Neotropical Environmental Biology in Costa Rica

Visiting Professor: Dr. Mollie D. McIntosh

Teaching Assistant:  Casey M. Hanley

 Visit and learn in Costa Rica

La Selva, Tourtuguero National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, San José, Cahuita, Poas Volcano, Gandoca Manzanill

Other Maps of Costa Rica

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Forms and Necessary Downloads

PDF Costs and General Information

PDF Application for 2006 Course

PDF Summary & Itinerary of 2006 Course

Required Footwear For Stream Research

— Course Texts (Required Texts, Required Readings, Recommended Readings) —

Health and Travel Information

— Vaccine, Malaria, and Travel Information for Costa Rica (from Travel Health Online) —

— Course (BIO 340) Health, Vaccine and Malaria Information —

Vaccine Planner Form (take this to your physician or travel health clinic)

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United States Embassy in Costa Rica

 U.S. Embassy
Pavas, San Jose (Tel.: 506-220-3050/3939, extension for American Citizen Services is 2453; Web: http://sanjose.usembassy.gov)

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  Credit - Course & Lab Goals - General Information - Costs - Locations - Daily Itinerary - Accomodations - Animals - Maps - Photos from Monteverde - Photos from San Jose

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Photos from 2004 Preliminary Trip With Dr. Ralph Gorton's Class from Lansing Community College

Credit Hours: BIO 360 (3 credits) - can be used for General Education Requirment or Biology credit for majors BIO 360L (1 or 2 credits) - co-requisite with BIO 360 Pre-requiste: Permission of Instructor

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Course Goals and Rationale

Provide diverse, hands-on conciliatory experiences for students to gain understanding of the complex interactive issues between culture and the physical environment on biology through a focus on natural resources availability, utilization and preservation in an expanding global culture and economy.  A focus on limited environmental resources (e.g. rainforest, desert, tundra, arid agricultural areas) of finite water, nutrient-mineral cycling, air quality, and biodiversity preservation-restoration provides an opportunity for a clear understanding of sustainable use of global natural resources.  This is accomplished by addressing issues within encapsulated microcosms of cultural-economic challenges inherent both to developing nations (e.g. slash/burn vs. ecotourism) and economic powers (e.g. industrialization/CO2/global warming vs. Kyoto Accords).  This lecture course will address the biology of environments with an emphasis on historical and existing conditions unique to specific global locations that are facing challenges of balancing natural resources and cultural- and socio-economic needs.  Students will experience the historical and contemporary cultural and religious perspectives of natural resource use and management.  The economics of fuels, land for agriculture, water, preservation of rare organisms and the importance of biodiversity, continue to be political, cultural and environmental/biological.     The goal is for a course that can include a diversity of world natural resources management strategies that have direct relevance to balancing socio-economic and conservation issues such as ecotourism in Costa Rica, nature reserves in Africa, population and biodiversity in Asia, and polar melting in the Artic/Antarctic.  Students will have a total immersion into the significance of the unique geological and geographic characteristics of a country/region, the associated historical, cultural and social diversity that depends on natural resources and economic growth, and how all of these are managed for integrity (or continued destruction) of biodiversity through sustainable (or not-so-sustainable) development.

An emphasis on learning experiences associated with why, how, and in what economic capacity a nation or village balances life-sustaining resources through conservation and preservation of habitat, biodiversity and potable freshwater for economic stability. Students will take microcosm-scale experiences (local conditions) and be accountable for integrating and comparing them to global scale natural resource issues (e.g., Kyoto Accords). No population, human or otherwise, can exist without quality food and water resources for allocation and utilization.  Preservation of environmental biodiversity ensures quality conditions for future human sustainability.  Predictably, STEWARDSHIP of habitat and water resources in the ranges of desert-to-rainforest, ocean-to-mountain and tropical-to-arctic encompasses one of our greatest political-environmental issues on a global scale.  This is the foundation for basic human biology and survival, and is the pivotal focus of this course.  An understanding of the integrated effects of indigenous people and current economic development emphasizes environmental impacts affecting unique endemic and endangered biological communities that have inherent, aesthetic, and economic value.  Knowledge of habitats, culture and economics along with a global perspective leads to an understanding of societal needs for compromise, environmental restoration and conservation of natural resources for the enrichment of biological and cultural quality.  Public awareness and personal responsibility provoke new ways of thinking and contributing to the emerging culture of global citizenship through hands-on participation in this type of course.  Civic science and understanding of the issues is key to delivering a sustainable future.  The goal is to educate for biological knowledge and understanding through an integration of disciplines.  Critical thinking based on accurate information along with hands-on experience brings biology into an appropriate alignment with other disciplines.  Modern culture is still dependent on a healthy environment for continuing needs of human spirituality of the individual and society, through sustenance from religion and the arts for the mind and basic nutrition for the body.

Experiential learning in the rainforests and mangroves.	Understand the geological volcanology of Costa Rica.

Approximate Costs of Tuition and Fees:

Tuition: $2,832 (4 credit hours)

Course Fee: $2650

Total Cost = $5,482

Course Fee INCLUDES (not in sequential order):

1. Airfare from Dayton to San Jose, Costa Rica
   
2. All ground transportation and fuel costs.
3. All lodging at nice hotels and lodges.
4. Most Food: 14 Breakfasts, 14 lunches, and 10 dinners
5. A full-time professional bi-lingual guide, naturalist, and driver.
6. All entrance fees to national parks and refuges.
7. A Fiesta/Party and Pinata at San Luis Ecolodge.
   
8. Professional naturalists and classrooms at San Luis Ecolodge.
   
9. All costs for the following

            activities:

1. Sea and river kayaking.
2. Tortuguero town, canals, turtle museum
   
3. White water rafting with guide.
4. Coral reef snorkeling.
5. Field research in streams
   
6. Horseback riding.
7. Rainforest Canopy Hike & Suspension Bridge Tour.
8. Cable/Zip Cord Tour of rainforest canopy.
9. Cultural fiesta
   
10. River/Estuary Boat Tour
11. Hummingbird Garden.
12. Tour at La Selva Tropical Research Biological Station.
13. Poas Volcano tour.

Other Expenses:

• Food: 14 breakfasts, 14 lunches, and 10 dinners are INCLUDED; students responsible for remaining 4 dinners.
  
• Stream shoes (required ~$35±$5) and Tico Boots (optional ~$15 rubber barn boots)
• Course Text
  
• Souvenirs/gifts etc: Up to you, $0 - whatever.
• Cost of Passport (apply at least 4 months early)
• Exit tax for Costa Rica = $30

Daily Itinerary: also see pdf for 2006 trip - following is the same as  in the pdf.

Itinerary

Day 1 (May 8)  — Arrive San José and departs to Cahuita- Limón.
Assistance at the International Airport:  Our guide and driver will be ready at the Airport to help you and continue with the transfer to Puerto Viejo de Limon.  Pizote Lodge is located near Cahuita, and offers different kind of rooms, swimming pool, restaurant and gardens. Rest of the afternoon free.

Day 2 (May 9) —  Tour to Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.
The Wildlife Refuge is located on the Caribbean Coast, near the Panamanian Boarder and hosts an invaluable biological wealth. The Refuge’s natural conditions make it a very interesting place to visit for scientific tourism and nature lovers. In addition to this, visitor will have the opportunity of enjoy and learn of how the Afro Caribbean and indigenous cultures live in harmony with nature.
 
Refuge’s estuary is one of the largest mangroves of the Caribbean side, home of manatees, Caymans, otters and more. Many other types of animals can be seen in the Refuge as wild pigs, spotted cavy, monkeys, sloths, snakes, birds among others.

We will walk from 9 to 10 kilometres of the Cahuita National Park. We will start at the town of Cahuita, followed by White Beach, continuing the trail that goes to Puerto Vargas. Students will walk through various beaches where you can swim safety. Some commonly seen animals are two and three toed sloths, white faced monkeys, howler monkeys, squirrels, and different species of crabs. Morphs, Monarch and Heliconias Butterflies. Regarding birds, woodpeckers, king fishers, falcons, ospreys, herons, turkeys, common vultures and various marine birds, can be seen.

Day 5 (May 12) —  Activities at La Selva including Walking Tours.
After a strong breakfast, your guide we will prepare the group with all the information for day activities.  This is at the confluence of two major rivers in the Caribbean lowlands of northern Costa Rica, La Selva comprises 1,600 hectares (3,900 acres) of tropical wet forests and disturbed lands. It averages 4 m (over 13 feet!) of rainfall that is spread rather evenly throughout the year.

Discover the biodiversity of lowland tropical rainforest at this internationally renowned research station. With its state-of-the-art laboratories, on-line geographic information system, extensive trails, and large forest reserve bordering Braulio Carrillo National Park, La Selva is one of the world’s most important sites for tropical ecosystem research. Each year, more than 250 scientists from some 25 countries and thousands of international students come to La Selva to study tropical ecology. La Selva comprises 1,513 hectares (3,739 acres) of old growth and disturbed tropical wet forests. Species´ diversity is spectacular, including more than 1,900 species of plants, 330 species of trees, 436 species of birds, and 450 species of ants. Showy birds, such as toucans, parrots, trogons, and hummingbirds, and mammals, including monkeys, peccaries, agoutis, and coatis, are seen frequently.

Day 8 (May 15) — Horseback riding & half day for recognize, sorting and processing samples and data collected.  After breakfast the group will enjoy a horseback riding tour for 2 hours. Return to the Lodge, enjoy the lunch and then start with studies at the classroom.

Day 9 (May 16) — Day of leisure for your own activities (report presentations). Relax for the rest of the afternoon because at night the group will enjoy a party with a piñata and marimba.

Day 11 (May 18) —  Departs to Manuel Antonio.
After breakfast the group will departs to Manuel Antonio, lodging at Villa Teca. The hotel features 20 villas, each with 2 rooms. They are on the slopes of the Manuel Antonio mountains overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The villas are scattered throughout a lush tropical vegetation that attracts numerous exotic birds and small wild animals. Each room has: 2 twin beds; individually controlled air aconditioning; private bathroom with hot water and shower; private terrace with forest view. We also offer a two-level swimming pool; a full service restaurant; bar; parking lot; and free shuttle service to Manuel Antonio Park and beaches. The Hotel's restaurant features an international menu with an emphasis on northern Italian cuisine. The bar offers exotic fruits drinks and traditional beverages.

Day 13 (May 20) —   White water rafting at the Naranjo River. Only 30 minutes away from Manuel Antonio / Quepos area, the Naranjo river is the natural southern border of Mnauel Antonio National Park.  The section we run goes from the town of Villanueva in the mountains, to the Llamarón bridge on the road from Quepos to Dominical.  On these 8 miles of whitewater we will run rapids like “La Piñata”, “El Cesar” & “Robin Hood”.  On the second half of our run the river opens up on the Pacific flatlands giving us the opportunity to enjoy the view and see many species of birds like the Ringed Kind Fisher and the White Ibis.  With a little bit of luck we might be able to see one of the crocodiles that live in the river.

The trip starts at your hotel, where the bus will pick you up and take you to the put in of the river, passing through the towns of Naranjito & Villanueva.  Once there, the guides will gear you up and after  a safety talk will star a descent maneuvering the rapids of the mighty Naranjo River.

Day 14 (May 21) —  Return to San José.  According to your program and guide the group will starts with the  return to San José,  a stop can be make at Sarchi where the group will see and buy some handicraft.

General Information:

-- Incredible experience to be enjoyed and shared. This will be an interdisciplinary immersion into the Costa Rican environment and culture.

-- Bags and Clothing: Travel light. Specifics will be addressed with class. One gets tired of handling stuff not needed or used.

-- Living and travel conditions are tight. You will have to share beds and function in cooperation with the logistics of moving a group of people and their stuff!

-- Days will commonly begin at 6:00 - 7:00 AM and end at 7:00 - 8:00 PM

Required:

-- Interview with Burky required. We need to know of any personal or medical needs.

-- Each student must be capable of hiking 3 miles / day in rugged terrain or in streams.

-- Selection of students for course may need to be reviewed by a selection committee

-- Burky's permission required for registration. To be based on selection process.

-- Deposit of lab fee will be required to hold spot in course. Date for deposit will be announced.

-- Shoes (Tobi) and Tico boots (rubber boots) should be purchased prior to trip.

-- Medical Physical form required.

-- Medical insurance information and parent/family contact numbers required.

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National Parks and Locations That Will Be Visited

Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge Cahuita National Park Tourtuguero National Park La Selva (Organization for Tropical Studies) - Near Braulio Carrillo National Park Poas Volcano National Park Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and San Luis River Valley (Ecolodge San Luis) Manuel Antonio National Park - Damas Island Estuary Naranjo River San Jose - this is a city, not a reserve or park.

 

 
General Information About Costa Rica

Back to Beginning

Back to Beginning

Accomodations:

Back to Beginning 

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Examples and Photos of Some Accomodations:

San Luis Ecolodge and Research Station

San Luis Ecolodge is run by the University of Georgia.	San Luis is nested in the mountains near Monteverde.
We stay in cabinas with modern, eco-friendly facilities.	We travel Costa Rica in a bus with a driver and translater.
You will meet other guests from all over the world at San Luis.	Trained naturalists and your Professors teach in a classroom.
A 'Fiesta' is the highlight of our time at the Research Station.	And yes, Dr. Burky did get his candy!
Learn some Salsa at the Fiesta, as well.	The dining hall and library at San Luis.
We stay in cabinas with modern, eco-friendly facilities.	An example of a cabina at San Luis.

Other Accomondations

Other accomodations include hotels.	A healthy buffet (and gourmet) breakfast of Costa Rican fruits.

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Photos from San José:
 
  

Downtown San José.	Downtown San José.

The Basilica of the Angels.

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Mountains of Monteverde.	A canopy walk in the mountains of Monteverde.
We go on a 3 hour hike in the canopy of a Monteverde forest.	Learning in the tropical rainforest canopy of Monteverde.

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Jaguar	Butterflies
Poison Arrow Frog	Howler Monkeys
Crocodiles	More Crocodiles
Blue Morpho Butterfly	Immature Stages
Leaf Cutter Ants	Leaf Cutter Ants On A Trail
Three Toed Sloth	Hummingbirds

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