative EPI field experience, our
supporters are helping us ensure that science education and conservation knowledge are
accessible, regardless of socio-economic status.
EPI Participants by Country
Grew
Panama
participant days
Yellowstone
by 14%
U.S. Students
21%
Belizean Students
4%
Costa Rican Students
8%
Galapagos Students
9%
223
,
4
d
e
Provid ships
r
schola
Mexican Students
58%
Increa
local s sed
partic tudent
ipatio
n to
82%
page
5
Field Program Participation
% of Local Participants
100%
Belize
Costa Rica
97%
90%
75%
80%
EPI’s strategic plan targets an
average 60/40 ratio of local
to visiting participants, while
filling our courses to 90%
capacity and increasing alumni
programming.
70%
Galapagos
Mexico
54%
60%
50%
45%
51%
40%
Panama
Yellowstone
In FY 2015, we achieved an
average of 82% local student
participation across all of our
field programs.
30%
20%
10%
0%
Yellowstone
Belize
Costa Rica
Galapagos
Mexico
Students & Teachers
3500
3083
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
page
6
0
380
639
762
Galapagos
Galapagos
Costa Rica
Rica
Costa
233
Yellowstone
Yellowstone
Belize
Belize
Mexico
Mexico
spotli
on
ght
Belize
Holistic Learning
Spectacular Growth
In 2015, a very special course took place in which 16
at-risk youth from Belize City joined EPI for a unique
experience that blended yoga and meditation with
hands-on learning about marine ecology. Through
a new partnership between EPI, the Government of
Belize’s Restore Belize Program, and the Days of Healing
initiative of Om Shanti Center for Yoga and Healing Arts,
students spent five days at Calabash Caye to study the
Mesoamerican Reef ecosystem as well as practice yoga
and meditation techniques. These
students have very few
opportunities to engage
in out-of-school
learning, and for
most this was
their first time
exploring the
marine
environment.
EPI Belize celebrated a record-breaking year for student participation in 2015. A
total of 353 students and teachers participated with EPI in Belize – a growth of
62% over 2014. Local students from five of the country’s six districts joined courses
from January through August, which included new opportunities for study and
research. Along with learning about marine ecosystems, students collected data
on dolphins as well as sharks and rays, and studied terrestrial mammals and birds
in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Chiquibul National Park.
page
7
2015 Participants At-a-Glance
19
local schools

137% from 2014
176
local participants

45% from 2014
2523
participant field days

100% from 2014
spo
tligh
on t
Mex
ico
My Sustainable City – Science Fair
Baja Expansion – Coastal Ecosystems
In June, EPI Mexico held its end-of-season festival called “My
Sustainable City.” The event’s format changed slightly from
previous years, to focus on the presentation of projects that
propose solutions for more sustainable daily living. Students
chose from among five themes for their science and arts
projects - mobility, clean energy, local consumption, water, or
waste management. A student from Los Cabos, Alberto, beat
the competition for the top science project prize and received
a scholarship to participate in EPI Belize’s Marine Ecology
Program. Alberto designed and installed
in his grandfather’s house, an
economical water-saving
system that re-directs grey
water from the shower
for re-use in the flushing
toilet. More than 190
community members
attended, including
students, teachers,
families, and scientists.
EPI Mexico piloted a new program this year
focused on coastal ecosystems and local
students from four small rural fishing
communities in the corridor between
La Paz and Loreto. Students paired
with scientists on a fisheries
study which is evaluating the
new network of marine refugia
that has been established in
the Gulf of California between
San Cosme and Punta Coyote.
This study could inform the
design of the network and impact
conservation of local marine
species of commercial importance
for the region. During the pilot year,
students participated in the research
being led by Dr. Adrián Munguía-Vega
and the PANGAS-Niparajá collaborative to
evaluate the resilience of the reserve network and ecosystem in the
Gulf of California.
page
8
ht
spotlig
on
nal
o
i
t
a
Educ ment
ssess
A
Defining & Evaluating Environmental Literacy
EPI provides immersive, out-of-the-classroom educational experiences that
enable youth to develop a personal connection to local flora and fauna and gives
them an in-depth, first-hand understanding of regional and global conservation
issues. EPI’s education model - hands-on learning combined with science-based
academic curriculum and leadership skill-building - helps develop participants’
environmental literacy.
An environmentally literate person not only understands environmental concerns,
but is also willing to adopt behaviors that positively impact the earth, and to
advocate for practices that favor conservation. For example, an environmentally
literate individual understands that plastic bags harm the ecosystem, commits to
using only reusable bags, and then works with a local store to offer eco-friendly
bags to customers.
In 2013, EPI redesigned its tools for measuring our
students’ environmental literacy to evaluate
how our programs are positively impacting
participants’ attitudes and behaviors toward
conservation. Early results from our Costa Rica
participants indicate a positive increase in all
areas: ecological knowledge, dispositions,
competencies, and behaviors, with the
largest increases seen in competencies and
behaviors. Learn more about our unique
Educational Approach on our website!
.
environmental literacy
/in, vīrƏn'men(t)l /
noun
. /‘lidƏrƏrsē /
demonstrating the knowledge, dispositions,
competencies, and behaviors necessary to actively
engage, individually or as a group, in the task of
addressing environmnetal challenges
skills
ecological
knowledge
disposition
changed
behavior
page
9
EPI is a tuition-driven
organization with more than
half of our $4.9M budget
derived from earned income,
providing a match for every
dollar donated.
Financial Summary
September 1, 2014 - August 31, 2015
While every student pays tuition to invest themselves in project outcomes, EPI
ensures programs are affordable to youth from all economic backgrounds.
Other Income
In 2015, 82% of participants
were underserved youth
funded through donations.
Rev
en
1%
ue
Donations
18%
Tuition
Grants
Tuition
Grants
56%
Donations
Fundraising
Other Income
25%
s
e
s
Exp
en
4%
Overhead is low: 85% of
every dollar directly funds
conservation and youth
education.
Programs
85%
page
10
Administration
11%
Statement of Activities & Financial Position
Total Assets
Total Liabilities
Net Assets
Revenue
Tuition
Grants
Donations
Other Income
Total Revenue
Expenses
Fundraising
Administration
2015
1,663,110
270,055
1,393,055
2014
1,874,302
358,986
1,515,316
2013
1,910,828
373,396
1,537,432
2012
2,263,292
363,958
1,899,334
2011
1,714,381
388,260
1,326,121
2,736,411
1,380,812
855,467
49,888
5,007,578
1,988,534
988,877
886,980
72,363
3,936,754
1,599,470
848,679
257,941
48,916
2,755,006
1,288,250
839,095
194,746
40,439
2,362,530
1,350,804
747,413
190,767
34,350
2,323,334
200,212
565,573
168,629
401,952
129,197
296,990
123,077
280,725
170,014
243,929
1,350,353
423,130
570,910
655,935
726,685
10,107
224,564
38,712
1,144,475
232,988
511,245
460,317
694,315
49,473
166,375
110
613,836*
46,339
495,842
343,263
497,001
56,952
122,334
5,216
192,668
187,668
562,842
429,175
442,507
42,482
87,043
29,683
602,147
413,876
411,792
220,102
128,991
126,380
118,316
138,532
0
4,220,498
4,986,283
0
3,388,289
3,958,870
0
2,307,163
2,733,350
0
1,904,716
2,308,518
3,074
1,671,668
2,273,279
Program Services
Admissions/Recruitment
Belize
Costa Rica
Galapagos
Mexico
Panama
Yellowstone
Global Services/Scaling
Operations & Education/General Program
Ecotours**
Total Program Services
Total Expenses
page
11
*Growth reflects a shift in U.S. student airfare from in-country budgets to admissions.
**Ecotour revenue shifted to country-specific program budgets in 2012.
91,946
10,301
Your 2015 Gifts
Benefactor ($100,000+)
Champion ($10,000-$49,999)
Corporate
Candeo Fund
Edward L. Anderson Jr. Foundation
Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust
Protector ($50,000-$99,999)
Adventure Life LLC
Anonymous
Brock Foundation
Ecoventura
Gurinas Trust
Houston Zoo, Inc.
Llewellyn Foundation
State of Montana Missoula Job Service Active Assistants
Individual
Michael & Rocio Haas
Christy & Donaldson Miele
Jason & Robin Yardi
Paul M. Angell Family Foundation
THAN
to our K YOU
gen
suppo erous
rters!
page
12
Your 2015 Gifts
Forerunner ($5,000-$9,999)
Steward ($2,500-$4,999)
Corporate
Corporate
Anonymous
Banco Nacional
The Lightfoot Foundation
State of MT Gear Up Program
Verizon Foundation
The William H. & Mattie Wattis Harris Foundation
Yardi Systems, Inc.
Awesome Products
Cinnabar Foundation
Idaho Community Foundation
University for Peace
World Wildlife Fund
Individual
David & Charl Kappel
Glenn & Tana Kincaid
Katy VanDusen & Frank Joyce
Individual
Macon Brock III
Dylan Charles & Markley Bavinger
Matt & Lily Eggers
Buzz & Lisa Hines
Roy & Susan O’Connor
Celebrating 15 Years in Costa Rica
On November 12, EPI Costa Rica celebrated 15 years of conservation and community
involvement at the annual BioCiencia end-of-season festival. Nearly 600 participants attended,
including students, educators, EPI board members & co-founders, conservation NGOs, and
government officials. Participants celebrated with art, music, science projects, and workshops.
New this year, EPI hosted its first Alumni Leadership Summit at BioCiencia. Nine outstanding
alumni were selected from Belize, Costa Rica, Galapagos, and Mexico. These teens and their
EPI mentors kicked off the summit, meeting hundreds of other alumni at BioCiencia, then
spent the following days planning workshops and activities to help them learn to design,
implement, and lead conservation projects in their own communities.
Each student returned home with a plan and new skills to lead their peers in a conservation
project. We can’t wait to see the impact they will make in their communities!
page
13
Your 2015 Gifts
Community Leader ($1,000-$2,499)
Corporate
Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co.
Anonymous
Farella Braun + Martel LLP
Galapagos Tortoise Program
Gallery 16 + Urban Digital Color
Minnesota Zoo Foundation
Muriel F. Siebert Foundation
Plangea, Inc.
Rainforest Adventures
Individual
Anonymous
Karen & Dale Barry
Steven Carpenter & Lisa Hogen
Elizabeth Denison
William & Colleen Gardner
Pam & Willie Hodges
Richard & Lori Klein
Rebecca Lambert
Allen & Gloria Larson
Stephen & Annette McCarthy
Martha Newell & Mike Kadas
Julie Osborn & Scott Pankratz
Palmer & Kappel Family
Ben & Lorraine Pankratz
Loren & Ethelyn Pankratz
John & Ann Perkins
Gloria Polis
Vicki Slater
Nick Triolo
Steve & Karen Wiel
2015 In-Kind Donations
Thank you to our 2015 in-kind donors, who supported EPI staff retreats, student symposia, fundraisers, community events, our annual raffle, and so much more!
Corporate
Arthur Court Designs
Aurora Theatre Company
Balloons Above The Valley
Bay Area Discovery Museum
Beartooth Capital Partners, LLC
Bernice’s Bakery
Big Sky Brewing Co.
Black Coffee Roasting Company
Bridger Brewing Company
Burns St. Bistro
California Academy of Sciences
Canva
Catalina Island Conservancy
Chez Panisse
Costanoa Lodge & Camp
Di Pietro Todd Salon
The Dram Shop
Ecoventura
Fundación Galápagos
Gallery 16 + Urban Digital Color
Good Food Store
Google
Green Hanger
Gull Boats & RV
La Peña Cultural Center
La Tourangelle
Landmark Theaters
Le Petit Outre
Los Quetzales Ecolodge & Spa
Marine Science Institute
Matt Dalio
Montana ACE Trempers
Montana’s Best Vacation Rentals
Mustang Powder
Napa Valley Marriott
Oakland East Bay Symphony
Oceanic Society
The Phoenix Pastificio
Podio
Portola Hotel & Spa
Primrose Natural Skincare
Roger Smith Hotel
Sacajawea Hotel
Salesforce
Sea Trek Ocean Kayaking Center
SK Vacation Rental
SnapWidget
Tom’s Planner
Individual
Steve Anderson
Sarah Davies & Whitney Tilt
Matt & Lily Eggers
David Hernández Ángeles
Jean & Ann Horton
Roger Lang
Beverly McNamara
Bob & Amy Slobe
Ben Stadler
page
14
Your 2015 Gifts
Mentor ($250-$999)
Corporate
Alpha Graphics
Bank Of America Matching Gifts
Bendel Communications International
The Boeing Company
Caffe Dolce
Combined Federal Campaign of Western
Montana
Energetechs
First Interstate BancSystem Foundation
First Interstate Bank
Kaiser Permanente
Microsoft Matching Gifts Program
Miller Nash Graham & Dunn
Missoula Community Foundation
Rimrock Capital Management LLC
page
15
Individual
Byron Ackerman & Kathleen Dervin
Steve & Jen Anderson
Margaret Bendel
Kate Blessing
Harold Brull & Myra Barrett
Joan & Macon Brock Jr.
Sachu Constantine & Suzanne Delbanco
Janel Crawford & Johannes Meerjanssen
Bill Ficke
Kate & Nik Geranios
Kay Grissom-Kiely & Daniel Kiely
Jean & Ann Horton
Michael & Joelle Hurlston
Ann & Michael Jenkins
Jeanne Johnson
Glenn Kreisel
John Kromer
Sue & Roger Lang
Tim & Donna Le Tourneau
Charles Lewis
Susan Mendelsohn
Valerie Messer
Julie & Jon Meyer
Morehouse Family
Alan & Ellen Newberg
Jim & Cindy Newberg
Clayton Nolde
Catherine Parke
Jennifer & Andrew Parker
Jill Perelman
Lynn & John Price
Rob Primmer & Shira Fruchtman
Melanie & P. Andrew Puckett
David Quammen & Betsy Gaines Quammen
Tom Quirk
Caitie Remen
Jennifer & Riyad Salma
Ginger Snap
Anne Stone
Beth Stockdell
James Thomas & Candace Wolhart
Vargas-Hurston & Vargas Voracek Family
Doug Webber & Nancy Winslow
John Westgarth
Dale Woolhiser
Larry Wornian & Mary Lanier
Your 2015 Gifts
Friend (up to $249)
Corporate
Amazonsmile Foundation
Bao Chow
Bridger Brewing Company
Clove Pizza Cart
Homeword, Inc.
Institute For Cultural Exchange, Inc
Laughing Grizzly Bar & Grill
Liquid Planet
Market on Front
Masala Restaurant
Missoula in Motion
North Country Men’s Club
Opportunity Resources
Steen Wear LLC
Individual
James Acee
Sally Adams
Bill Adams
Emily Adams
Sarah Adams
Richard & Lucille Adelmann
Ann Agan
Taylor Alford
Paula Alford
Amelia Alpaugh
Brigitte Amat
Michel Amat
Susan Anderson
Jenn Anderson
Lorena Anderson
Angela Family
Heidi Angell
page
page
14
16
Trudi Angell
Laurie & Virgil Boss
Olivia Angell
Lindsey Bourgeau
Barry Applebaum & Carol Cedar-Applebaum
Shane Bowe
Steven Arbogast
Chris Bowser
Carla Arzente
Stacey Braithwaite
Katherine Atellar
Steve Brennan
Florita Avila
Carol Brewer & Paul Alaback
Emily Axtmann
Ben & Kate Brinkman
Dillon Baier
Lauren Broccoletti
Blaine & Jennifer Baker
Nancy Brown
Collin Bangs & Patsy Plaggemeyer
Bonnie Buckingham
Melissa Bangs
Blaz Burgar
Martijn Barnas
Peter Butler
Brooke Barnett
Brendan Buzzard
Janie Barnett
Candace Buzzard
Michelle & Troy Barnett
Simon Buzzard
Dick & Sharon Barrett
Burt Caldwell & Marty Smith
Carrianne & Robert Basler
Lauren Caldwell & Gabe Furshong
Andrew Bawden
Rachael Caldwell
Jane Beard
Marianne & Jimmy Capra
Ben Beaty
Massimiliano Cardinale
Beaulieu Family
Adriana Cardozo
Nadia Beaulieu
Nicholas Carman
John Beckmann
Richard & Harriet Carpenter
Beede Family
Uschi Carpenter
Paulita Bennett-Martin
Carpenter Family
Luke Bergstrom
Katie & Taras Carpiac
Don & Denise Bermant
Elizabeth Carreiro
Bill Bevis & Juliette Crump
Mary Cattani
Bimson Family
Jenna Cederberg
Kimberly & Christopher Birdsall
Urska Cepin
Claire Bonham-Carter
Gordon Chamberlan
Natalie Bonnewit & Matthew Myers
David & Paula Chmiel
Kayje Booker & Nick Grener
Kate Chope & Jose Garcia-Lopez
Melanie Bosquez
Judy & Terry Christensen
Jonette & Ken Christian
Kenneth Christian
Robyn Christopher
Matthew & Laura Churchman
Michael Cibula
Erin Clark
Lane Coddington
Kevin Coldiron & Jody Brettkelly
Barbara Collison
Angie Zavoral Conley
Saxon Copps
Ellen Cross
Rich & Ann Cross
Gay Crusius
Rial Cummings
Carla D’Antonio & Thomas
Dudley
Hannah Dale
Mike Davis
Tony Davis
Deidre Dawson & David Wenkert
Jamie Dawson
Ricky de Stains
Donald DeArmoun
Gina Decarion
Olga Dedikova
Ed Defrancia
Michelle & Rick Delano
Madison Dengler
Deninson Family
David Depew
Stephen & Diane Derby
Mike & Lisa Derezin
Katie Desimone
Katie Deuel
Your 2015 Gifts
Friend (up to $249)
Mark Ditteaux
Julie Dompe
Debbie Donahue
John & Danuta Donovan
Mark Dougherty
David Duke
Liz Dye
Edler Family
Jennifer Eggers
Kay Eggers
Robert Eggers
Thurston Elfstrom
Jeremy A. Enriquez
Johanna Epley
John F. Erdmann III
Ashley Erickson
Armando Estrada
Joseph Eto & Elizabeth Heller Eto
Bruce Evans
Babak Fadaiepour
Mary & Ben Feinberg
Sean Fenderson
Michelle & K. Ewan Ferguson
Helen Fields
Howard Fischer
MK Flotten
Julie Fogarty
Sophie Franks
LeeAnne French
Martha & Thomas Friedlander
Paul Friedman
Fry Family
Carrie Fuller & Rick McMahon
Joey Gannon
Ryland Gardner
Tom & Allison Gartner
Tom & Kim Gattiker
page
17
Suraya & Bryan Gauvin
Naomi Gerheim
Lisa Giampa
Christopher Gipple
Katie Glenn
Gregory Goldsmith
Jerry Goldstone
Gerald Doyle & Christina Gomez
Alexandra Gorman Scranton
Missy Goslee
Wendy Greenberg & Mark Fulton
Sean Gregory
Jonathan Gregory
Vicky Guarracino
Pamela Guillotte
Gur Family
Liliana Gutierrez Mariscal
John & Maxine Hamachi
Ricki Hamel
Hal Hamilton
Alexander Hammond
Hammond Family
Alec & Amy Hammond
Elizabeth Hammond
Robert Hanig
Judith & Bill Hanna
Bridget Hannibal
Connie & Keith Hanson
Haley & Tyler Hanson
Jillian Hardee
Kimberly Hardee
Michael & Mary Harman
Jim Harte
Mary Harter
G.G. Haskell
Neal & Sarah Haskell
Sampson Hatziathanasiou
Sarah Havey
Jacqueline Hegi
Kaci Heins
Carol Hennessy Carlson
John Henson
Bruce Hills & Gertud Laine
Carla Hinman
Aaron Hirsh
Jennifer & Douglas Hoffman
Lily & Joel Hoffman
Warren Hogarth
Pam & Murray Hogen
Robin & Jan Hogen
Charles Holmes
Rebecca Holmes
Bonnie Holt
Martin Horn
Leah Hoskin
Richard Hossfeld
Gregory & Mary Houlihan
Robert & Mitzie Housley
Kristen Houston
Anna Hunt
Vanessa Hunt
Benny Hyder & Ginny Cole
Corinne & Morgan Jackson
Jacobs Family
Mark Jacobstein
Alex James
Erin James & Patrick Welden
Bryan & Sergio Jauregui
Michael Jauregui
Klavdija Jenko
Marija Jenko Bugar
Alan & Michelle Jensen
Barney Jette & Nancy Ball
Denise Jones
Eliot Jones
Francis Joyce
Helen Joyce
Richard Joyce
Danielle Kaiser
Jay Kaiser
James & Elizabeth Kamman
John Kamman & Grace Brogan
Peter Kamman
Kimberly Kayler
Rok Keber
Nicole Kitchen
Nat & Erin Keefe
Katie Keener
Lisa Van Dusen
Veronica Kelly
Emily Kern
Courtney Babcock & Miles Key
Jeffrey Kibbey
Jason Kiely & Gita Saedi Kiely
Betty Kijewski
Stephanie Kik
Cecelia King
Tikki King
Steve & Collette Kirchhoff
Kathy Kirn & David Levinson
Brad & Sandy Knilans
Kathleen Knox
Jessi Knudsen Castaneda
Janice Koehler
Monique & Scott Koenigsberg
Tyler Koes
Richard Koomey
Melissa & Jonathan Koomey
Claudia Kopkowski
Lauren Koshere
Jennifer & Zee Kreiners
page
17
Your 2015 Gifts
Friend (up to $249)
Katie Kross
Susan Kumli
Michael Kuntz
Katherine Atellar
Ronald Lachman
Kristina & Greg LaCommare
Sylke & Derek Laine
Lise Lalonde
Kim Langmaid
Manijeh Lani
Angie & Lydia Larosa
Derek Larson
Marie Laws
Jessie Lawson
Doug & Dana Leipold
Lisa Lenard
Kyle Lesinger
Lauren Leslie
Lauren Lewis
Nathan Liebenstein
Jennifer Lightsey
Brett Linn
David Litten
Rebecca & James Livingstone
Kelly Lockman
Amy Long
Greg & Kirsi Luther
Lisa Macki
Debra Magadini
Peg Malloy
Seth Marcus
Amanda Martin
Chris Martin
Rebecca Martone
Patricia May
Binzer & Tom McConnon
Lachlan & Josephine McConnon
page
18
Summer McCormick
Eileen McDermott
Ellie & Gerry McDermott
Sharon McKeague
McKnight Family
Kathryn McPherson
Keri McWilliams
Nora Means
Teresa Meck
John & Dana Melsom
Ellie Metzger
Laurie & Craig Meyer
Mariah Meyer
Jennifer Miele
Thesa & Leo Miele
Megan & Steve Miley
Ross Miller & Sally Johnson
Spencer Miller
Claire Mitchell
Jill Moak
Paige & Ed Mobley
Montes Avendaño Family
Bruce & Rachel Muller
Kana Muraki
Shawn Murphy
Shawn & Cathey Murphy
Victor Murphy
Michelle Myers
Jon & Debbie Nakasako
Naumovich Family
Donald & Danielle Neary
Steve Nelson
Ryan Newhouse
Yunlan Ni
Jaen Nieto Amat
Florence Goldson
Jose Nieto
Roy Norris
Erin Nostrant
Jan Novak
Erin & Vincent Nuzzo
Shannon O’Brien & Chuck Dumke
Julie O’Callaghan
Casey O’Hara
Martin Oakland
Bob Oaks
Curt Oldenburg & Joan Florsheim
Kirsten & Tom Oleson
John Olivieri
James Olsen
Matt Orr & Kathryn Kocurek
Dale & Katherine Osborn
Margaret & Richard Parker
Cindy Parshall
William Parsons
Marty Patton
Chuck & Shirley Pearce
Petch Peden
Carole Pelton
Peltz Family
Michael Penn
Charlotte & Trajan Perez
Fern Perkins
Janice Peters
Renee Peterson
Glen Phillips
Denise Pinkston & Jeffrey Sinsheimer
Monica & Carlos Plazola
Stephen Porder
Zack Porter & Kassia Randzio
Laura Post
Rick Potts
Melanie Powers
Lisa & Brad Pratchett
Brooks Preston
Christopher & Lisa Preston
John Purnell
Ann Quirk
Patrick Raines
Amy Ratzlaf & Sneed Collard
Stacy Rebich Hespanha
Lauren Koshere
Tim & Susan Rector
Tonnya Redmond
Annie Rees
Andrea Reid
Mira Remien
John Rettenmayer
Steve Richards
Kendra Richer
Tim Ring
Ray & Susie Risho
Kari Roberts
Bethany Robison
Linda Rockett & Scott Innis
Liz Rogers
Deborah & Mike Roosevelt
Bill Rossbach
George Roth
Wendy Rowe
Liz Rumsey
Mary Rutherford
Tim & Sally Ryan
Lindalou & Michael Ryge
Anne Salomon
Maggie Sanders
Sant Family
Kimberly Sauer
William & Jennifer Sawyer
Nick Sayen
David Sayles & Mitch Todd
Your 2015 Gifts
Friend (up to $249)
David Schimelpfenig
Mark Schmidt
Andrew Schremp
Lindsey Schwickert
Stephanie Scott
Shannon Scully
Scurfield Family
Nancy Seldin
Jacquie Sewell
Micah Sewell
Karin Shelton
Craig & Regina Shields
Cheryl Shilling
Sandra & Garrick Simmons
Ben Simon
Chris & Allyson Smith
Smith Family
Karen Smith
Lin Smith
Trev & Whit Smith
Veronica Smith
Vikki & Robert Smyth
Lluvia Soto
Stephen Speckart & Patricia Forsberg
Michael Spertus
Skander Spies
Hannah St. Peter
Jason Stading
Elisa Stamm
Kelsey Stamm
Mike & Karen Stanko-Brogan
John Stein
Beth Steinberg
Patricia Stelzner
Sarah Stelzner
Kathie Stevens
Bruce & Nicholous Stratton
Charles Stratton
Tim Suba
Sullivan Family
Cristina Sullivan
Rossana Sussarellu
Jere Takahashi & Terri Kim
Stacey Tank
Michelle Turley
Denise Taylor
Lorin & Jeremy Terrell
Tony Terreri
Thomas Tether
Harold Thomas & Kathleen Les
Tierney Family
Hollie & Brian Timmons
Lori Tomlinson
Rich Toscano & Jessica Emerson
Bill & Sarah Towle
Kyra Treible
Irene Tremper
Rosario Valdez
Greer Van Dyck
Nick & Christine Vannatta
Dan Vermeer
Richard & Harriet Carpenter
Jonah Volk
Lulu Wainwright
Julie Walker
Bill & Amy Walsh
Helmut Walter
Barbara Ware & Bob Page
Warren Family
Amanda Watson & Matt Gregg
Jennifer Watson
Vicki Watson
Kyle Watson
Beth Weinberger
Scott Welker
Jennifer Westbay
Derek & Marcie White
Kelly Whiting
Lee Wiener
Ryan Wilbur
Mark & Sue Williams
Jennifer & Norm Williamson
Marianna & Wade Williamson
Darcy Winslow
Don & Bente Winston
Chris, Leah & Madeleine Woock
Kelsey Woods
Judy Wright
Kris Wright
Ying Yu
Philip Zarri & Lisa Rooney-Zarri
Jim Zavoral
Jessica Zephyrs
Our 2015 supporter lists
include gifts made during
the calendar year:
Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2015.
EPI strives to recognize all
contributors accurately.
If there is an omission or
mistake, we apologize and
ask you to you notify us.
Special Thanks
to all of our annual
auction attendees,
participants, and
volunteers!
page
19
K
N
A
TH
!
U
O
Y
EPI Leadership Circle
The remarkable individuals in EPI’s Leadership Circle have graciously named EPI as a beneficiary in their wills. As
we celebrate 15 years of conservation education, we are deeply grateful to our Leadership Circle Members, who
are helping to ensure an enduring legacy of conservation-minded citizens for the next 15 years and beyond.
Laurie & Virgil Boss
Marianne & Jimmy Capra
Please contact us if you
would like to be a part of this
movement and help sustain
EPI for future generations of
conservation leaders!
Steve & Annette McCarthy
Julie Osborn & Scott Pankratz
Jennifer & Norm Williamson
Donate@ecologyproject.org
1-800-721-8784
page
20
Board of Directors
Buzz Hines, Chair
Partner - Farella Braun + Martel LLP
Lisa Hogen, Vice Chair
Chief Development Officer - Kiva.org
Global Staff
Scott Pankratz
Julie Osborn
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Advancement Director & Co-Founder
Amy Beale
Alexandra James
Erin Nuzzo
Enrollment Assistant
Enrollment Officer
Development Coordinator
Kimberly Brevik
John Kamman
Melissa Peterson
Recruitment Supervisor
Admissions Director
Finance & HR Coordinator
Simon Buzzard
Jessica Kindred
Ann Quirk
Founder - Yoga4Teens
Global Services Supervisor
Office Assistant
Development Coordinator
Peggy Bendel
Rachael Caldwell
Derek Laine
Joan Scheffer
Communications Manager
IT Coordinator
Chief Medical Screener
Dylan Charles
Kate Geranios
Autumn Lee
David Schimelpfenig
Grants Supervisor
Recruitment Coordinator
Global Field Program Supervisor
Katy VanDusen, Secretary
Community Organizer - Monteverde, Costa Rica
Christy Miele, Treasurer
President - Bendel Communications
Partner - Channel Cloud Consulting
Matt Eggers
Haley Hanson
Lisa Lenard
Micah Sewell
Global Identity Supervisor
Development Officer
Recruitment Coordinator
Carrie Kappel
Julia Horn
Gregory Luther
Carlos Trejos
Development Officer
Recruitment Coordinator
Education Manager
Energy Management - Yardi Systems, Inc.
Associate Project Scientist - National Center for
Ecological Analysis and Synthesis
Steve McCarthy, Emeritus
Founder and Vice President - Systems
Engineering Associates, Inc.
Julie Osborn
Brant Warren
Program Operations Director
Kyle Watson
Recruitment Manager
Jennifer Williamson
Co-Founder - Ecology Project International
Finance & Administration Director
Scott Pankratz
Kris Wright
Co-Founder - Ecology Project International
John Westgarth
President - Plangea, Inc.
page
21
Human Resources Manager
Jessica Zephyrs
Communications Coordinator &
Executive Assistant
In-Country Staff
Belize
Galapagos
Jerry Enriquez
Ana María Loose
Program Manager
Program Manager
Corey Constantino
Lady Marquez
Mexico
Elizabeth Hammond
Maria Robledo
Program Manager
Program Supervisor
Lucía Saraí Deanda
Karla Rochin
Campus Coordinator
Program Assistant
Alumni Program Coordinator
Outreach Coordinator
Shauna Lizama
Sofia Padilla
Salvador Prado Flores
Roberto Rodriguez
Administrative Coordinator
Administration & Finance Coordinator
Campus Coordinator
Program Assistant
Alonso Mohedano
Juan Sebastián Torres
Veronica Gonzalez
Sylviane Jaume Schinkel
Program Coordinator
Program Supervisor
Program Coordinator
Oliver Tisalema
Claudia Diaz Guzman
Aracely Rojas Sierra
Outreach Coordinator
Alumni Program Coordinator
Program Coordinator
Costa Rica
Miguel Fuentes
Regional Program Director
Eylen Zuniga Acuna
Program Manager
Diana Vargas
Regional & Finance Manager
Melissa Segura
Communications &
Outreach Coordinator
Olman Alvarado ZapataI
Field Program Assistant
Administrative Coordinator
Yellowstone
Erin Clark
Program Manager
Jenna Herrick
Office Assistant
Michael Lessard
Program Assistant
Lisa Macki
Program Coordinator
Mario Zumbado
Administrative & Logistics Assistant
Juan Carlos Zuniga
Field Program & Outreach Facilitator
Field Instructors & Interns
Thank you to our incredible field instructors and interns!
They teach, they protect, they share stories and photos,
they swim, they climb, they hike, and they inspire the next
generation of conservation leaders. Learn more about our
unparalleled field instructors.
Heidi Porras
Flor Vazquez
Project Coordinator
Program Assistant
Roberto Retana
Baltazar Arce Varca*
Program Assistant
Administrative Coordinator
Claudia Erosa Ricárdez
Istar Vignal
Program Assistant
Communications Coordinator
In Memoriam - Baltazar Arce: 1979-2015
Baltazar began working with EPI Mexico in 2011, & always shared his unique
sense of humor & applied his careful eye for detail to his work. Baltazar’s vast
knowledge of a huge range of topics & facts earned him the nickname of
Balti-pedia around the office.
People were always important to Baltazar. He demonstrated
this in both word and action. He loved to cook, and we
always enjoyed the delicious dishes he brought to share
for birthdays or for no occasion in particular. Last year
Baltazar traveled to EPI Costa Rica and returned thrilled
with the new learning and new friends and glowing
from the travel and discovering he did while there.
We all feel so deeply that Baltazar has left us far too
soon; his spirit will remain with all of us.
page 22
Partners
Belize
Costa Rica
Estacion
Biologica
las Tortugas
La Suerte
Biological
Station
Galapagos
Galapagos Tortoise
Movement Ecology
Program & Stephen Blake
Galapagos
Ministry
of Education
Parque Nacional
Galapagos Ecuador
page
23
Mexico
Yellowstone
Co
n
at
rv
se
for the next
g
e
n
ion
e
You
for
15 incredible
years of
conservation!
r
a
t
i
o
n
photo credit: Francisco Laso
k
n
a
h
T
www.ecologyproject.org