7-20-19

We Have Arrived

At around 5 PM Costa Rica time (6 pm MN time), we landed in Liberia Airport in Costa Rica. With our first flight arriving late, we made a mad dash in Atlanta to catch the connecting flight to Costa Rica. With exception of late planes, our travels were wonderfully uneventful (can you tell that this is a chaperone writing today's post?).

Hunger was our biggest issue, so within 10 minutes of leaving the airport, we we were ushered to a lovely local restaurant for a great meal. By 8:00 PM we were on the road, driving in the dark, meandering between dry and wet forest. About two hours later, we are now at Finca la Anita, and my students (your kids) are in cabins getting ready for bed... Tomorrow the real adventure begins!

7-21-19

Day 2 - Cacao Plantation Tour & Science Day 1

Today we got a tour of the Chocolateria (The Chocolate Factory) La Anita by our host Pablo. He gave us a great presentation on the farming and processing of the Cacao plant. We were able to sample a few the products that are made right here on the farm: chocohuital (Aztex drink), chocolate spread & chocolate bars. Pablo gave us a tour of the processing station of the cacao beans and the area where the plants are grown.

In the afternoon we met Dr. Adrian Pinto, professor at the University of Costa Rica, and lead scientist that we will be working with on our independent study projects. After a quick lesson on the science process we formed our research groups and did our first study. We designed and collected data for our first experiment on bacterial growth of the finca (farm).

7-22-19

Day 3 - Harvesting Colonies, Zip-lining, and Butterfly Garden

We began our day by taking a trip into the jungle where each of our groups was able to collect a leaf-cutter ant fungus garden and its presiding queen. We did this by first locating an incipient (newly developing) colony by looking for ants entering and exiting the ground as well as newly moved dirt. When a colony was located we delicately dug into the ground, following the main tunnel until we located the only fungus garden of these young colonies. It is here that the queen can be found. Using a large metal spoon and a bit of perseverance (although these ants do not sting they do bite), we delicately scooped out the fungal gardens and each queen. We then returned these specimens to the classroom where we will perform research on them in the coming days.

After lunch we loaded ourselves into the van and journeyed to our next adventure: a zip-line course in the rainforest. Following our ascent through jungle paths and bridges, we clipped onto the cable and enjoyed a thrilling series of lines to the bottom which culminated in a very long line over a pasture. After each line, we stopped on metal platforms hanging in, and supported by, massive rainforest trees. For those who were overwhelmed by the thrill of the ride, this was an opportunity to stop and observe nature from a unique perspective.

When we reached the bottom, we got back into the van and traveled to the Mariposaria (Butterfly Garden) and observed developing caterpillars as well as beautiful butterflies. This Mariposaria is run by the local Womens' association and, with the help of Dr. Pinto and other experts, has become a very important economic stimulus for the village of Colonia Libertad.

We finished the day by collecting data on our bacterial growth experiments and learning about statistical analysis methods.

7-23-2019

Day 4 - Science Proposals

Today was spent brainstorming, defining, finalizing and presenting our ideas for the independent research studies that will be conducted for the rest of the week. With the help of Dr. Pinto and the two graduate students, Silver and Allen, all of our groups able to come up with our research topics.

• Los Caballeros Comunistas (Amber, Livia, Tristan & Adam) - Chemical signaling differences of leaf-cutter ants
• The Brain Cells (McKenna, Jack L., Nicole & Geena) - Microbe diversity of Morph caterpillar frass (poop)
• The Bullet Ants (Lauren, Mathew, Jack C., & Grace) - Microbe diversity of leaf-cutter ant waste mounds
• The Bear Fighters (Rachel, Kaylee & Amelia) - Temperature influence on removal of the leaf-cutter ant frass

This evening our experimental methods were presented & critiqued by group. Tomorrow we will begin collecting data on either the atta (leaf-cutter ants) and/or morph caterpillars.

7-24-19

Day 5 - So Many Things to Report, So Little Time

I'm laying it out for you all now... we are pretty tired after today and we have to be up for a 6:00 a.m. breakfast tomorrow. As such, today's report is provided to you by Chaperones Lev & Frericks, as our best authors are busy working on experiments.

Today began with another amazing meal followed by a morning filled with adventure and community service. We did split shifts in the morning with Team A heading into the field to work on improving the communities butterfly garden and Team B riding broncos through the jungle. Ninety minutes later, roles were reversed. Everyone had fun riding horses as well as helping the community improve their new butterfly garden.

Next came lunch followed by more science. The students are now digging into their preliminary experimental trials and are working to refine their experiments. During this time we also had some amazing wildlife sightings that included the chestnut mandibled toucan, collared aracaris, and a lonely howler monkey.

By 4:15 science gave way to a tractor drive to town. We were dropped off at a home/restaurant and met the head chef. She put us all to work making salads, plantain chips, vegetables, and tortillas. We all shared an amazing Caribbean meal in an outdoor patio and ate yet another fantastic meal.

Back on the hay cart by 7:15 and it is science time until 9:00 pm. Speaking of which, it is 9:00 PM now and everybody is heading back to their cabins with the goal of making it to an early breakfast.

Until tomorrow...

7-25-19

Day 6 - Hikes, Hot Springs, and Waterfalls

We woke early this morning to rush to breakfast at 6am so that we could be on the road at 6:30. After an hour and fifteen minutes of driving, we made it to El Parque Nacional de Rincon de la Vieja, a national park in northern Costa Rica. We hiked approximately an hour before reaching the hot springs, which are filled with amoeba and sulfur deposits. The water in the pools naturally remains warm because of volcanic activity, but it was cool enough for us to step in and lounge. From there, we ventured to a waterfall. Along the way we spotted an elusive spider monkey, a spider big enough to make us nervous, and a troop of army ants. The water beneath the waterfall was very cold, but refreshing. Before we could dry off and change out of our soaking wet swimsuits, we hiked another rough two kilometers!

We had a picnic at the national park, made of sandwiches, potato chips, and cookies. The cookie wrappers had stickers!

We returned to working on our science projects after another long car ride, upon which we completed our experiment with the relationship between escovopis and leafcutter ants. Each group finalized their first trials and began working on their end presentations. Only one plastic container filled with ethanol was set on fire...

Day 7 - Science Day

Today we had a full day of science. We finished our experiments today and prepared our final presentations for tomorrow. We had a break after lunch; some people went to the village and stocked up on sweets while others continued their work. After an hour of science we had a nice coffee break with coffee, juice, and empanadas which refueled us to get through this rigorous day of thinking. Most groups worked well into the night, dedicated to their experiments. It has been a stressful yet productive day. We are all eager to present our findings to the group.

7/27/19

Day 8 - Presentations Bring Sweet Relief

Today began with jittering nerves and twisting hands, running timers and stuttered words. After working until late last night, we pulled ourselves out of bed for breakfast with a new sense of urgecy, last minute presentation adjustments included final touches, different word choices and learning our presentations; in some cases, for the first time. Pinto, Silver and Allan were patient with us and made their rounds to give us all feedback before the real deal, but few of us were actually calm. We drew for spots and then gathered in the classroom for the beginning of the end. The order was:

• The Bear Fighters (Rachel, Kayley & Amelia) --> Temperature influence on leafe cutter ant refuse (waste) removal
• Los Caballeros Comunistas (Livia, Adam, Amber & Tristan) --> Chemical signaling differences of leaf cutter ants
• The 4 Brain Cells (Jack L., McKenna, Nicole & Geena) --> Microbe diversity of Morpho caterpillar frass (poop)
• The Bullet Ants (Mathew, Grace, Jack C., Lauren) --> Microbe diversity of leaf-cutter ant waste piles

We all breezed through our presentations with a few questions at the end and lots of congratulations, praise, and pride to go around. That's when it hit us, we did it, we pulled it off by the skin of our teeth, and even if our predictions and hypothesis were wrong, that was okay, because we might have been wrong; but we learned a lot along the way. We all took a deep breath and the nerves went away, it was over, and the fact that it was over brought a kind of sadness where we wished it wasn't over yet, but we were glad it was.

After more congratulations from Pinto and our teachers we made a beeline for lunch, after which we went back to our cabins to get ready for the highlight of the day; we were headed to another waterfall to go swimming. An hour later we said heartfelt goodbyes to Pinto, Allan and Silver, then loaded into the tractor and we were off, 10 minutes later we walked the short 5 minute hike to the river, shucked off our backpacks and headed into the cold water. Honestly, it felt refreshing, as the sun was out today, it was a bit hot, so the cool water was warmly recieved (did you get my pun?). There was a downed tree in the water so, Carlos, one of the hands at Finca La Anita used a machete to cut it away and Jack squared (Jack C. & Jack L.) plus Adam (with minimal help from the rest of us) worked to pull the branches out of the water and up onto the bank, out of the way. After that small adventure we settled in for a couple relaxing hours before heading back for 2 more hours of down time, and then off to dinner. After which we have been enjoying a nice relaxing evening playing cards and cracking jokes. We're looking forward to traveling to Horezantes tomorrow.

7-28-19

Day 9 - Travel & Transition

Apologies to those who are reading, but this will be a short post.

Following another amazing breakfast at Finca la Anita we bid farewell to our gracious hosts Pablo and Anna and left the volcanic valley that was our home for eight nights. From the finca we headed west to the Pacific to our new home for the next two days. We are now at the Horizonte Biological Field Station where are learning about the dry tropical forest.

Following lunch we all had a bit of free time to explore and then did a mini research project looking at the influence of trees on the pH of soil. After walking transects and collecting soils we measured the pH to test the prevailing hypotheseis that suggests that soil becomes increasingly basic as you move from trunk to the perimeter of leaf fall.

As I write this at 7:20 pm we are learning about sea turtles, the need to study them, and how to do it. By 8:00 PM we will be leaving the field station for the beach. Once we are on site we will walk the beach searching for nesting turtles... We are really hoping to see them and let you know what we find tomorrow.

Sorry... no pictures tonight.

Pura Vida

7-29-19

Day 10 - Sunset Sayonara!

Our final day in Costa Rica started off gloomy after finding no sea turtles last night. However, we had an amazing view of the night sky. Today's first activity began with a study of the mutualism between acacia trees and a local species of harvester ants. Following this, we were given a chance to plant Guanacaste trees, which happens to be the national tree of Costa Rica. The tree represents the strength of the people of Guanacaste, and celebrates the union of this province and the rest of Costa Rica. Next, BOOT WASHING! We finally rid ourselves of the foot prisons that have confined our feet for the last ten days.

We spent our remaining daylight hours at the Playa Naranjo Beach. We made some sand turtles and and sand tapirs, played some hands of rummy, and ventured to the estuary and the end of the beach. It was extremely hot, and we spent our time in the water watching for rays, spotting a pufferfish, and picking up shells. As the tide went out, we discovered that we had to "go farther to get more deeper." Thanks, Grace. Only a couple of us got stung by jellyfish... we all offered to pee on them, but they politely declined. :(

We watched the sun set over the Pacific, and returned to an exceptional barbecue of pork, chicken, and beef kabobs, and some amazing grilled veggies for the vegetarians! We spent the remainder of the night packing and prepping for the 8 a.m. departure for the airport tomorrow. 26 hours and counting until we land at MSP!

#tapirgangiscominghome