Plants and People Through the Ages

  United States

Washington D.C.

Dates: see website for details

Description: Research Mission:
Join researchers at the Smithsonian Institution tracing traditional and historical knowledge about plant uses.

Situation Report
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C. -- People have always used plants for medicines, spiritual ceremonies, traditional cultural practices, construction materials, clothing, and, of course, food. Today, traditional knowledge of plants is disappearing, but is not yet lost. Two hundred years of plant samples from around the world and information about their uses exist at the United States National Herbarium of the Smithsonian Institution. Join researchers Dr. John Kress and Rusty Russell in a rare glimpse behind the scenes at the Smithsonian to help them sort through an immense number of precious plant specimens.

Meals and Accommodations
Volunteers arrange their own accommodations in Washington, D.C., which offers everything from inexpensive hostels to five-star hotels. After breakfasting on your own, you will meet your team daily at the world famous National Museum of Natural History. You will join researchers in the museums staff cafeteria for lunches, which are included in the project, and consist mainly of soups, sandwiches, salads, and pastas. On your first and last days, you will eat dinner together and will have your other evenings free to forage and explore on your own.

Highlights: On the Expedition
You will examine historical plant samples and notations, looking for details about their use and adding that information to the Smithsonian's 900,000 entry database. Your efforts will help recover rapidly disappearing plant lore, as well as contribute to snapshots of plant life at different times in our history. In your free evenings, you can enjoy all the cultural, historical, and epicurean delights the city has to offer.

Cost in US$: 646

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to United States Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4 - 12

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement: Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. The Earthwatch community also includes 20,000 global members, 4,000 eager volunteers each year, 50 collaborating conservation organizations, and 50 corporate partners, all of whom work together to make a difference. Below you will find out more about our leadership, employment opportunities, and contact information.

Year Founded: 1971