The first place we visited was La Selva.  The first night there we went on a night walk.  Our duties on the night walk and all the walks the days after was to view nature and the impact global change had on nature.  One of the exciting things we were able to see was the poison dart frog.

We got to "take  apart"   the workings of  La Selva's research lab and plant species  (shown is a bromeliad, along with Joyce and Myself).  (La Selva: Project 1)

On our way to La Selva we stopped to visit the Dole banana plantation.  We were walked through the process of growing and harvesting the bananas. 

One afternoon we had some bluegrass music complements of La Selva's top researchers. 

While at La Selva we enjoyed an aerial tram.  This tram enabled us to go above the tropical rain forest.  Shown is an  umbrella  fern.  It is approximately 5 to 6 meters in height.

Our second stop  (about 7 or 8 days into our Costa Rican experience was Palo Verde)  Palo Verde provided lazy days (not quite) with the Black Iguanas.  At any given time one could see up to 12 of these iguanas laying around the front of the research station waiting for a fruit snack.

After a long day of work (and Philippe made sure we worked hard) at Palo Verde we were able to rock our way to relaxation.

(Pale Verde: Project 2)

In route to Las Cruses we spent the night at Playa Dominical.  It was this great beach with an even better hotel. Shown is our room.  The living room was outside with a netting for walls.  We had double beds (first time for two in a room instead of 6).  This is also the first time we have had hot water in two weeks.  HEAVEN ON EARTH!!!!!!!  ( the pool was nice as well)

Even though we all worked very hard, we took time out to have a memory in print.

A normal day at Las Cruces begins with searching out the not so normal activities.  We began this day with a search of bats.

Plant identification included this plant from the ginger family.  It is a plant that can easily substitute for your favorite shampoo.

Las Cruces is part of the Wilson Botanical Gardens in Southern Costa Rica.  One would be hard pressed to find another area as beautiful. 

(Las Cruces: Project 3)

 
I hope you enjoyed and learned from my experience in Costa Rica.  The three weeks I spent learning from various professionals  is invaluable.  Any teacher out there can have the same experience that I, along with others, were fortunate to have.  The information you will need can be gained  from the WWNFF link above.  If you have any questions I will gladly help in any way.   I teach at Johnson Central High School in Kentucky (606 789-2500) e-mail runyon@johnson.k12.ky.us

Thank You.

I would like to thank the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, the National Science Foundation, the Organization of Tropical Studies, Tom Langen, Philippe Hensley, Jim Wetterer, Lisa Novemsky, Bill Lawrence and all others who made this experience possible.