The Foundation has two areas of focus; education and supporting scientific research. Our Board of Director's puts forth practices which keep those two areas of focus in the forefront of our work. We are continually working in local schools within this region of Ecuador promoting the harms of pollution, instilling an appreciation of the environment and teaching students basic marine science.

The Foundation also supports research. We currently support research associated with humpback whales, manta rays, dolphins, and fishing. We are constantly looking for new approaches in order to involve the local population in research. By involving them, we hope to educate them as well.

Sharks caught for the fins, the remainder is used for cat food

Manta Ray Illegally Caught

To Contact Us:

The Foundation for Center for Research of Whales
8810 West Skagit, Kennewick, WA 99336
Dr. James Lehmann
Phone 1-509-240-5029
Email: edecuador@yahoo.com

Website created and maintained by A.NYC

The Foundation Staff

The President and CEO of the Foundation is Dr. James
Lehmann. He is faculty and program advisor for MSED on-line at the University of Wisconsin--Stout. In addition, Lehmann has spent many years in public education as a classroom teacher. His main interest in the Foundation is to support environmental education within the community surrounding Puerto Lopez. Dr. Lehmann coordinates the placement of interns and acts as a liaison between those interns and the Discovery Center in Ecuador. He also works closely with the scientists in Ecuador and works to obtain grant money for various environmental and education projects in Puerto Lopez.

Dr. Leslie Van Gelder is vice-chairwoman of the foundation and has been an educator for over 20 years. She has worked in Canada and the U.S. where she has taught environmental education, literature, ecology and archaeology. She currently is a program director at Walden University and is also involved in the development of global leadership networks. She holds a
Ph.D. in Place Studies and Experiential Education from Union Institute and University. She lives in Oxford, England and the Rees Valley of New Zealand.

Megan Bowe is the Treasurer for the Foundation. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business specialized in Finance from Walden University. Megan is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Information Design and Technology specialized in Educational Technology at the State University of New York Institute of Technology. She lives in Astoria, New York with her fiancé, daughter, and son.  In addition, Megan works as a multimedia specialist for Frameweld and operates A.NYC.