Program Goals and Activities
This program endeavors to teach vital research skills relevant to conservation ecology, expose students to the complexities of wildlife preservation efforts and community development priorities, and offer a life-changing immersion into the wild nature of tropical rainforest ecosystems and coastal landscapes in southern Costa Rica. We will familiarize students with the diverse ecologies and cultural histories of the area and plan to participate in conservation research initiatives from base camps in national parks, indigenous communities, farms, jungle environments, and rural lodges. As we develop wildland naturalist skills over the course of the program, student learning is focused on participant observation and field research methods, as well as course discussions, lectures, field notes, and journaling.
Our Costa Rica program strives to highlight the intricacies and interconnectivity among conservation ecology, sustainable development, tropical rainforest ecosystem studies, and human wellbeing in one of the most stunning and biodiverse environments on Earth. Engaging with conservation landscape histories, tropical forest ecology, eco-tourism approaches, endangered species research, and sustainable development practice, students can expect to come away from this program with field experience and broad insight into the complexities of reconciling conservation objectives with sustainable development priorities.
Species Identification and Observation
This program will provide a comprehensive introduction to tropical forest ecology and wildlife species observation and monitoring. Students will learn to identify, track, and evaluate plant and animal species of the rainforest, mangroves, and marine ecosystems, while learning important methods for researching these species in the wild.
Biodiversity Conservation
Learning from and working alongside conservationists and biologists, students will be exposed to the complexities of biodiversity conservation while supporting local organizations’ initiatives through applied field research. We will explore government-operated, private non-profit, community-based and integrative conservation efforts and wildlife management approaches in the context of conservation ecology, eco-tourism and sustainable development.
Tropical Rainforest and Coastal Landscape Ecologies
Our field studies will take us into diverse ecosystems ranging from tropical forests, rural farms and fjords, to mangroves, river estuaries and coral reefs. We will study diverse ecologies and ecosystem functions while observing the flora and fauna and monitoring natural resource quality across varying ecosystems. Together we will examine how land and marine species are faring in the wake of conservation efforts, increased tourism and agricultural production.
Nature and Culture
As an essential feature of the program, we will visit diverse local communities and experience the unique connections among cultures and natural environments. Through conversations and interactions with farmers, tourism providers, indigenous communities, business owners, fishermen and local residents in a number of towns and communities, students will gain deeper insight into the interdependent relationships forged between people and planet at the intersections of conservation and development.
Field Research Methods and Naturalist Skills
Throughout this program, students will participate in adaptive scientific fieldwork and learn practical research methods for resource sampling, species identification, observation, tracking, monitoring, evaluating, recording and reporting field data. Similarly, field exposure and backpacking experience equip students with broader naturalist skillsets useful for future wildlands research endeavors. Prior field research experience is not required, and all field methods will be taught on-site in Costa Rica.
