Doug Bergstein, a 5th and 6th grade science teacher at Fayston Elementary School in Waitsfield, Vermont is preparing to travel to Tamarino, Costa Rica January 15-25, 2010 where he will be studying and monitoring leatherback sea turtles as part of an Earthwatch Expedition being sponsored by the National Life Group Charitable Foundation.
The expedition is the first in a new corporate partnership between National Life Group Charitable Foundation and the Earthwatch Institute to help promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment through scientific field research and education.
“Seeing and feeling science in action and being a part of something larger than ourselves is an awesome benefit to myself as a teacher and for my students now and in years to come,” Bergstein comments while preparing for the trip. “My students and entire school are so proud I am making this contribution.”
As the world’s largest environmental volunteer nonprofit organization, Earthwatch promotes scientific literacy as the best way to systematically approach and solve the many complex environmental and social issues facing society today. Earthwatch engages with people worldwide through research, conservation, education, volunteerism, public outreach, membership, impact minimization, and corporate partnerships.
Over the last five years, National Life Group has transitioned from a company of conservation to a corporate culture leading the way in environmental sustainability. Programs such as the Sustainability Task Force and the Alternative Transportation Program in addition to efforts including 418 solar panels recently added to the Montpelier headquarters and the company’s honor in becoming the first 50 year old facility in the nation to become LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified; National Life Group is committed to pertinent and effective global efforts to make a difference.
“Earthwatch inspires people to understand their global responsibilities as citizens of the world and the National Life Group Charitable Foundation aspires to support organizations and initiatives that make a positive difference,” states Martha Trombley Oakes, President of the National Life Group Charitable Foundation. “We are pleased to partner with Earthwatch as one of approximately 50 corporate partnerships worldwide and wish Doug the best on his expedition!”
About the National Life Group Charitable Foundation
The goal of the National Life Group Charitable Foundation is to give back to the community by supporting organizations and initiatives that make a positive difference. The Foundation was created in 2006 and benefits an estimated 100 organizations each fiscal year. More info at www.nlgcf.com.
About Earthwatch
Earthwatch Institute is a global volunteer organization that supports scientific research by offering members of the public unique opportunities to work alongside leading field scientists and researchers. Founded in 1971, Earthwatch’s mission is to engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. More info at www.earthwatch.org.