In search of nature’s six-legged jewels
We are science storytellers…
Our Mission:
To discover, describe, teach about and protect key insect species and other hidden wonders of nature and inspire the next generation to care for these crucial components of a healthy planet for the betterment of all.
Our Purpose:
Hidden Wonders aims to contribute to our understanding of the crucial role that insects play within a variety of ecosystems by discovering and explaining the behavior and interactions of insect species before they become extinct.
By sharing the discoveries of new insect species and explaining their role in maintaining a healthy planet, we aim to inspire the protection of those species and their ecosystems into the future.
Through collaborations with local communities, schools, and media outlets, Hidden Wonders share stories and interactive experiences in nature to build the next stewards of our planet.
What we do , why we do it, how we do it
In Search of Biodiversity
We travel to discover new species of insects in order to describe them and share the knowledge with the world before they are gone forever. Insects are at the forefront of the sixth-mass extinction. We aim to find, document and share the exciting world of insects with everyone we can. So far our work has taken us through Chile, Mexico, and the USA and we look forward to continuing discovery and rediscovery in other parts of the world.
School & Community Programs
We broadcast to classrooms from wherever we are, engaging the students in real time in the discoveries being made. We also visit school sites, community centers, environmental centers to share insects with others. By engaging young people will ensure that the next generations of environmental stewards protect our Earth and its inhabitants.
Documentaries
W contribute to media outlets in order to share the information about our findings. We aim to make this information accessible to everyone and build a growing interest in insects and their protection, in addition to other nature gems.
Netflix: Emmy-winning “Our Great National Parks“, narrated by Barack Obama. Our very own Isaí Madriz is a contributor to the Emmy-winning episode entitled, “Chilean Patagonia“.
CNN: “Patagonia, Life on the Edge of the World”, narrated by Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian, The Last of Us, etc.), featuring Isaí in three of the six episodes! The documentary was nominated for the Wildscreen Panda Awards in 2022. Pedro Pascal has been nominated for an Emmy for “Outstanding Narration”. In January 2024 the winners will be announced!
Publishing
We publish in scientific journals and
National Geographic Magazine Latin America
Isaí has contributed to the magazine through the following articles:
“El Dragón de la Patagonia” by R. Isaí Madriz
“El Cementerio de Ballenas” by R. Isaí Madriz
(English translations are included in the title links)
Semillero
“Semillero”, meaning “seed bed” in Spanish, is a forest school-like experience started with the mission of engaging community members with nature in more meaningful ways. Excursions include activity trails, observing with magnifying glasses, sharing stories of natural history, engaging in nature art and building habitat for insects. It is open to all ages and free to enjoy.
Green footprint
We make an effort to engage in green ways. From our means of travel to our approach to the conversation about conservation. We aim to limit our carbon footprint while talking about the importance of the habitats that insects live in, which directly intertwines the connections of all life including humans.
Small Business & Corporate Sponsors
We are thankful for the generous support of the following companies for making this work in the wilds possible and greener:
* Iridium Satellite Communications – McLean, Virginia (Isaí featured here)
* Alpacka Raft – pack rafts – Mancos, Colorado
* Osprey – packs and bags – Cortez, Colorado
* Kōkatat – dry suits/water gear – Arcata, California
