Culture of Conservation
Experiencing the biodiversity-rich rainforest and coast of Costa Rica, students will have the opportunity to conduct field investigations and contribute to citizen science projects. Some of the activities may include touring local organic farms, monitoring wildlife through camera traps, and participating in sea turtle night monitoring. Students studying Spanish will be able to practice and improve their communication skills in this course while doing fieldwork with local research partners. As a culmination of the course, students will identify a problem of their choosing, for example, land conservation, climate change, and Indigenous communities or bridging Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and “Western Science.” They will use research, their fieldwork in Costa Rica, and creative problem-solving to present a solution that could potentially apply to their own communities.
Read the student reflections on their travel experience, which will be updated throughout their trip.
October 6
Our trip is winding down in a few days, and we continued our work with the local organizations with which we have partnered.
Blue Jean Dart Frogs
Student Author: Hannah
Today, we began with breakfast at 8:00 am. We took a 20-minute bus ride to OTS. We walked over a suspension bridge on our way to one of the classrooms. We talked about using the scientific method to answer any question. Today, we were looking at antlion larvae traps. Antlions are passive hunters, so they wait for prey (ants) to come to them instead of seeking them out. We split up into two groups, and my group was measuring the width and density of the traps. We predicted that the areas with a bigger density of antlion traps would have narrower and deeper traps rather than shallow and wide traps. After collecting data for about 45 minutes, we found that our prediction was generally true, with a few exceptions. We finished off the activity with a walk through the rainforest. We saw many bullet ants, tadpoles, bats, and a turtle. We returned to Chillamate around 12 for our next activity.
For the next activity of the day we split into two groups, one going to homestay families and an ethnobotanist for lunch and then the other (my group), to an organic farm. We arrived at the farm for lunch and had a delicious lunch of rice, chicken, plantain chips, and plantain fries. Then we went to feed the pigs who eat a fully vegetarian diet. We also mixed up fertilizer containing cow and pig manure. After that, we took a short tour and saw peppercorn, vanilla beans, and dragonfruit. For our last hour or so at the farm, we had coffee and arepas. The owner of the farm told us a story about the importance of organic farms and about his experience. We finished off the activity with a short ice cream stop to end the day of activities. We also decided to film our morning meeting video today, which was a funny bonding moment for us all, and we hope you enjoy it!
Oscaritos
Student Author: Katie
Today, we woke up for breakfast at 8:00 a.m., leaving at 9:00 a.m. for our rotations. The weather was clear, and we were ready for a beautiful sunny day. My group went to a place called Bijagual. Bijagual is run solely by a man named Paul, who has a passion for what he does. We learned the struggles and successes of working a one-man show, yet his efforts shine brightly due to the support from everyone around. At Bijagual, we marked and measured trees, both old and newly planted. Because it was a long walk in the jungle, we were not able to stay long, but we learned a lot.
At noon, we met back at Chilamate and organized into two groups. The first group went to have lunch with local families, then visited an ethnobotanist, and the second group visited an organic farm. I was in group two. Although it was a little bit of a hike up to the farm, we were greeted by an 8-year-old named Josué. He stuck by me and was my moral support up and down the hill.
Daniel (the farmer) and his family treated us to a delicious lunch, and soon after, we got to work. We were able to feed pigs and learn their benefits in compost, and we also learned how to mix the compost. Not only that, but we also visited a specific section where he grows pepper and vanilla. Fun fact: Vanilla is part of the orchid family and is one of the few things we can eat in it. We ate the spicy pepper and then soon went inside for coffee and an afternoon snack.
Daniel then sat down with us and told us his story about how his organic farm came to life. He spoke about the unsustainable practices of pineapple and banana plantations for workers and the environment. Researching this information prior helped us all connect on an empathetic level. He had been working a job related to deforestation and was looking for a way out. Daniel shared his internal struggle with working a job that did not align with his values but with the need to provide for his family. Soon after starting his job, he had enough, he struggled to start his farm but he knew it was the right thing to do. Community can make or break a business, when Daniel was first starting no one knew the real difference between organic and non-organic produce. His goal was to focus on sustainable practices and being able to support his family and the environment through community support.
As the day came to an end, we worked on our music video for the morning meeting and all enjoyed a delicious dinner as always. Today we learned that engagement and participation in local communities for conservation is invaluable to create change. The selfless actions of Paul and Daniel have helped fuel their local communities and aspire for sustainable change in the environment.
Los Escolares
Student Author: Lydia
This morning, my roommates and I grabbed breakfast, which had a communal fruit bowl that Jade and I had filled with fresh fruits, including pineapple, mango, and watermelon. Recently Chilamate breakfasts have had the best pancakes, maybe it’s because it reminds me of home, or maybe they’re just that good. Nonetheless, each morning, I have at least two. Once we ate and grabbed a couple of cookies for our daily taste test, the bus ride to Lapa Verde was about 5 minutes. There, we were met by the bright green macaw logo and Johnathan, the “snake capturer.”
Once we arrived at the Reserve, we started off with a “quiz” where Johnathan would show us a camera trap photo, and we would try our best to identify it. Luckily, he had provided us with a book that showed the different types of mammals located in Costa Rica. In two groups, we were shown images and had 1 to 2 minutes to come up with our final answer. He collected our papers and told us the correct answers. In the end, my team had five out of the six animals correctly identified. One of those animals was the Tapir, which is the largest mammal located on the preserve. We had previously been introduced to them via a research paper back in Farmington. After the quiz, he brought our attention to the array of footprints and skulls on the table. The next activity would be identifying these prints and skulls. The book he had given us had the correlating prints and skulls of each species. Little did we know that Johnathan had plotted a print that belonged to a reptile, which does not fall under the umbrella of animals we were focusing on today (sneaky sneaky.) He told us the answers, and we began our hike to set camera traps.
Already sweating on a trail we had never seen before, following Johnathan blindly, we crossed hills, mud, and tiny streams that we had to gracefully jump over (or not) to reach the trees we would be setting up the traps on. During the hike we ran into Scientific Researchers who had made wax poison dart frogs to set up along a stream to conduct an experiment of their own.
Once we reached the first tree, we put the camera on the tree and, most importantly, turned it on. We then began the hike again, where it remained pretty flat and had a strip of land in between a beautiful pond surrounded by shaded land and benches. Finally, we reached our last destination, put the camera on the tree, and turned it on before heading in the opposite direction of the classroom. When we arrived back we continued the Escolares tradition of treating yourself with a post hike slushie (this time on Porter’s.) Then we had 20 minutes to relax with a live band before the bus arrived. We took a quick pit stop to a small supermarket where we purchased tons of gummy candies, which had mixed reviews among the group. Then we drove 5 minutes back to the Ecolodge. We waited for the other groups to arrive before splitting up again and then driving to our afternoon activities.
The day before, I had lunch with a local family, which meant it was my turn to head to the organic farm. There, we learned that the owner was a former pineapple and banana plantation worker. The ride was about 40 minutes, including our stop by a pineapple plantation. Mag told us the harmful effects of monocropping. This led to the use of illegal pesticides to guarantee the production of fruit each year and in mass quantities to maximize profit.
After the stop, we arrived at the organic farm, we put our bags in the dining room and ate a delicious meal prepared by Daniel’s family. The food was so good, which was the common meal of rice and chicken. After lunch, we went down to the pig pen, where we fed them a plant that Daniel had said made them grow faster. These pigs were so loud and so excited to be fed that some even jumped up on the enclosure to reach us. Once the pigs had eaten all the plants, we went to make organic fertilizer. The fertilizer was made up of pig poop, tree bark, fertilizer mix that had been processed by worms, cow poop, and calcium powder. We all took turns mixing it with shovels in a circle until it became a solid color. Then we walked to the farm, where he showed us his vanilla beans, pepper, and dragon fruit. Daniel also described how climate change had affected his crop’s development and even their taste. Once we had seen the plants, he brought us back to the kitchen to enjoy arepas and coffee. Afterward, he told his life story of working on plantations and, the effects it had on his life, how it guided him to pursue an organic and safe farm for people.
October 5 – “Tourist Day”
Our Global Intensive programs talk a lot about the difference between a traveler and a tourist. A traveler seeks to understand new places and find a deep personal connection with the local people and their culture. A tourist mainly looks for personal satisfaction and comfort. On our “day off” from research and cultural learning, we visited what would be considered local tourist attractions. Our student travelers reflected on it.
Oscaritos
Student Author: Dais
Today was our “tourist day”. After breakfast at 7:00 a.m., we took a bus into La Fortuna, where we began our day ziplining through the trees on the Arenal Volcano. When we finished ziplining, we took the bus to a restaurant in La Fortuna. The meal started with watermelon smoothies and chips with bean dip, and then we had authentic Costa Rican dishes: rice, plantains, meat or fish, salad, and beans. We ended the meal with ice cream and took the bus into the town center, where we had an hour to shop in groups. My group started by having a second dessert at a heladeria across from the Catholic Church and then browsing the tourist shops for souvenirs and gifts for our friends at home. When our hour was up, we got back into the bus and drove to Eco Termales, a resort in La Fortuna. We ordered mocktails and swam in the hot springs until our fingers started pruning, and we sat by the pools until dinner. After we had all dried off, changed, and gotten ready for dinner, it started to rain down on our walk to the dining room, and we ate a delicious dinner in our wet clothes. After dinner, we got back on the bus and spent our drive singing.
“Tourist vs. Traveler” has been a prominent theme in the class, and we’ve been encouraged to spend this trip as travelers. Today was so different from the rest of the trip and even though we were all glad to have such a fun, relaxing, and indulgent day, I think that we’re all in agreement that we’ve preferred being travelers and we’re glad that the majority of the trip has been spent that way. We didn’t end the day with the same sense of accomplishment that we’ve had on days that we’ve spent deep in Chilamate or Pacuare, and I think that in acknowledging that, we were reminded of the importance of the work we’ve done in places like Lapa Verde and OTS.
Blue Jean Dart Frogs
Student Author: Shaina
Today was Tourist Day (The best day so far). Breakfast opened at 7, and we were on the way to our first activity at 8:00 a.m. We got to the zip-lining at around 9:30 a.m. and started the day with a thrilling bunch of screaming. Either from fear of heights or genuine excitement from the experience. After, we got pictures taken while on the zip lines, and they were the most humbling things I’ve ever seen. The photos being taken were of those in action in the actual activity. Furthermore, following that we were able to go to a restaurant with amazing food and females dressed in traditional attire. It was fascinating watching them not burn up from the heat as they were in what looked like super heavy dresses. Post lunch, we were granted an hour and a half to go SHOPPING!!!! The best part.
We were able to go in groups of 3 or more to ensure everyone would have a buddy and not get lost. I tried iced coffee and bought a shirt and gifts for family and friends. Shopping time was spent walking around the square, enjoying the company of others, and being able to experience touring with friends for the majority of the trip. We’ve been doing traveler-oriented activities in the groups and doing research. It was nice to get a break and reset a little bit from all the work we’ve been doing, and the day allowed me to have fun, relax, and enjoy myself. After shopping and looking around the city, we set off to go to the hot springs and have dinner. The hot springs were the highlight of my day. We were able to swim in hot pools and colder ones to cool off for comfort and get mocktails. It was relaxing and an experience different from what we’ve been accustomed to. We continued swimming for almost 3 hours as the activity ended at around 6 to go to the buffet-style restaurant for dinner.
We then started on the final adventure of the night. Getting back to Chillamate. We had a DJ party on the bus because Mags, our World Leadership School guide, was the best. She queued up a bunch of songs that we had previously requested as well as music that she thought was fitting, and it was amazing. The bus driver was such a sport and entertained us by putting different colored lights on the bus which allowed us to sing together and enjoy the moment. We were bonding, and it was an experience that wasn’t short of something that we would forget.
Following we ended the day by all gathering together outside and continuing to talk as friends and peers.
Los Escolares
Student Author: Emilia
This morning was tourist day; my roommate and I woke up at 7:30 a.m. ecstatic. We grabbed breakfast and then went to the bus to go to Ecoglide. The bus ride was very fun and filled with excitement and music. After arriving at Ecoglide, we got harnessed for the zipline. At first, we all did a demonstration of the practice zipline, so we knew how to properly go down the real one. We were supposed to lean back, cross our legs, and have one hand on the back of the zipline for extra support and so we wouldn’t spin. We went on a truck up the green mountains on our way to the top. The ride was filled with beautiful views and lovely butterfly sightings. After arriving at the top, we waited for our turn. I got attached to the zipline and flew over the mountains. It was so beautiful to see the volcanoes and nature from so far up. Every single zipline was a new view, and I am so grateful I got to experience Costa Rica from a “birds eye view”. After we got off the zipline, we got unharnessed and drank yummy tropical juices. We laughed over the photos taken of us on the zipline and appreciated the fact that we were back on land. After relaxing at Ecoglide for a bit, we heard there was a baby sloth in the trees and we all gathered around to look at its furry and cute self.
We then hopped on the bus and drove about 15 minutes to the restaurant, which was filled with bountiful culture and delicious food. I ordered a pollo azado plate, with tender chicken, black beans, salad with passionfruit dressing, and sugar glazed plantains. After our meal we ate a delicious vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce on top. After our meal, we went on the bus and drove a couple of minutes away to shop around the town. My group and I began with some souvenir shopping, where I purchased two stone bracelets, one that opens the chakra to love, and one representing confidence and luck. After, we went to a cafe to get drinks, where we got a strawberry milkshake, a fruit smoothie, and a coco colada. We went to more shops to look at souvenirs, where I purchased a cute purple top and a sloth mug.
After shopping, we went back on the bus and drove to the hot springs. We arrived at the lavish spa and put our belongings in our lockers and changed into our swimsuits. We arrived at the pool and immediately ordered sweet drinks like coco coladas, shirley temples, and sugary kombucha concoctions. After ordering our drinks, we swam and relaxed in the hot springs for a couple of hours. We took photos, recharged, and enjoyed every second. After the hot springs, we all showered with the nice commodities and headed to dinner in the pouring fall rain. We grabbed everything we wanted at the buffet and feasted until our heart’s content. After eating we hopped on the bus and enjoyed 2 hours of karaokeing and laughing, it was an amazing day for the Costa Rica chicas.
October 4
Los Escolares
Student Author: McKinley
I was very happy to wake up in my Chilamate bed this morning after receiving my 10 hours of sleep. It was 7:45 a.m., and my group had to depart for Bijagual at 9 a.m. sharp. I started with a filling breakfast of eggs and a large bowl of fruit. Today’s agenda was packed and consisted of a morning at a tree project, lunch with Costa Rican families, and then a lesson from an ethnobotanist.
The morning was hard. It was hot outside, and our work in the woods was to hike to a location and measure trees in the bug-filled woods. But what my friends and I accomplished was important. Paul from Bijagual has been working for 20 years to grow trees, which has improved the environment significantly. As we finished our work and hiked out of the woods, we got a great reminder from nature for why conservation is important. A sloth, as well as a group of spider monkeys, were spotted up in the trees!
After that work, it is safe to say I was starved. Lunch was next with a Costa Rican family. Maggie and I were paired together to have lunch cooked by a couple and their son, who are originally from Panama. I was nervous at first because of the language barrier. It turns out this was one of my favorite experiences so far on this trip. We talked for two hours about all sorts of things, such as our families, sports, and my home life. Sometimes, it was hard, but so worth it. The food was also amazing. I had rice, beans and vegetables. I am so grateful for this, as it changed my perspective.
The last main activity for the day was to meet with the ethnobotanist. The man was kind and we had a great time learning about and eating a vast amount of plants and fruits. I got to eat a whole coconut! It was so interesting to learn about how native people used these same plants as medicine. Some were sour, some sweet, and some quite literally the definition of bitter.
The Blue Jean Dart Frogs
Student Authors: Lily Jones and Isa Kao
At 8:00 a.m., we ate papaya, pineapple, guava, pancakes, cereal, and rambutan. At 9:00 a.m. sharp, we met back at the Dining Hall to leave with our group to Lapa Verde. In Lapa Verde, we met John, a wildlife conservationist who taught us about bird migration patterns, the different species of birds (native and migratory), and techniques for quantifying their respective populations. We did this through a simulation game shown on a screen; students were assigned a certain species to count with a clicker. Afterward, we created a model of how birds used warm currents pushed up by the Costa Rican mountain range to gain altitude. Next, we went on a 30-minute hike up the mountain. Lily ran up despite the blazing heat and the challengingly steep terrain. Isa tried to keep up and only managed to see her figure for around .2 seconds before Lily disappeared as she dashed forward. Lily was waiting for Isa at the bottom of the bird observation tower while Isa panted desperately, trying to catch her breath. Our group of 9 then split into two groups—the first group, which Lily and Isa were in, went up the observation tower first. At the top, using our binoculars, we searched for different bird species, both native and migratory. We saw black vultures, turkey vultures, batman birds (we forgot the name), and a fly-eater bird. When everybody was done, we stumbled back down and had milk powder and strawberry slushies with a condensed milk topping.
At 2:00 p.m., we drove back to Chilamate, where we met up with the entire class at the entrance and split up into groups—one going to the organic farm and one going to eat with local families. We both went to the organic farm and had the privilege to meet Daniel, the farmer who founded the regional organization for sustainable agriculture. We took a tour around the farm. First, we went to the pepper plants, which Daniel let us try. There, he explained that the pepper vine was growing on another tree, which he said was an example of agroforestry and a symbiotic relationship. He told us that biodiversity was key to organic farming because it keeps the soil fertile and the plants healthy without pesticide use or other chemical treatments. Second, we walked to the vanilla bean plant growing alongside a species of orchid. We learned about pollination—originally, a species of bee-pollinated the plant; however, that species was eradicated from the area because of external pesticide use. Thus, Daniel has to pollinate these plants by hand—a difficult, lengthy, and strenuous process. Third, we went to the dragon fruit cactus. The plant itself grew on a dead tree. We learned about the plant’s pollination process, and the same issue of the death of the pollination species had arisen. Now, Daniel has to pollinate the plants by hand, imitating the butterfly’s pollination behaviors. For instance, he has to pollinate solely at night using a special hand motion. Fourth, we went to the cacao tree. The area was originally all pasture land. Through agroforestry practices, he transformed the area into a biodiverse rainforest that supports many different species of flora and fauna. Fifth, we walked to the schoolhouse, where we learned how to make organic fertilizer out of cow manure, calcium, sawdust, and Californian worm-processed soil. Next, Daniel invited us into his house for Arepas and Costa Rican coffee. He told us about his past working to deforest rainforest areas to create land for monoculture pineapple plantations. He told us he was in charge of burying plants and animals in the forest, both dead and alive, under the soil. He had to work to make money for his family but promised that he would get his own farm and use sustainable practices to rebuild the forest he was forced to destroy. At 5:00 p.m., we returned to Chilamate to recuperate.
When Daniel talked about how our sick Earth made us sick, we realized how much the land influences our lives. His life was significantly shaped by his early life deforestation experiences. Likewise, our experiences are shaped by both the benefits and drawbacks that deforestation gives us—cheap bananas/pineapples and wood for our houses, but global warming and perhaps a sudden disappearance of our favorite type of banana.
Los Oscaritos
Student Authors: Maggie and Annabelle
Maggie wrote:
Today, we had breakfast at 8:00 a.m., where we ate delicious papaya, pitaya, and passion fruit. Then, our group headed to the bus, which transported us to La Selva biological station. At La Selva, we had about a half-hour presentation about Costa Rican invasive plants and how we were going to remove them. Then, we grabbed shovels and wheelbarrows and headed into the rainforest to remove invasive plant species. The species that I thought was super cool were the pink bananas because they were super pretty. We used shovels to dig up the roots of invasive plants and made sure not to drop anything because it could cause the invasive species to multiply. After a lot of hard work removing invasive plants we walked back to the bus in order to make our next activity on time. When we were back at Chilamate, half of the class went on a bus to go to Costa Rican houses for lunch. My partner McKinley and I went to a house with a very nice family who had two very cute dogs, a seven-year-old son, a husband and wife, and their grandpa. At first, the language barrier was challenging but the woman knew English very well and was able to translate what the other people in her family were saying. We ate rice, beans, beef, and vegetables, all of which were extremely delicious. We talked about sports, animals, and about cultural differences from Costa Rica in the U.S. Something very interesting that they told us was how Costa Rican teenagers are very similar to American teenagers. We spoke for about two hours until the bus came and picked us up to bring us to our next destination.
We drove to an ethnobotanist just down the road who showed us a lot of cool edible plants. We drank coconut water and ate guava, which was very good. He talked about how certain plants can help with different medical issues, which was so cool to learn. The ethnobotanist made ice cream for us, which was my favorite thing to eat. It was coffee, banana, and vanilla flavored. After the ethnobotanist, we headed back to Chilamate and had 2 hours of free time, where we showered and hung out with our friends. Then we ate dinner, I had rice, beans, beef, and vegetables which were delicious. Overall today was a super fun and busy day.
Annabelle wrote:
In the afternoon, my group and I started driving to a local organic farm. Before arriving, we looked at a pineapple plantation and learned about the darker side of Costa Rican history. Banana and pineapple plantations are extremely abundant throughout Costa Rica as these crops are a major source for the economy. However, these plantations are monocrops, which means that they only grow a singular product. Monocropping is very bad for the environment because there is no biodiversity. Nutrients in the ecosystem mainly come from the canopy layer and partly from the soil. If there is only one crop, the nutrients cannot be spread throughout the canopy level and into the soil, which will eventually destroy that section of land and eventually the surrounding ecosystems. Our guide, Randall, explained how the organic farm was much better for the environment because it incorporates numerous crops into the natural environment and also does not use harsh chemicals or pesticides. When we arrived at the farm, the owner, Daniel, welcomed us into the farm. We hiked up a large hill to get to his home and were introduced to the rest of the family. We met Daniel’s wife, daughter, and grandson. The family served us an amazing meal that included rice, beans, chicken, a squash dish, plantains, and more.
After eating, we began our tour around the farm. We started at the peppercorn area, which was the first crop he planted. Peppercorn grows on vines, so each plant grows on a tree with other plants surrounding the area. This way of farming ensures biodiversity because there are various plants rather than just one crop in an area. We were able to try a piece of the peppercorn, which was extremely spicy. Next, we examined the vanilla bean crop, which he processes by hand in an extremely strenuous process. He sells both vanilla extract and vanilla beans, which are the more expensive products due to the longevity of the process. After, we traveled down a very steep hill to view the pitaya, or dragon fruit, crops. The fruit comes in yellow, black, and purple. To pollinate the plant, Daniel has to go in at night. He shakes pollen in a specific way to mimic a butterfly that used to pollinate the plant naturally. Unfortunately, the butterfly went extinct due to the use of pesticides and toxic chemicals, so now he has to pollinate the plants by hand. We finally looked at the cacao crops that were planted in the 2000s in replace of a cow farm. Before, the land was completely chopped down to hold cows, but now the forest was filled with an abundance of trees and plants all because Danielle bought the land and used his organic farming techniques.
After examining the different plant crops, the group fed a bunch of pigs and walked over to learn about compost. We learned about how they make pesticides from cow and pig poop, calcium from chicken bones, and sawdust. We mixed together the group of ingredients using shovels and learned about all of the benefits of compost. Compost is eight dollars, while fertilizer is around eighty dollars; compost helps the environment, while fertilizer kills countless species of animals and plants; and compost only needs to be applied twice a year, while fertilizer needs to be applied every month. The reason many people use fertilizer instead of compost is because it is easily accessible and because of all of the advertisements surrounding the product.
We ended the activity by drinking coffee, a sweet sugar drink, and eating arepas, a type of pancake. Daniel told us his life story about how he started by being a worker who deforested areas to grow crops and helped contribute to the environmental damage of Costa Rica. His working conditions were horrible as he saw numerous of his colleagues die due to trees or branches falling on them and inhaling dangerous chemicals. He eventually decided to found an organic farm to help the environment, and to teach people that there are ways to make money while still sustaining the environment. His life motive is so inspirational, and it is incredible that he remains so dedicated to maintaining the ecosystem of Costa Rica. The organic farm should set an example of how you can help the economy and the environment, and this experience helped me understand how conservation and the economy can go hand in hand.
October 3
Student Author: Emma
Hi everyone, we started off the day with a good breakfast before a 2-hour hike through the rainforest. The hike was so beautiful and filled with so many different species of animals. It was still so hot, and there were so many bugs. After the hike, we had some free time before lunch, so I spent time in the shade to cool off. After lunch and some more free time, we did some volunteer work. Today, I helped dig up pipes near the turtle hatchery and dismantle an old hatchery that was no longer in use. After that, I was fairly sweaty, so I took a shower before our last big activity for the day. Our last activity was releasing baby leatherback sea turtles, which was so exciting because we didn’t know if we were going to be able to. At this point, the sun was setting, the bugs were coming out, and I was hungry. We had dinner, and then a few others and I stayed back and talked about the video we were making to show at the morning meeting (stay tuned). The final thing we did today was ANCHOR, Which we do at the end of the day every day to reflect on the date itself. Then we all went back to where we were staying and talked until we went back to our rooms to go to bed. This overall experience in Pacuare has helped me to live in the moment and realize it’s okay to step out of your comfort zone. It has also made me very grateful for everything I have and how privileged I am to go to a school like Porter’s and to be experiencing this. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Student Author: Giorgi
We started our first full day in Pacuare off to a good start with eggs, pancakes and fruit for breakfast at 8 am. The food at Pacuare is really delicious and has plenty of options and flavors to try. After breakfast, we split up into groups for a 2-hour hike. I got to see diverse wildlife such as many different species of monkeys, bats, insects, lizards, and frogs. Many of my fellow group mates got to eat termites! They said they tasted like pepper! At the end of the hike, we got the chance to see a sloth sleeping. One of the cutest things I’ve ever seen! Once the hike had concluded and we took a short break, we had a lunch of beans and rice, chicken and salad. We love beans and rice! In the afternoon, we were split up into groups again to do volunteering for Pacuare. My group was responsible for digging out pipes by the beach and cleaning up the hatchery to get ready for new sea turtles. Other groups were painting and helping to recycle. It was hard work, but I thought it was very rewarding to know we were helping make their reserve a better place. At the end of the day we got a surprise when we found out that the leatherbacks had hatched. We rushed down to the beach and got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see them released into the ocean. I learned a lot by watching them. I realized that they are very fragile and slow after they hatch which makes them especially vulnerable to predators. At first I wasn’t able to understand that the researchers would spend their whole year in Pacuare without seeing turtles for long periods at a time, however I was able to see how important of an event this was for the researchers. They devoted their lives to the conservation of the leatherbacks and seeing that passion was amazing to witness. After all the excitement, we winded down with dinner of rice and beans, of course! After a long and fun day of hard work and lots of fun, we reflected on our day and I am learning the benefits of coming outside of your comfort zone despite how it may seem in the moment. I reflected on being in an area without the commodities I am used to at home or in Chilamate, and although at the time it was daunting, it was an experience that helped me to learn what it means to try new things and be open to new experiences.
October 2
Student Author: Luna
Then came our volunteer work. There were only 12 spots in the activity involving the unhatched baby sea turtles, so it was like the Hunger Games trying to get in. We all trekked onto the beach, six of us with shovels and the other six with hopes to somehow steal the shovels. We were told to dig a 3 by 4 by 1-meter hole into the sand to dig out a pipe, which we did as a group while singing show tunes and cheering each other on. While this was simply for the sea turtles, we saw crabs, birds, and even dolphins appear. Our gloves reeked of sweat and hard work, but everyone left smiling. We had let the land shape us by adapting. Some raindrops seeped from the darkening sky, making the sand cakier and harder to dig. Instead of seeing this as an inconvenience, we worked hard to use it to our advantage and used the rainwater to keep the sides intact while we stayed in the pit and dug.
It was not only me but everyone had stepped up as global citizens. We all got over our fear of bugs, sand, and even land crabs to come together in an effort to make the world a better place. Combining our efforts into one, we finally dug the hole, freeing the pipe and birthing the new place for a new sea turtle hatchery. As a global citizen, I learned a ton: that conservation takes a lot of work (shoutout to the guards and everyone else who works to protect the turtles), that our world is more fragile than it seems, and that if we Porter’s girls can do this, the rest of the world can. But on a deeper level, as people, we all learn new things. I learned that lemon-salted plantains taste like heaven, that Lily could be a shoveling superhero, and that if we really want to protect ourselves and our Earth, we can.
Student Authors: Izzy and Johanna
To say that surviving two days with no electricity was a harrowing experience is an understatement. Although it seems dramatic to say “surviving,” as we have all the necessary resources, it did feel like playing Minecraft survival mode. However, once we got to the end of our trip everything seemed worth it. Watching sea turtles reach the ocean, holding hands with anyone inside, watching J Dilly impersonate a freaky crab, and watching the sunrise, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. If anything, it taught me that I could get through anything with the help of my friends. I now consider everyone on the trip my friends. I feel extremely grateful that we were able to aid others in the important work, and I hope we had a good impact on Pacuare.
October 1
Our group traveled to Pacuare today. Pacuare is a natural reserve on the East coast of Costa Rica. This reserve is one of the most important nesting sites for the leatherback sea turtle.
Pacuare is a remote reserve, and wifi and communications are limited. The students will share their reflections when they return to their home base in Chilamate.
Ecology Project International manages the Pacuare Reserve, and our students work with them to maintain the sea turtle nesting areas, learn about their projects, and participate in their research. The students also hiked in the nearby rainforest and learned about this region.
We include a few images of the day below, and you can find many more in our Instagram stories.
Stay tuned for more information soon!
September 30
Our three student groups rotated through the different research organizations. Here are their reflections on the day:
Group 1: The Oscaritos
Student Author: Charlotte
Here at the eco-reserve, we started our day earlier than usual in order to arrive at our group locations in the morning instead of the afternoon.
In our activity, which today took place at Lapa Verde, we began by participating in an activity where we counted birds projected on a TV screen using little clickers. It became more difficult as it progressed. It was equally educational and fun!
During the next part of our morning, we ventured into the jungle pathways, spotting several adorable leaf-cutter ants on the way! I loved watching the way other ants would get under the leaves of ants that were struggling and check in on them (from my perspective, at least).
Over the next twenty minutes, we spent time setting camera traps in an area the reserve had reforested, learning about the wildlife that now inhabited this place as well as how the reforestation was managed.
Resting momentarily by the pond, we further discussed the area and its ecosystem. By doing so, I learned more about conservation and how beneficial the specific conservation in that area and other pinpointed areas was. That, mixed with some ideas shared by classmates, made me consider how our growing connection to nature was allowing for a growing appreciation for it, as well as a desire to conserve it as the reserve was doing.
In the last half hour at Lapa Verde, we had a delicious lunch back at the reserve’s base, where we’d started, then made a slushy before getting back on the bus and getting ready for our next activity.
Starting early in the afternoon, this next activity was called an adventure race. For this race, we had to integrate ourselves into the village around us, connecting with the locals by participating in activities such as milking their cows, being taught how to dance salsa, and preparing food. The dogs, in particular, were really, really adorable. After this, we started an activity where we had to get into the river, get each other onto a raft, flip the raft, flip it back, and then stand on top for ten seconds. I found it very fun and also rather humbling. It was probably my favorite thing today, and it was nice that I was already so wet from the rain that I could just jump in without changing. Overall, these projects were really exciting as well as really informative, allowing us to build connections with new communities and people.
Group 2: The Blue Jean Dart Frogs
Student Author: Bea
We all gathered for breakfast today at 8 am. The food here has all been very flavorful and delicious, and I was especially excited to eat the plantains. After we all finished eating, we sat and talked about what we were looking forward to the day until we all had to gather at 9 am. From there, we split into groups, and group 2, renamed the Blue Jean Dart Frogs, headed to the Organization for Tropical Studies at La Selva Ecological Reserve. There, we set out into the jungle to learn about and eliminate invasive plant species. Afterward, we enjoyed a delicious lunch before heading back to Chilamate.
In the early afternoon, we were split into groups and set out on a race throughout the local neighborhood to experience different aspects of Costa Rican culture. My group first headed to a local house to learn dances. We tried yucca, made tortillas, milked a cow, and finished the race in the river by practicing safety maneuvers we will need later in the week for whitewater rafting. We all got to shower and relax for a bit, and a few friends and I spent time reading in the common area.
Where we are staying makes me feel very connected to nature because of how it is mostly outdoors. It was raining while we were reading, and even though we were sitting on couches under a roof, the rain was right next to us. Having no technology has made me feel very disconnected, which has cultivated good conversation, leading to everyone talking and bonding a lot!
Group 3: Los Escolares
Student Author: Jade
Today, my group went to Bijagual Reserve. Before leaving, we grabbed breakfast, which consisted of fresh fruits like mangos, pineapple, papaya, and watermelon. We then met at 9 am to walk in groups to our buses. The ride was around 45 minutes, and we saw lots of cows, horses, chickens, and dogs on the way. My group originally was group three, but decided to rename ourselves “Los Escolares”, which means “The Scholars” and is named after these school bus cookie snacks that we get before hikes. Upon arrival at the reserve, we took a windy road nestled between lush rainforests with occasional plots of farmland.
Paul, our guide, told us how they started the reservation 20 years ago after buying it from two farmers. The prior owners had made a lot of the reserve into cattle land to obtain status, but now Paul and his team have been working to promote reforestation. They chose a lot of native trees that had to grow fast and adapt to the conditions of the rainforest. For our activity, we went out to a patch of reforested land to collect data on the trees and take notes of their progressive growth. There were multiple jobs, such as measuring the height and diameter, scouting, and collecting data. For my job I had to measure the diameter of the trees, we used a diameter specific tape measure as well as a prong type tool. After the other groups scouted the trees for bullet ants and flagged tape, my group measured and gave the data collectors our information.
We did around four trees, but one of them was dead. Paul showed us one of his favorite trees that was about 15 meters high, it had lots of leaf litter which allows for lizards and bugs to popularize the area. After our activity, we went back to the base research center and made lunches, and got juice boxes. I had mango juice, which was very good for being in a packaged box. We took our lunches down a separate path of the rainforests to head to the river, which had a small waterfall. The water was a turquoise color that had a glossy shine to it and was super clear. After lunch, we walked back and took our bus back to Chilamate.
When we got back, the guides from the World Leadership School had organized another activity for us to do. We had to go to five different locations that had small activities planned, such as milking cows, cooking yucca desserts, learning salsa dancing, swimming in the river, and cooking tortillas. If we completed the activities perfectly we would collect three rubber bands and bring them back. My group went to the cows first, which was my first time ever milking a cow. We got to pet the calves and milk a black and white spotted cow. Next, we went to salsa dancing and got taught a class with lively music. After finishing, it started raining on us, and we took shelter by going to make tortillas. We had to flatten the balls of dough and put them in this pan to cook. The tortillas were served with a potato and onion spread on top and tasted super fresh. There was also a little girl named Valentina who showed us her dogs, Carmel and Bruno. Lastly, I went to the dessert station where we saw a small farm and also the yucca plants. We were told that the plant is native to Brazil and has lots of minerals. The dessert was shredded Yucca, then fried in a pan of oil and covered in syrup made of cane sugar and cinnamon.
I felt very grateful for the experiences and the welcoming nature of the locals who work here at Chilamate who opened their homes and shared a bit of their culture with us.
Overall, the experience made me think about the time, work, and dedication that this organization has put into reforesting the rainforest. I’m very appreciative that Paul was so welcoming and understanding when teaching and sharing some of his life’s work with ushank you for reading; we’ll be back tomorrow!
September 29
Sunday was the first full day for our group in Costa Rica. Three students from each of the three groups visiting different research organizations shared these reflections.
OTS
Student Author: Matea
Today, we spent most of the day at OTS (Organization for Tropical Studies) in La Selva, looking at the nature and classroom spaces they had to offer. Before arriving at OTS, we did a handful of activities to start off our day! Starting with breakfast all together as a group before heading off to the rainforest for our hike. During our hike we were able to see lots of biodiversity in the insects, reptiles, and plants. We were able to see different species of everything, including ants like bullet ants, frogs in different colors like orange and green, and plants that were tropical and vibrant.
After our hike, we did various activities as a group. My favorite activity was the comfort zone. During this game, we made a small circle using shoes or water bottles. This represented our comfort level, things we were comfortable with. The next circle created was the learning circle; things that were maybe outside of our comfort zone but, with a little guidance, would get us to be comfortable. Beyond the learning zone was the panic zone, things that would make us uncomfortable. Everyone started outside of the circles, and with each prompt, everyone moved into the “zone” that felt best. This allowed us to see what people’s comfort levels were, but in a silent and visual way. At the end, we had the opportunity to debrief our choices with the group.
Finally, we went to OTS, where we did a lab about larvae traps using ants. During our lab, we placed ants in different-sized divots in the ground and timed how long it took for them to get out. My favorite part of the lab was collecting the ants—without harming them, of course!
Overall, today was a great day, and I had a lot of fun doing the work for the experiment. However, I think the best part was getting to hang out with all my friends and making new ones while doing these experiments! I can’t wait to see what the next week of this trip looks like for me and the rest of my class!
Bijagual
Student Author: Alexa
Today we woke up to an amazing breakfast that had a bunch of fruits, eggs, rice and beans (obviously), cereal, and more. Then, we each got into different groups and set out on a hike around Chilamate. We saw many different types of birds, frogs, insects, and more. After the hike, we (group 2) departed to Bijagual (an ecological reserve) and measured many different trees after having lunch by the river. We measured their height, diameter, amount of sunlight, and amount of vines. They do this often to track the growth of the trees and measure their reforestation efforts. The purpose of the reserve is to grow back the forests around Costa Rica. We hiked through the forest (off the trail) in order to do this to tagged trees. We also got to see a bunch of monkeys! Overall, it was a great day.
Lapa Verde
Student Author: Lillian
Today, we tried new foods, challenged ourselves in the rainforest, and saw amazing views. We went to Lapa Verde and talked to bird experts who spent their days on a tower in Costa Rica counting raptors on their way to the South. Our guide told us how he walked up the path twice a day easily while we broke a sweat on just the way up. The view made the hike worth it once we arrived at the top of the tower. Everywhere you looked there was a new view to admire, it was hard to become bored when the rainforest surrounded you. The goal of the organization Lapa Verde is to limit deforestation in the rainforest. They also track raptor migration. We used a simulator to see how difficult tracking the birds was, they told us that one day they tracked 400,000 birds over at the tower. It was interesting to see the dedication they put into their work and helping the Earth. My favorite part was when we looked through a telescope to see birds, and I was able to see a hawk from miles and miles away.
Once we got back down, we tried a slushie with powdered milk and condensed milk. It was different than I thought it would be, but I still enjoyed it. I enjoyed today’s activity because it challenged us and educated us on what this organization does every day. It puts into perspective how much they care for the environment by putting that dedication into everything they do. I left the organization glad that I made it through the hike without falling, but also glad I experienced someone else’s passion and life work through their lens.
September 29
Author: Santiago Enrique – Director, IGE
We’re thrilled to announce that our group safely landed at San José Airport yesterday, right on schedule. After a smooth arrival, they savored their first meal in Costa Rica before heading to Chilamate, which will be their home base throughout the trip. Although the journey was long, the group’s energy and excitement to begin this adventure were evident. After settling in, they attended an orientation with our program staff at the lodge, followed by a well-deserved night’s rest.
Today, the students started their day with an invigorating hike around the lodge, immersing themselves in the local landscape. This helped them appreciate their surroundings and mentally prepare them for the days ahead. Later in the afternoon, they split into smaller teams to engage in hands-on activities with our partner research organizations.
Scroll down to enjoy some snapshots from today’s hike. You can also find more updates on our school’s social media channels below. Stay tuned, as in the coming days, the students will take over this newsletter, sharing their thoughts and experiences firsthand.
