2022 NWC Costa Rica Conservation Expedition
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Day 5
Written by Abby and Remy
This morning, we woke up and said our goodbyes to the bugs, frogs, and snakes we encountered during our stay at La Selva. Although we only knew them for 3 days, it felt like a lifetime. We loaded up our suitcases on top of our beloved bus and headed on a 30 minute drive to Tirimbina Biological Reserve, stopping for a mini snack run on the way. After a quick lunch, we headed on a chocolate tour where we learned about the history of chocolate, as well as how it is made (and by learned, we mean ate). Afterwards, we immediately burned off some of the calories by walking back across a 264 meter long (866 feet for you Americans over there) wobbly bridge over the Sarapiqui River, this time in the rain. We only lost 2 classmates, a new record! (we’re kidding, please don’t sue) Then, we settled into our rooms and relaxed for a few hours before setting up some nets to catch some bat seed droppings (yes, we are talking about bat poop). We ate dinner with quite possibly some of the best food on this trip – mashed potatoes! Our group headed to an outdoor classroom to learn about physical features that reveal different bats’ diets. You probably think bats are creepy, but we know for a fact you hate mosquitoes more. So you’d be pleased to hear that a single insect-eating bat can eat up to 1000 or 2000 mosquitoes per hour! And luckily, the only blood-sucking bats live in North and South America! (so you’re safe [kidding again – you are not]) Later, we even got to snuggle with some potentially rabid bats! (also a joke, don’t sue) At the end of the day, we went back to our rooms and wrote this blog post during quiet time, which was for the benefit of the wildlife.
Day 4
Written by Ava and Lana
Todays adventure, some people woke up around 5:00am to go bird watching! I heard that is was very enjoyable and very fun to see as well as hear the birds. Then, we ate breakfast and got ready to head to the water quality workshop. When we got there almost everybody changed into boots to prepare for our water based activity. We tested the chemicals and the quality of the water while also collecting macro-invertebrates. Next, we went on our way to lunch at a place that was suggested by Don Carlos (bus driver and friend) called Soda Marielos, which is a family run restaurant. Something special about this restaurant is that they cook over hot burning wood instead of using the typical gas stove. Then, some people ordered juice, and when Ms. Thompson was pouring it, Jayden tipped her 20 colones!! The food was really good and afterwards some of us were having a conversation about geography and we learned that some of our fellow classmates at home didn’t know that Costa Rica is not part of Mexico. Not us though! We’re learning a ton about the diversity and geography of Costa Rica. After lunch, we went to a watering hole while it was raining and in order to get to it, we had to hike through rain and mud, but it was very worth it to see the waterfall plus a dog. After a couple of hours, we headed back to Las Selva to enjoy our last dinner at the research station. When dinner ended, we headed back to the bunks to relax, play games, pack up and get ready for bed. And enjoy a good nights rest.
Day 3
Written by Cole and Luke
Today we woke up, ate breakfast in the dining hall, and went on a nature walk. The goal of the exploration was to learn about the symbiotic and a-symbiotic relationships of the forest, how all of the species connect with each other, and the different adaptations of species. The adaptations were mainly for the purpose of absorbing the most possible light/nutrients and defense against predators. We got back to OTS and had a short break before going to lunch in the cafeteria. We then had a longer break of just chilling and then went on a 20 minute bus ride to a house by the river and tried a multitude of different medicinal foods such as star fruit, coconuts, and some leaves, anesthesia and some others that I do not remember. Then we got back had a very delectable dinner, and went on a night hike where we saw different types of spiders, many frogs, even a cayman, small alligator kinda thing, and a snake.
Day 2
Written by Chloe and Naomi
Today, we woke up at the hotel, had breakfast, played cards, and then started our three hour journey to La Selva (the jungle). There was lots of singing and music before the first stop, and many great views. We stopped first at a beautiful, humongous waterfall, and explored the area a bit. We even got to hike behind the waterfall. Next stop was a supermarket to buy lots of snacks and stretch our legs. We arrived at La Selva and had lunch. Then we settled into our cabins and unpacked. Next on our agenda: a nature walk! We split into two groups at the trailhead, one group exploring more of the research aspect of the area and one group walking through the rainforest. We saw cute baby bats! We learned that you know a leaf has bats in it if it’s drooping more than usual. It started to rain, and then rained some more. We learned that it can be dangerous to be in the rainforest while it’s raining hard because trees can fall over, so we turned back and headed over a cool hanging bridge. After our hike we ate dinner (delicious) and had our orientation. We played games, took showers, and went to be tired and super happy to be here.
Day 1
Written by Ella and Bella
Today we landed in Costa Rica! We took a bus ride to our gorgeous hotel called La Rosa de America and chilled out for a couple of hours. After we took a bus ride to a park in Alajuela which had an amazing market and grabbed lunch. Then we took another bus ride to a 600 acre fair trade coffee “finca” (farm) owned by Starbucks and learned about the processes of harvesting and making coffee which everyone enjoyed! We then rode back to the hotel and some of the kids decided to take a night swim. We had dinner and everybody went to bed pretty early! It was an exhausting, but spectacular day!