1. In 1999 I was one of ten members of the first semester of Ecoquest. Ecoquest is an intensive applied field studies program focusing around ecology, resource management, environmental policy, and directed research. The Ecoquest field station headquarters is located on the Firth of Thames, approximately one hour south of Auckland on the North Island. The New Zealand archipelago is located in the South Pacific and is comprised of three large islands (the North Island, South Island and Stewart Island) and several hundred smaller offshore and outlying islands. The New Zealand landmass has an area of 270,500 km2, and stretches from 48° South to latitude 34° South. The climate of New Zealand’s main islands is maritime and temperate, while its outlying islands vary climatically from subtropical to sub-Antarctic. New Zealand offers an ideal context for hands-on, multi-disciplinary studies with its rich cultural traditions, diverse ecosystems, expansive natural areas, mild climate, and history of innovative approaches to resource management. Working closely with an accomplished corps of professors, field leaders, and guest lecturers, EcoQuest students have the opportunity to develop practical knowledge and field skills while contributing to ongoing research efforts to help restore New Zealand's threatened ecosystems.