Turtle Island institute Resource Guides - Ecotravel Tour Hosts A-H

TURTLE ISLAND INSTITUTE - KOKOPELLI SPIRIT - RESOURCE GUIDES

ECOTRAVEL TOUR HOSTS

This list is by no means complete but includes ecotravel tours which offer educational opportunities, are ecology-oriented, and/or which may also offer volunteer opportunities. TII has not personally investigated these tours and can make no recommendations. Please help us keep this Resouce Guide current and offer submissions for other tours that may meet the above requirements. Tours listed alphabetically:

A-H I-P Q-Z

ACROSANTI - http://www.arcosanti.org/arcosanti/index.html

In 1970, the Cosanti Foundation began building Arcosanti, an experimental town in the high desert of Arizona, 70 miles north of metropolitan Phoenix . When complete, Arcosanti will house 7000 people, demonstrating ways to improve urban conditions and lessen our destructive impact on the earth. Its large, compact structures and large-scale solar greenhouses will occupy only 25 acres of a 4060 acre land preserve, keeping the natural countryside in close proximity to urban dwellers. Arcosanti is an educational process. The five week workshop program teaches building techniques and arcological philosophy, while continuing the city's construction. Volunteers and students come from around the world. Many are design students, and some receive university credit for the workshop. But a design or architecture background is not necessary. People of many varied interests and backgrounds are all contributing their valuable time and skills to the project. Week-long silt sculpture workshops and Elderhostel programs offer other ways to be involved. At the present stage of construction, Arcosanti consists of various mixed-use buildings and public spaces constructed by 4000 past Workshop participants.

ADVENTURE WOMEN - http://gorp.com/rainbowadv/index.html

Formerly known as Rainbow tours, Adventure Women in business for 18 years offers adventure tours exclusively for women. Most women are between the ages of 30 -70 with an average age of 50, and are satisfied with their lives, are successful in their careers, confidant of who they are, and are physically fit non-smokers. Married or unmarried with an average of three children they come from around the world. In addition to regular adventure tours, Adventure Women offers three trips annually that are culturally, ecologically, or physically challenging. Year 2000 "Born to Be Wild" trips are planned for: Timbuktu, the Amazon River, and Wild Alaska.

AMERICAN CETACEAN SOCIETY - http://www.acsonline.org/

The American Cetacean Society provides tours to the Baja California peninsula, one of the great wilderness areas in North America, sometimes referred to as the "Galapagos of the north". Their trips provide a unique combination of adventure and tranquillity, with abundant opportunities to see whales and other wildlife. They reward passengers with a great learning vacation and the satisfaction of knowing that a portion of your vacation dollars is used to fund education, conservation and research about whales, dolphins and porpoises. Stay in "tented safari accomodations, participate in whale watching, beach exploration, birdwatching, and kayaking in mangrove estuaries.Encounter curious gray whales in San Ignacio Lagoon, lounging elephant seals on Islas San Benito, magnificent blue and fin whales in the Sea of Cortez, many species of seabirds and shorebirds, and much more!

AK-NATURAL OFFSHORE ADVENTURES - http://www.angelfire.com/ak2/aknatural/

Share an unforgettable 5-day adventure cruising to the most remote, least visited corners of Alaska’s Alexander Archipelago. Only seven-hundred miles up the coast from Seattle lies Alaska’s magnificent Alexander Archipelago. Determined by your particular interests, AK-NATURAL OFFSHORE ADVENTURES itinerary will include rarely visited wilderness on National Forest islands or the spectacular off-shore islands of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Each evening tour anchors at a different location. Stable kayaks will allow close-up observations while the comfort of the LOON, a 48' steel schooner offers safety in open waters along with bunks and hot showers. You will enjoy wildlife observation, beach exploring, hiking, fishing, kayaking, or opportunities for solitude as suits your fancy. Venturing off the beaten track, far from the package tour ship crowd, you will encounter a vast area of unspoiled wilderness and incomparable beauty. Tour strives to achieve a "leave no trace" wilderness experience. Subscribe to ecotravel guidelines.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - http://www.ahs.org/

The American Horticultural Society (AHS), founded in 1922, is an educational, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that recognizes and promotes excellence in American horticulture. Its mission is to educate and inspire people of all ages to become successful and environmentally responsible gardeners by advancing the art and science of horticulture. AHS is known for its educational programs and the dissemination of horticultural information. Horticulture Internships are provided at River Farm The internship program is open to any college level horticulture student or interested adults making a career change into horticulture. The Society also conducts a Travel Study Program to gardens in the United States and abroad. Started in 1985, this program offers tour participants the opportunity to visit exceptional private and public gardens accompanied by tour leaders and horticulturists well known in their field.

ARTEMISIA - http://www.scn.org/~artemis

Meditative week-long retreats in exquisite, non-tourist settings. Inclusive of daily Yoga/Tai Chi/Chi Gong, healthy cuisine comprised of local foods, daily process work in informative sharing circles pertaining to theme of the week and country/culture we travel in. Small groups - intimate gatherings. Accommodation options range from dormitory temple/monastic housing to luxury estates with oceanfront rooms wherever possible. Travel to: Canada, Hawaii, Jamaica.

CANYONLANDS FIELD INSTITUTE - http://www.canyonlandsfieldinst.org

Canyonlands Field Institute is a non-profit educational organization with offices in Moab, a field camp in stunning Professor Valley, and river permits to run the Colorado, Green, Dolores and San Juan Rivers. Programs may include courses that are accredited through the College of Eastern Utah or through Utah State University. Canyonlands Field Institute offers educational adventures where you can experience and learn about the history, ecosystems, cultures and secret beauty of the vast Colorado Plateau. Canoe, raft, hike or simply soak in this magnificent landscape as CFI's skilled and enthusiastic instructors guide you through this unique landscape -- and through the issues facing it.

CARIBBEAN CONSERVATION CORPORATION (CCC) - http://www.cccturtle.org/program.htm

Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC) has been conducting research in Tortuguero, Costa Rica since 1959. Dr. Archie Carr, the internationally recognized father of sea turtle research, founded the non-profit CCC to help bring international attention to the plight of sea turtles. Dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles and related marine/coastal wildlife, CCC is based in Gainesville, Florida with research stations in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. aribbean Conservation Corporation offers Tortuguero Research Participant Programs. By joining one of CCC's Research Programs, you will not only support research efforts financially, but will get the chance to work with research participants in Tortuguero, Costa Rica. Research Participants stay at on-site facilities at the John H. Phipps Biological Field Station, located in a tropical rainforest setting, and just steps from the black sand beach. Work hands-on with the research staff on the program of your choice. You may choose to participate for one, two or more weeks. The fees you pay on this trip help cover the costs of running a field station to enable scientists to conduct research as these costs are substantial.

CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION - http://www.dade.k12.fl.us/usi/cee/#center

The CEE, established by Miami-Dade County Public Schools in 1971, provides instructional programs which foster an awareness and appreciation of the natural world and promote an understanding of ecological concepts. Programs emphasize the special geologic features, natural resources, and habitats of south Florida. CEE encourages students to develop a sense of stewardship and to live harmoniously with our vital native communities. The CEE programs feature one to two days of field investigations in their National Environmental Study Area (1976 U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service designation) located within Dade County's Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. Daily, six Dade County Public Schools' science Educational Specialists instruct approximately 120 students, their accompanying classroom teachers, and parent chaperones, in hands-on environmental studies and multi-sensory observations within varied ecosystems. Each year, more than 10,000 students visit the coastal strand hammock (native woods), intertidal zone, mangrove swamp, vegetated sand dunes, a unique fossil mangrove rock reef, and extensive seagrass beds associated with this sand barrier island.

CORNELL'S ADULT UNIVERSITY - http://www.sce.cornell.edu/CAU/

CAU off-campus seminars and study tours are designed and led by many of Cornell's finest, most engaging teachers. Their talents, knowledge, and contacts help develop wonderful itineraries to varied destinations throughout the United States and abroad. The university oversee all program planning and on-site arrangements and program fees are inclusive. Senior members of the CAU staff accompany every group to look after details. Group sizes vary from program to program, from twenty-five to thirty-five people in most cases; higher for weekend seminars and some study tours. Typically, three-quarters are couples, one-quarter singles. Age varies from program to program, but most traveling CAUers graduated from college between the 1940s and 1970s. What doesn't vary is the warmth, informality, and intelligence of the groups. Fifty to eighty percent of the participants in any given program have traveled with CAU before. For further information -http://www.sce.cornell.edu/CAU/html/off-campus.html

CROSS CULTURAL SOLUTIONS - http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/

Cross-Cultural Solutions is a nonprofit organization that employs humanitarian volunteer action to empower local communities, foster cultural sensitivity and understanding, and further social progress in India, Ghana, Peru, Kosovo and through the women's cultural tour of India, "Saheli". They believe that local people are the experts and know what is best for their communities. As a Cross-Cultural Solutions volunteer, you will help achieve the goals of dynamic social service pioneers and relief workers from all over the world and come away with a deeper understanding of the local culture. People of each culture know and understand what is appropriate for their community and CCS assists them in carrying out the objectives they deem important, rather than impose Western ways. Service is the core of our programs. Volunteers serve by bringing their energy and skills to help fulfill the goals identified by expert local staff. Dedication to service is far more valuable than any one person's individual skills. Volunteers routinely leave the program with a new appreciation for the host country and its people. Many volunteers say that working side by side with the local people was a life-changing experience. Continuity is the key to long-term progress and that is why CCS has continuing monthly programs in two countries, rather than occasional programs in many countries. When one volunteer group leaves, new volunteers come and continue the work. In this way, each volunteer contributes to sustained social development. A strong and experienced staff is central to ensuring a positive volunteer experience. They have combed our host countries to find the very best to head Cross-Cultural Solutions’ field headquarters. Their program leaders have over twenty years of experience in sustainable community development.

CROW CANYON ARCHAEOLOGICAL CENTER - http://crowcanyon.org/intro_programs.htm

Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in Cortez, Colorado is a not-for profit organization dedicated to involving the public in the study of archaeology and Native American cultures. Through research and education programs, they seek to broaden public awareness of our cultural heritage, to support conservation of archaeological resources, and to facilitate understanding between the scientific community and Native American peoples. The mission is to involve you in the study of archaeology and ancient and contemporary Native American cultures. Learn by doing as you dig in the dirt for artifacts, scramble up slopes to view rock art, raft down a river to explore a remote site, or grind corn as Native Americans have done for centuries. Join the thousands of adult participants who since 1983, in the vast archaeological region surrounding Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, have worked in the field alongside Crow Canyon archaeologists to contribute to important new insights into ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) communities. Design a itinerary custom-tailored to the interests, time, and resources of your organization or family. Educators' Workshops provide opportunities to explore archaeological techniques and to examine methods for teaching archaeology and Southwest cultures. Workshops focus on the integration of archaeology into specific disciplines including science, art, and social studies. These workshops provide an opportunity for intensive probing of archaeology and how this science can be adapted to your classroom. Educators at any grade level are invited to participate. Graduate credit is available for all workshops.

EARTHQUEST - http://www.earthquestadventure.com/

Earthquest first got involved in adventure travel in 1972, and realized that success hinged entirely on the quality of a program's itinerary and its guides.

They consider themselves experts on the areas where they operate. Their programs are designed to be entertaining, informative, and relaxing. They use experienced travel guides, and in many areas, own and operate our their facilities. EarthQuest Trust 501C3 is a non-profit organization (501C3) which has very specific goals and targets for ecological growth which Earthquest manages. They conduct custom specific interest tours and have done photography tours all over the hemisphere such as weaving programs in Peru and Ecuador, ethnologica and archaeologic programs all through Central and South America. Tours are from four to six or more. Past custom trips have included fly fishing in Patagonia, trekking in Peru's Carabaya, and a 21 day Galapagos yacht charter. They have also outfitted movie locations, scientific investigations, and tours for want-to-be shamans.

EARTHWATCH EXPEDITIONS - http://www.earthwatch.org/

Earthwatch Institute is an international nonprofit organization which supports scientific field research worldwide to improve understanding and management of the Earth. The Institute's mission is to promote sustainable conservation of our natural resources and cultural heritage by creating partnerships between scientists, educators, and the general public. Through the participation of volunteers in field research, Earthwatch helps scientists gather vital data that empowers individuals and governments to act wisely as global citizens. Earthwatch offers its 25,000 members worldwide the unusual opportunity to work side-by-side with distinguished field scientists in seven areas of global concern: Oceans; Endangered Ecosystems; Biodiversity; Cultural Diversity; Origins of our Future; Global Change; and World Health. In 1999, Earthwatch sponsored 115 projects in 48 countries and 19 of the United States. Whether it's studying dolphin behavior in New Zealand, indigenous herbal medicine in Kenya, or Pleistocene mammal fossils in Mexico, Earthwatch volunteers support field science in action where it is most needed. Each year, 4,000 participants join field teams from the ranks of their membership. For most it is a life-changing experience that inspires them to do much more.

THE CENTER FOR FIELD RESEARCH - EARTHWATCH

Using Earthwatch Volunteers as Field Assistants: Profile of volunteers: 16 to 85 years of age, college-educated of which 40% have a graduate degree. Most are professionally trained, and English-speaking. Willing to donate time, money, and services to scientific field research Employed as doctors, business people, homemakers, teachers, or students Committed to becoming involved in identifying solutions to scientific, environmental, and cultural questions and issues.Many volunteers take their research and conservation experience back to the workplace and integrate the knowledge they have gained in their business and other activities. Earthwatch volunteers can greatly increase the data-gathering capacity of field research projects. In the past, volunteers have been successfully used to: excavate and map archaeological sites; photograph and record sounds of marine mammals; record and document music, dance, oral and folk traditions, and vernacular architecture; monitor water quality in lakes, streams, wetlands and agricultural areas; track animals and observe their behavior; collect and prepare plant specimens; observe, capture, measure, and band migratory birds survey flora and fauna; study the applications of indigenous knowledge on sustainable agriculture and development; gather ethnographic and public health data; teach appropriate technologies and construct solar ovens; study threatened marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs, mangroves and estuaries assist with underwater archaeology; conduct basic research in geology, volcanology, paleontology, geomorphology, glaciology and hydrology; study the causes, effects and mitigation of coral bleaching; share all field chores associated with professional field research. In addition, on numerous occasions Earthwatch volunteers with specific professional expertise--from computer programming to electronics to construction to public health--have made substantial additional contributions to various research efforts.

ENCHANTED EXPEDITIONS - http://www.angermeyer.com.ec/about_angermeyer.html

Angermeyer's Enchanted Expeditions is in its second decade of operating tours in Ecuador and has built a reputation for excellent personal and well organized tours. Their field of operation includes the Galapagos Islands, Amazon Jungle, trekking and adventure, walking tours, markets and festivals, educational tours, special interest tours, e.g., birdwatching, pottery, archeology, weaving, art, spiritual. All tours are escorted by specialized multilingual guides with in-depth knowledge of the areas visited. Apart from regular itineraries they tailor programs to suit participants fields of interest and time availability. Traditional tours may be tailored for any place in Ecuador and the Galapagos. Other tours include: Special interest tours and adventure: arts, archeology, ceramics, scientific excursions, intercultural exchange, student groups, incentives, spiritual tours, trekking, horseback riding, mountain climbing, biking, rafting etc. Individual Traveller tours guarantee monthly departures covering most regions of mainland Ecuador. You can join any part of this program. Travellers from all over the world meet on these tours and the experience can be very enriching. The guide is English and Spanish speaking (depending on group constellation CAN provide as well French or German speaking guides).

ENDANGERED SPIRIT - http://www.endangeredspirit.com/

Endangered Spirit is a Jewish Outdoor Adventure Program. The trips provide more than just adventure travel, they also provide an opportunity for Jews of all backgrounds to experience the connection between Judaism and nature. The trips combine outdoor adventure activities with discussions of topics relating to Judaism and nature, ecology and the environment. The trips also provide a great opportunity to make new friends and enjoy great adventures in some of the most exhilirating locations in the world. All programs and trips observe traditional laws of Shabbat and kashrut. Endangered Spirit is a program designed to provide experiences which promote growth, tolerance, leadership, and a greater understanding of individual as well as communal Jewish identity, through the combination of active learning and participation in outdoor adventure activities. Aaron Katler is the founder and director of Endangered Spirit. He has an extensive background in both Jewish education and wilderness guiding. Aaron is the primary facilitator on all trips and programs. He is the co-author of the Endangered Spirit program curriculum as well as the ESTP program materials. The trips are staffed by a number of other specific professionals ranging from wilderness guides to Jewish educators. Endangered Spirit organizes trips for individuals from age 16 to 80. Trips range from weekend getaways to 21-day excursions. All trips include elements of outdoor wilderness training as well as Jewish ecological education. Each Endangered Spirit trip is strictly kosher, as well as observant of traditional laws of Shabbat. These trips are designed to introduce, build, or enrich the participant's knowledge and understanding of the connection between Jewish tradition, its many textual resources, and the natural environment. It asks the question: "What exactly is our place in nature, and what is nature's place in our religious and spiritual lives?"

GOLONDRINAS CLOUDFOREST PROJECT - http://www.ecuadorexplorer.com/golondrinas/#top

The Ecuadorian-run Golondrinas Foundation, located in the western spurs of the Andes, is one of the most successful grassroots conservation projects in Ecuador. The Project has been successful primarily because it incorporates the participation of local farmers. The project's goal is to conserve a unique forest ecosystem while improving the standard of living for the people who reside in the region, through the introduction of adequate agriculture techniques. The goal of G.F. is to launch a long term regional development plan aimed at improving the standard of living while maintaining natural resources for the future. This will involve showing local farmers the benefits of sustainable agricultural through tree nurseries, permaculture farming sites, soil conservation techniques with hedge contour lines, reforestation and fruit orchards. A special focus is given to the environmental education of the children in the neighbouring villages. G.F is a non-profit, non-governmental organization, which means it primarily depends on volunteer's contributions, in terms of their manual labor as well as their financial support, to continue its projects. Thanks to the assistance of hard working, dedicated volunteers are able to meet our goals and be that much more successful. You may take a four day trek or volunteer to work on the Cloudforest project, agriforestry project or, community conservation project. Extremely reasonable accomodations are in small hotels and homes in the region and may include meals for as little as $15 per da. G.F. welcomes scientists interested in contributing their own insights into this diverse area.The Golondrinas Foundation needs scientists who are qualified for this type of work. If you think you can make a valuable contribution, send your C.V., a brief outline of the reasons for wanting to research in the area, as well as a brief outline of the specific project you would like to do, with 3 months notice. Research proposals must be approved by the Golondrinas Foundation. For futher information: http://www.ecuadorexplorer.com/golondrinas/html/how_to_support_golondrinas.h tm#research

GLOBAL EXCHANGE - http://www.globalexchange.org/

Global Exchange is a non-profit research, education, and action center dedicated to promoting people-to-people ties around the world. Since inception in 1988, the organization has been striving to increase global awareness among the US public while building international partnerships around the world and seeks to build people to people ties between the developed and developing world. The goal is public education and all of the proceeds of "Reality Tours" go entirely to cover tour expenses and the administrative costs of the program.

Offering an alternative way to travel, these tours allow people to go past what they read in the media and travel beyond hotels and beaches. Participants have the opportunity to meet with community leaders in Cuba, Haiti, South Africa, or Ireland. They can visit environmentally sustainable farming projects in Cuba, meet with artisans at crafts cooperatives in the fair trade movement, or learn about the arts and religions of Haiti, Thailand, Palestine, and Israel. As part of a non-profit organization, the money you pay for trips covers your travel expenses, as well as the operational costs of Global Exchange, but it also helps through offering financial assistance to low-income participants. The tours are open to anyone with a genuine interest in learning about the regions visited. Also appreciated are participants who are flexible and sensitive to Third World realities. Past tours have included students, retirees, industrial workers, teachers, lawyers, social workers, doctors, nurses, church workers, journalists, community organizers, and city officials. If your organization is interested in a specific issue or would like to travel to a particular or different destination, they can tailor a tour for you.

HAWAII ADVENTURE TOURS (Formerly Eye of the Whale) http://www.hawaiianadventuretours.com/philo.htm

Since 1980, Hawaiian Adventure Tours has continually refined it's goal of conducting exciting, thoughtful and informative "hands on" outdoor adventure vacations on land and sea through some of the most spectacular natural areas of Hawaii's outer islands. Each trip reflects the company's philosophy of blending relaxing pleasures of vacations while fostering an appreciation and understanding of Hawaii's delicate ecosystems and natural wonders. Hiking, swimming, snorkeling or just relaxing on the uncrowded beaches of Hawaii is part of the fun. All Hawaiian Adventure Tour programs are guided by a staff of resident outdoor professionals who have knowledge and appreciation of Hawaii, love for the outdoors, and concern for each individual. Their experience offers an in-depth outdoor and cultural experience of Hawaii not available to other visitors. Groups are small and personalized (4-10 people) creating a sense of "Ohana" (family) and every departure is personally guided by a staff of resident outdoor professionals. Their knowledge and appreciation of Hawaii, love for the outdoors and concern for each individual offers an in-depth outdoor and cultural experience of Hawaii not available to other visitors.

Group Trips....Each year, Hawaiian Adventure Tours organizes many trips for special interest groups such as museums, schools, outdoor orientated organizations or just families and friends. For groups of 10 or more, they custom tailor and price an itinerary to more closely compliment special interests. Usually, the trip organizer can go free! Contact Hawaiian Adventure tours for details.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - http://www.habitat.org/env/

In 1993, Habitat founded its Department of Environment, recently renamed Construction and Environmental Resources, to "promote good stewardship of natural resources in the elimination of substandard shelter, and to raise awareness of the impact of human habitation on God's creation." The Environmental Initiative is Habitat's primary tool for accomplishing this goal.Embracing the concept of sustainable building, the initiative is a program of education and training geared primarily to the thousands of volunteers who organize and maintain Habitat affiliates. These volunteers raise funds, procure land, select and work with people in need of shelter, and design and coordinate the building of Habitat houses. The information and techniques promoted through the Environmental Initiative assists affiliates in building houses that are not only simple, decent and affordable to low-income families, but also are as resource-efficient as possible to build and maintain -- without diverting funds from building other houses. Habitat for Humanity International's Global Village trips give participants a unique opportunity to become active partners with people of another culture. Team members work alongside members of the host community, raising awareness of the burden of poverty housing and building decent, affordable housing worldwide. As partners, team members help build a true "global village" of love, homes, communities and hope!

HEALTH VOLUNTEERS OVERSEAS - http://www.hvousa.org/volunteer.html

Health Volunteers Overseas is dedicated to improving the quality and availability of health care in developing countries through education. The cornerstone of the organization has always been our talented, innovative volunteers. Since 1986, more than 2,500 volunteers have served overseas with HVO and more than $6.5 million of education materials have been donated to over 40 sites. Health Volunteers Overseas is a private, non-profit, non-sectarian volunteer organization headquartered in the United States. HVO is dedicated to improving the availability and quality of health care in developing countries through training and education. Programs vary according to the needs of the countries in which they are located. However, there are certain principles that apply across all programs: Training focuses on local pathologies and medical problems; Practices and procedures taught are both relevant and realistic.

Trainees are encouraged to make maximum use of locally available equipment and supplies; and The ultimate goal of all programs is to identify and train local personnel to assume the roles of educator and provider, thus continuing the process. HVO volunteers will demonstrate the highest standards of professional and personal conduct at all times. Sensitivity to cultural and social beliefs and practices of the host country should guide professional and personal behavior. HVO is registered 501(C)(3) non-profit organization and all dues and donations are tax deductible. HVO sends qualified professionals overseas to train local health care providers in the following specialties: anesthesia and nurse anesthesia, dentistry, internal medicine, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthopeadics, pediatrics, and physical therapy. These highly skilled and experienced volunteers come from both private practice and university settings, with a significant number of retirees as well. HVO has projects in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Currently HVO supports over 30 projects in more than 20 countries. Each project is different depending on the educational needs and technological capacity of the country.