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Baja California Sur: May 2007

The precious hours adjacent and including a sunset in La Paz are the most incredible hours of the day. The sun sinks low on the western horizon, hovering just above the gently curving outline of the peninsula casting its glow over the city. Residents leave their homes during these magical hours of soft light to stroll with family and friends along the famous malecon or walkway by the Sea of Cortez and attend community events.

During just such an evening at sunset on Saturday April 28th, 2007, the EPI Mexico staff decorated the La Paz campus with colorful piñatas and balloons.  They hung student artwork, as well as posters of original student research projects on the walls. Tables hosted local government agencies, non-profits, and motivated student-promoted causes were scattered throughout the campus to provide visitors with information on relevant conservation topics. 

Upon entering, attendees were greeted by EPI staff, Trova acoustic guitar music, the smell of tasty tacos, the enticement of a raspados (Mexican-style slurpees) stand, and the chance to have their face capture the festivity of the moment as painted by an artistic EPI alumnus. The evening's notable events included the entertainment of a folkloric dance troupe sent to the event by one of the local collaborating schools; mingling and socializing, viewing student posters and artwork, testimonials by students and teachers, a raffle of donated prizes, music by the band of another program alumnus, a slideshow of the field season; and special public thanks to program partners and this season’s outstanding field instructional team. 
 
This new event called the Spring Festival of the Island Ecology Program both celebrated the official close of the 2d successful field program season in Mexico and warmly welcomed members of the community to our new facility in La Paz.  A special invitation was sent to program alumni and their families, teachers, school administrators, program partners and friends, scientists, and government officials. Well over 100 people attended, showing their continued support for the education and conservation work EPI carries out in Baja California Sur. Thank you all for making it a success!

EPI alumni and La Paz residents enjoying the spring festival

View previous updates by clicking on one of the months below:
April 2007
February 2007
November 2006