A Transformative Excursion in the Andorra Mountains

By Morgan Faith '24

Wilson College students have been taking advantage of the resources, tools, financial aid, and study abroad trips that the college has to offer. One equine studies student, Kendi Long '26, has taken advantage of her time at Wilson and applied for the Joan M. Thuebel ‘52 Earthwatch Prize that changed her life for the better.

The Earthwatch Program

After the call to change in 1962 from Rachel Carson’s published book, Silent Spring on the usage of pesticides, the public started to become even more aware of taking care of the earth. The modern environmental movement had begun, and programs like Earthwatch started to surface as a result.  

Earthwatch, being a research corps, was founded in 1971 because of the modern environmental movement. Through its offered programs and expeditions, Earthwatch pairs “scientists with non-scientists in research locations around the world.”  

Since Earthwatch was founded, they have accomplished ground-breaking research such as a mammoth excavation (1975), discovering a new spider species (1981), saving oiled penguins (2000), and unearthing a new dinosaur species (2001).

Joan M. Thuebel, an alumni of Wilson College, offers a scholarship for any student who may be interested in taking a scientific excursion to study the planet through the Earthwatch program. Known as the Earthwatch Prize, students can apply for this scholarship fund, choose a scientific excursion they would like to participate in, and prepare for a trip that will change their lives.

Long applied for an experience exactly as that. The Earthwatch Prize was awarded to her and two other recipients, Myla Owens and Professor Julie Raulli. Each student and professor at Wilson College was given the chance to experience an excursion that let them experience and explore the wonderful planet around them.  

Long reflects on Earthwatch's presence in changing the planet for the better, “Earthwatch is an absolutely amazing organization that gathers individuals from all over the world and from all walks of life to participate in various environmental expeditions. They are giving your day-to-day citizens, such as myself, the opportunity to work alongside scientists to make this world a better place.”

Studying the Andorran Pyrenees Environment

Long, being one of the 2022 and 2023 Earthwatch Prize recipients, experienced a trip like no other in the valley of Ordino, Andorra located in Europe. The expedition, lasting nine days, focused on the issue of climate change.

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Kendi worked alongside two other biologists. Working with these two biologists Long said that “They were extremely knowledgeable and professional, and they never failed to make us laugh.”

Within the nine days that she was there, a typical day was waking up, eating breakfast around seven, and then driving to a small mammal plot. At this small mammal plot, they would check any live traps and record and captures. After checking the plots, the group would drive to a trailhead, hike to a site, eat lunch, and then complete all research sites. Once they were finished, they would hike back down the trailhead, take a break, and then eat dinner at eight.

On the trip, each day had a different site that the group would attend to that would ultimately require different research to be completed. Kendi shared that, “We participated in monitoring small mammals, tree growth surveys, next boxes, and various other activities that explored the effects of climate change in the Andorran Pyrenees.”

If the group happened to capture an animal at the small mammal plot locations, Long shared that they would measure the tail, ear, genitals, and foot. Additionally, they would record the weight, the trap number, the species, gender, and sexual activity. On other days, Long would participate in hikes where they would check nest boxes and do tree growth surveys.  

Long reflects on her nine-day excursion with Earthwatch in the Andorran Pyrenees saying, “It was truly a life-altering experience.”

Reflecting on a Life-Changing Experience

After the expedition, Kendi was willing to share her experiences from the trip with peers, professors, and faculty at Wilson College. For a special common hour event, Kendi and the two other recipients of the Joan M. Thuebel ‘52 Earthwatch Prize presented their research they found on their excursion and how it opened their eyes to the real world around them.

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Throughout her presentation, Long shared her research in a powerpoint along with numerous pictures of her excursion. Pictures that will remind her of the beautiful opportunity she was given through Joan M. Thuebel’s generous donation of the Earthwatch Prize.  

Long reflects on her Earthwatch excursion saying, “Earthwatch is a program full of inspiring individuals that simply strive to protect our planet, and I would do every single expedition they offer if I had the chance. Waking to the beautiful Andorran sunrise, measuring the adorable Bank Voles, scaling breathtaking peaks daily, and sharing many laughs with my team have become memories I will cherish forever. I learned so much through our various studies and will never forget this amazing opportunity.” 

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