The Research Ambassador Project

A Sampling of Outreach Scenarios

Legislators Aloft

The Legislators Aloft project was initiated to facilitate the transfer of research and conservation messages directly from scientists to decision makers.

Moss in Prisons Project

To investigate methods to sustainably grow mosses for the horticultural trade, Research Ambassadors enlisted the help of inmates at the Cedar Creek Correctional Center to grow mosses.

TreeTop Barbie

TreeTop Barbie was designed to inspire youth - especially young girls - to become aware of the field of the forest canopy.

Tourism is the largest industry in Costa Rica, and contributes greatly to ecologically sustainable economic growth. Forest canopy ecotourism - with canopy ziplines bringing thrills to forest visitors - has provided potentially sustainable alternatives to cattle farming and coffee growing.

Sound Science

In this week-long project, scientists presented aspects of field biology and the study of nature to urban and rural middle school children and provided them the means to express their experiences in music, mainly rap music and spoken word poetry.

Trees and Spirituality

To enhance awareness and a sense of stewardship for trees and forests, Research Ambassadors engaged people directly at their places of worship.

Branching Out

The potential synergism derived by bringing together artists and scientists to raise environmental awareness has been underused by conservationists. The Branching Out Project joined scientists with artists and others at a multi-aged forested area under consideration for conservation ...

Trees and Healing

Trees provide important medicines for humans, such as Taxol, which derived from the Pacific yew and used to treat ovarian cancer. Trees can also provide hope and inspiration for the recovery of injured and ill people.