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Costa Rica: May 2007

We are one-third into the 2007 Costa Rica season and some really exciting events are taking place.
Beginning in early March, the Leatherback Sea Turtles managed to astonish our participants with their particular dancing as they shared a wonderful life-moment with us as each egg was laid in the nests. We are proud of enabling all EPI students to be part of this conservation project during their time at Pacuare.

Currently the last two groups, LEB Pococi and Limon, have been witness to of the results of such hard work on the part of the mama turtles. Students were able to assist the research assistants with excavations during which they check the status of the digging of the nests. This process is a vital factor in helping the baby turtles to exit the nests. Our participants are able to witness as the super little turtles head toward the sea to start their exciting aquatic life.

At the same time as these amazing field events are occurring, our leadership project is taking its first steps. EPI is assisting students in using their excitement and energy from their field work to enable them to bring such learning to their own communities. For example, we have several projects going on at the moment. Matina School just finished painting a 15 x 3 yard mural on one of the school’s walls. Ciudad Colon is using some new ways to reach out to its local community through the media. For example, they have begun work on a collage depicting their experiences at Pacuare to be hung one of the walls of the school. Other projects include working on an article to be published in the local newspaper, as well as a student-created survey to determine the level of awareness of turtle conservation of people on the streets in Ciudad Colon.

And to those who make this all possible, a big thanks to the high schools of Polson, Big Sky, Berkely, Bishop O’Dowd, Hellgate, Ciudad Colon, CEB Caribe, Maria Auxiliadora, Alegria, LEB Pococi and Limon whose students and teachers give all their energy, and fun toward making a positive contribution and difference in the world.