Hands-on Ecology in Costa Rica
Over spring break, the science department offered its first ever ecology trip to Costa Rica. The science department has not been able to have an ecology-focused trip for more than six years, so the students who went were in for a real treat!
The trip started off in Pacuare, Costa Rica, where students stayed at a scientific research base called the Pacuare Reserve. The students slept in cabins with no electricity, completely immersed in Costa Rica’s environment. Over the next three days they had one important job: protect the turtles.
The students had four hour shifts patrolling the beach starting at 8:00 or 10:00 pm, or 12:00 am. It was then where they learned how to measure the eggs, tracks, and watch out for any poachers attempting to steal the turtle's eggs. Over the course of the three days students personally helped conserve hundreds of turtle eggs.
Rebecca Allen, BBA science teacher, accompanied the students on this trip and discussed her experience: “This was a once-in-a-lifetime, hands-on experience that changed these students' lives. It was a group of all women; there's something so empowering about a group of strong women having such an important role like conserving these turtles. We were basically turtle doulas for three days.”
After three days, they relocated to Tirimbina, Costa Rica, staying in the Veragua Rainforest. Students had some down time and it was here they got to bond and connect with one another
Rorie Mara ’23 said: “It was incredible to have an all-female trip even down to the instructors. It was girls from all grades and everyone was so kind yet strong and dedicated to the work we were doing.”
In the Veragua Rainforest, students had the remarkable opportunity to learn about rainforest ecology and also have some fun by going white water rafting.
Over the remainder of the trip the students saw countless poisonous dart frogs, rare birds, Puma tracks, and even a six foot boa snake!
Tully Trimmer ‘23 said her favorite part about the trip was, “Interacting with people from all around the world with the same common goal of conservation. This trip changed my idea about college, and I decided not to defer from school and instead look at other schools to pursue this type of field work.”
Allen plans for this trip to continue for future female BBA students to take part in. She wants to explore another science trip that's co-ed, but she believes this trip is an amazing and empowering experience for young women to take part in.
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