In January of 2005 I set off on my first major international journey for my study abroad program in Tropical Ecology. I had the opportunity to travel all over Costa Rica and learn about the local flora and fauna. Five years later, I am back in CR this time teaching it and continuing to study my passion!
I arrived in San Jose about 3 weeks ago and made my way by bus and boat to the Jalova River mouth on the carribean coast to meet the staff and current volunteers. Our base is located about a 20 minute hike into Tortuguero National Park and consists mainly of two volunteer dorms, our staff dorm, and our kitchen/common area cabin. The cabins were originally used by workers of a coconut plantation, and as such we are surrounded by coconut trees. You have to watch out for falling coconuts!
As I started at the end of a volunteer phase (volunteers stay for 2, 5, or 10 weeks with each phase consisting of 10 weeks), I spent my first days in Jalova absorbing information about the daily life on base and what was to be expected of me. I have a lot of studying and research to do! We are sourrounded by abundant biological diversity. Our specific study areas focus on marine turtles, Jaguars, and birds, while we also record data on additional species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians. On my first walk to base I already saw my first Jaguar tracks! (see profile picture). In my first week alone I identified 27 species on birds just around the base area. Needless to say, there will be a lot of cool things to see and I am really excited to be invloved with this program.
No comments:
Post a Comment