THANK YOU, SCONC!
Thursday, July 11, 2024, by Joy Reeves
My experience in the Galápagos was nothing short of incredible—and I am grateful to SCONC for making it possible. It’s a unique experience to trek across an island surrounded by circling frigate birds, dozing sea lions, marine iguanas, tortoises, and dozens of unique creatures who embody the outcomes of evolution—and are completely unbothered by humans. I knew the animals weren’t going to be afraid of us, but I had no idea they would be so curious and downright friendly!
My favorite moment was definitely dancing underwater with a young sea lion who dove alongside me while we snorkeled from a zodiac, diving snout-first into the GoPro camera I held as if he knew he was being filmed. Other personal highlights of the trip were spotting Godzilla-like marine iguanas on Fernandina, nerding out at evening science talks, and speaking Spanish with naturalists and locals.
As weird as it feels to be back in my home city, the Galápagos have made me think differently about the ecosystems I inhabit and how to remain an environmental steward of their uniqueness. I am incredibly grateful to SCONC for providing a travel grant that allowed me to participate in this experience with National Geographic’s Lindblad Expeditions. Anytime I need motivation to keep working in the environmental field, my heart will go back to the Galápagos!
![Galapagos comic unfinished comic doodle about trying to describe the Galápagos experience.](https://www.sconc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0018.jpeg)
Or stay connected as a Friend by signing up for our listserv and quarterly newsletter