During the summer of 2025, I traveled to Acadia National Park with the Earth Watch Institute to study biodiversity and how it was being affected by climate change. What interested me about this particular program was the focus on climate change refugia, a developing theory that suggests certain areas are more prone to climate change based on the geography surrounding the areas, for example, the top of a mountain may be more resistant to climate change because of the high altitude or forests around the shore because of the cold air blowing from the sea.

I was also interested in the actual data collection process and learning how to conduct field research. We collected data on various plant species and documented how their numbers are being affected, the number of reproductive parts—such as berries and flowers—as well as the time that flowers and berries would develop. We also did research on the coastal forests, collecting shells in the forest from various aquatic invertebrates; the purpose of this was to see what types of invertebrates were being eaten and brought ashore by animals like crows, foxes, and raccoons.

This research is important because it allows us to understand how certain areas can be more affected by climate change, allowing us to focus conservation efforts on these particular areas for at-risk species. It’s also important because Acadia National Park is a unique habitat. Acadia’s forests and land animals are reliant in the sea for food and nutrients. Some animals may bring seafood ashore; leftovers are used as fertilizer. And because it has a wide range of geographical regions, some areas are more prone to climate change than others. By researching these areas, we can understand how climate change affects ecosystems like Acadia and use the areas protected against climate change to protect certain species.

Moving forward with my knowledge on how to conduct field research, I am hoping to organize some research with Taft’s EcoMon club. I hope record what types of berries and flowers are present on Taft’s campus, when they bloom/fruit, and how this will change in the coming years. I plan to integrate this research it into a literature review on bird and berry phenology.

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Anthony’s travel to Maine was made possible in part by a Robert Keyes Poole ’50 Fellowship grant. Established in memory of Robert Keyes Poole ’50, Taft teacher from 1956 to 1962, Robert Keyes Poole ’50 Fellowships are awarded each year to enable Taft students to engage in travel or in projects consistent with Mr. Poole's lifetime interest in wildlife and the environment.