Journey North was founded in 1994 by Elizabeth Howard. Inspired by the early Internet-based projects in which school children tracked human expeditions (e.g. across the Arctic by dogsled or Africa by bicycle), she saw a clear and exciting parallel between these expeditions and the wildlife migrations that cross the globe with the seasons. Both were the ultimate survival stories. The same challenges encountered on a remote expedition--changing weather, lack of food, insufficient time--have always challenged migratory species as they travel across the globe or pass through our own backyards.

With a background in environmental education and natural history, she saw migration as a compelling vehicle to engage students in a story of nature and science. The Internet would make it possible to collect first-hand observations from people who were spread across the continent. With an initial challenge grant from the National Wildlife Foundation, and full funding thereafter from Annenberg Learner, the program has grown into the premiere children's "citizen science" project that it is today.

Today, a volunteer network of over 60 institutions, scientists, educators and other experts contribute their time, scientific data, digital media and other resources to the project. This online community further supports the project and gives Journey North the authority and authenticity educators value.