Pitzer College Study AbroadPitzer College Study AbroadCosta RicaCosta Rica

Tropical EcologyTropical Ecology

Fall 2005 Students among buttress roots of a Strangler Fig, approximately 200 years old, Hacienda Baru

Fall 2005 Students

Hearty Look and Erica Helsen sample stream waters in

secondary forest, North Trail Creek, Firestone Property

Jake Mirbegian analyzes water samples for nutrient levels

Using the microscope, Daniel Ingroff, an environmental studies/art major sketches

out stream organisms

Matt “Go with the Flow” Berry measures water flow at the

waterfall in the Quebrada Cacao on the Firestone Property

Fall 2005 Students at the Waterfall, Quebrada Cacao, Firestone Property

A bamboo bridge crosses over a stream in the Secondary Forest on

the Firestone Property

Fall 2005 Students with Cristian Velanciano, Farm Manager, in

secondary forest

Hearty Look uses a range finder to map Leaf-Cutter Ant trails on Firestone Property

David Goldman samples for bacteria at stream head in primary

rainforest, Hacienda Baru

Erica Helsen samples sediment in primary rainforest, Hacienda Baru

David Goldman and our guide, Pedro, in primary rainforest,

Hacienda Baru

A young lizard, a resident of the Program House, perches on Field Notes

Fall 2005 Class stands amidst a 300 year old “Ceibo” or Kapok

Tree

Rewarded with a view of a friendly three-toed sloth after a strenuous hike

Gus Porter and Jake Mirbegian check out a Buttonwood

Mangrove, Parque Ballena Marino

Leaves and flowers of a Buttonwood Mangrove

A grasshopper perches on a palm outside the Program House

Cattle egrets and Boat-billed Heron roost in red mangrove trees

A “bolo”. A relict from pre-Columbian culture, in Palmar Sur

No one knows for sure why they were formed by the ancient society

Isabel’s Birthday Party, Isabella Arguello is the Program Director