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Day 1-4

Why ease into it?

So much to see and do before you even arrive at the research station. Get an immediate introduction to Costa Rica’s ecological wonders on a jungle adventure with naturalist guides. Hike through highland rainforest, spotting “blue jean” poison dart frogs, leaf cutter ants and tropical birds perched in the trees. Whitewater raft the thrilling rapids of the Sarapiqui River, keeping your eyes peeled for monkeys, tiger herons, toucans and vultures. Zip from tree to tree and enjoy the bird’s-eye view on a jungle canopy tour.

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Day 5-11

Full-on, hands-on sea turtle research.

Energized, we travel to the John H. Phipps Biological Field Station on Tortuguero, where we to assist biologists on the longest continuing sea turtle research program on earth. During the day, dive into lectures on the fundamentals of sea turtle biology and conservation. Learn about feeding, mating, nesting behavior and migratory patterns. Discuss Tortuguero’s cultural and natural history and why this remote location plays such a vital role in sea turtle conservation. We also learn research and monitoring techniques that will be put to use. Day turns into night and lectures turn into hands-on field work. Each time you find a turtle nesting, you and the rest of your team drops down in the sand and gets to work. Measure the carapace and flippers. Check the turtle for irregularities. Count her eggs as she lays them and diagram the nests. Walk away with the ability to identify various types of sea turtles and interpret their behavior, as well as a deep understanding of sea turtle monitoring techniques.

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Day 10-18

Examining the social aspects of conservation.

Next stop Nicaragua, where we participate in a community based sea turtle management project in El Ostional. Explore the constant threats and conservation challenges that sea turtles face and evaluate them through historical, cultural, economic and legal lenses. Ultimately, this week is about protecting and recovering depleted sea turtle populations. It’s about examining the conservation theories and strategies currently being used, and looking at the role that culture plays in implementing them. Take part in turtle patrols on both government managed beaches as well as those monitored by the community. In your spare time, learn about the local ecology from community guides while kayaking along the coast, keeping an eye out for sea turtles in the water.

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Day 19-24

Applying the knowledge.

Back to Costa Rica, where applied management rounds out your experience in sea turtle ecology and conservation. Working with Pretoma, a local non-profit organization dedicated to protecting ocean resources, assist with the maintenance of a hatchery project designed to protect sea turtle nests and their continued survival. When not working on the hatchery, enjoy the white sand beaches and freshwater streams of Costa Rica. By completion of the course, you will have deep knowledge of the region, a clear understanding of sea turtle populations and the conservation techniques that are being applied in the field.