Journey
North was founded in 1994 by Elizabeth Howard. Inspired by
the early Internet-based projects in which school children
tracked human expeditions (e.g. across the Arctic by dogsled
or Africa by bicycle), she saw a clear and exciting parallel
between these expeditions and the wildlife migrations that
cross the globe with the seasons.
Both
were the ultimate survival stories. The same challenges encountered
on a remote expedition--changing weather, lack of food, insufficient
time--have always challenged migratory species as they travel
across the globe or pass through our own backyards.
With
a background in environmental education and natural history,
she saw migration as a compelling vehicle to engage students
in a story of nature and science. The Internet would make
it possible to collect first-hand observations from people
who were spread across the continent.
With
an initial challenge grant from the National Wildlife Foundation,
and full funding thereafter from Annenberg Media, the program
has grown into the premiere children's "citizen science"
project that it is today.
Today,
a volunteer network of over 60 institutions, scientists, educators
and other experts contribute their time, scientific data,
digital media and other resources to the project. This online
community further supports the project and gives Journey North
the authority and authenticity educators value.
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