Geology 412/512: 5 Credit Hours
May 19-June 3, 2008
Purpose: To better understand the astonishing diversity of tropical ecosystems.
Students in this course work together to investigate the ecology
and cultures of Neotropical ecosystems: how they were formed and
how they are changing.
We will explore in 2008:
- Tropical rainforests
- Caribbean islands and island biogeography
- Beach and mangrove communities
- Arenal Volcano
- Coral reefs
- Sea turtle nesting site
- Indigenous Bri Bri communities
Prerequisites: Two courses in the natural sciences and instructor permission.
Limited scholarships are available. Course costs: tuition (5 hours credit) +
$775 (room and board) + airfare.
For info: Contact Dr. Hays Cummins, 513-529-1338
Table of Contents
Course Description
Scientists equate the rapid loss of species due to human activities
in the modern era to the massive extinction events evident in
the geologic record. However, these two types of extinction events
differ in important ways. In the extinction event in which we
now live, humans make decisions about which species to save. We
also decide, explicitly or implicitly, which species will go extinct.
How well do we understand this process? On what will we base our
decisions? Understanding and formulating solutions to modern extinctions
is the central concern of the field of biodiversity, a discipline
that requires skills in the natural sciences, social sciences
and the humanities.
Tropical ecosystems are critical reservoirs of biodiversity.In Tropical Ecosystems of Costa Rica, we will explore issues of
biodiversity in lowland rain forests, premontane rain forests,
cloud forests, a volcanic ecosystem, mangroves, and marine environments.[Here
is a Mangrove Species Endemic to Costa Rica & Panama! ]
Using an integrated perspective, we
will gain an appreciation for the diversity of Neotropical ecosystems:
how they were formed and how they are changing.
An intensive lecture schedule will be combined with first-hand
field experiences, individual projects, and group investigations
emphasizing research methods in tropical systems. Topics to be
covered in depth include tropical ecology, the geology of Costa
Rica, Pre-Columbian to modern patterns of land use, indigenous
patterns of land use by the Bri Bri, and the statistical analysis
of field data.
Other Important Course-Related Websites + Links
Compliments of Graphic Maps
Other Web Pages with Costa Rica Course information include a Costa Rica Course Starting Point (Contains links to other course info),
the Costa Rica LISTserve, Costa Rica Course Images and Movies,
and Costa Rica Streaming Videos.
Banana Plantations supply many jobs to Costa Ricans. Yet, one
plantation destroys many square kilometers of rainforest. An important,
timeless question: How do we balance human needs with conservation?
There will be three main sites of instruction:
Our course will start in the unique cloud forests of Monteverde in North-central
Costa Rica. It is the perfect location to begin our studies. Here, will will
take night and day hikes to the many diversified habitats within the preserve.
We will begin class discussions based upon the assigned readings and also give
you your research project questions. We will visit the Santa Elena Preserve
where we will have an elevated view of the cloud forest canopy on their skywalk.
Then we trek to Arenal volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world!
In Las Palmas in Southwest Costa Rica, we will study mangroves and lowland
rain forests: their present day ecology as well as patterns exploitation in
the past and present. We will draw on visits to Pre-Columbian archaeological
sites, to an abandoned banana plantation, to oil palm cooperatives, to a mangrove
community and to an island cemetery of an indigenous people in order to piece
together the ecology of the region and its history of human impact. We will
also stay in Corcovado, a biological reserve that contains one of Central America's
most important tracts of virgin rain forest. Here we will also study the role
of plate tectonics and volcanism in producing the extraordinary floristic and
climatic diversity of the Neotropics. This will include discussion of the importance
of elevation gradients and of the large-scale biogeography of two centers of
biotic diversity.
We will also visit Gandoca, in Southeast Costa Rica, and visit a nesting site
of leatherback turtles, the world's largest living reptile, weighing up to 2,000
pounds. The Gandoca-Manzanillo wildlife refuge and surrounding area on the Caribbean
coast, includes a nine-kilometer crescent-shaped beach, lowland rain forest,
and indigenous reserves of the Bribri. We will explore indigenous ways of relating
to the land and the challenges brought about by change. Final results of field
studies, student presentations, and the final exam will also take place here.
Approx. costs: tuition + $775 (room, board, travel in CR) + airfare (~$550)
A map of Costa Rica
Return Home
GLG 412/512- Course Economics
Credits
|
Tuition
|
Rm & Board
|
Out-of-State Fees-(If applicable)
|
| Geology
5 hours |
$1715.10-UG
$2008.90-Grad
|
$775 |
~~$1465.15 |
Important Course Related Forms
There are numerous forms to turn in. They include: a registration form, health
forms, waivers, Certificate of Medical Insurance Coverage, emergency medical
contact, Student Travel Release, etc. These forms must be completed (you can't
enroll without them!) including obtaining an HTH medical insurance card.
Card. PICK U P YOUR COURSE FORM PACKET from Dr. HAYS CUMMINS, JEANNE JOHNSTON, or DR. DONNA MCCOLLUM
Satellite Photo
For the Latest Satellite Photograph of our Hemisphere, Bounce HERE.
Look for the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ): You will get to know it
well in Costa Rica! The heavier precipitation is designated by the brighter
colors.
Interested in the Weather? Visit a Comprehensive Weather Site. Includes maps, text forecasts, satellite photos and movies,
computer models, and hurricanes!
Visit the Monteverde Climate Lecture Image webpage used in a lecture from the Global Climate Change Course
Texts:
We will have two texts for the course: (1) Tropical Ecosystems of Costa
Rica, a course reader consisting of recent articles pertaining to tropical
ecology, conservation, geology, and land use. It will be available at the Oxford
Copy Shop on April 15; and (2) a wonderful book A Neotropical Companion:
An Introduction to the Animals, Plants, and Ecosystems of the New World Tropics
available at local bookstores. Readings will be assigned on a daily basis during
the course. Please finish the text A Neotropical Companion before
the course begins!
Poison Dart Frogs are abundant in Corcovado National Park.
Division of Labor-Undergraduates,
Graduate Students and Teachers:
Our course will have undergraduates and
graduate students enrolled. Each group has a different set of educational
needs. Graduate students have some additional, unique requirements beyond
those of undergraduates.
Undergraduates will complete every
aspect of the course except the post-trip research paper.
Graduate Students: Upon your return
to the United States, graduate students will be expected to write up a final
research report on their Costa Rica Research Project. Your paper should
include a bibliography, a synopsis of your research question, your experimental
design and field methods, your data, statistical analyses and graphs, discussion,
conclusions and recommendations for further research.
A Note from Your Fearless Leaders
Quicktime Video--Click on Image! A visit to the fantastic Sirena Field Station in Corcovado National Park
| Hello Costa Rica Ecology Folks!
We're looking forward to our course. To do a good job in your 15-20
minute presentation, you will need to hit the library and WWW well
ahead of time. We will use the World Wide Web as our Discussion Feedback
Central. You can see what other students are talking about and we
expect that you will submit suggestions on other peoples topics as
well! In the selection of a topic, besides submitting a title, include
a synopsis of your discussion topic. What do you plan on teaching
the class? Why do you feel your topic is important? Include an outline
of your talk and at least 5 references! I will provide feedback(everyone
is welcome to contribute suggestions) via the web.
The time line for completion is:
-By Mar 15, 2008. Topic Selection, Paragraph, Outline, and Sources.
First-Come, First-Served!
-April 1, 2008. Final Submission: Rewrite after having received feedback.
-May 15, 2008. Final Paper Posting. A five page paper on your discussion
topic.
View Pre-Course Topic Outlines
View Pre-Course Paper Submissions
Let us know if we can help in any way. And, if you haven't done so
yet, check out the Trop
Ecosystems of Costa Rica Image Web Page. You'll get a taste of
what's in store!
Hays and Donna
|
Things to Do Before the Course
Begins!
 Listen to a "vocal intro" to the "Tropical Ecosystems of Costa Rica " Syllabus Page (Quicktime: or MP3)
|
The Sequence of Events
|
Things to Do Before
the Course Begins!- Spring Semseter
- Select a presentation topic and post a discussion outline
(undergraduates and graduate students).
- A five page paper, with sources, that is developed from
the foundation provided by your presentation topic.
- You must have finished reading The Neotropical Companion
- Readings will be assigned from the Reading
List before the course begins. Each particular assignment
can be found at our "Costa
Rica Assignment & Discussion Web Site. You will keep a
"readings journal" where you will write your thoughts
and reflections on each article. Bring this journal with you
on the course!
|
The Costa Rica Field Experience(5/19-6/3)
- Give 100% to the experience (attitude, participation, discussions,
field journal, and your research experience)
|
Things to do after
your return from the Costa Rica
- Graduate students will write up a final research report
on their Costa Rica Research Project.
|
There are several tasks to complete prior
to arriving in Costa Rica. First, you must select a presentation topic
and post a discussion outline (see below) to the Web. This is followed
by the completion of (2)a five page paper, with sources,that is developed
from the foundation provided by your presentation topic. And last,
(3) you must have finished reading A Neotropical Companion prior
to arriving in Costa Rica.
Student-Led
Discussion/Presentation Topics &
Research Paper (First-Come, First Served)
As part of our course expectations, each student will
present a 15-20 minute talk on a tropical ecology topic of your
choice during the course. These presentations will be in the evenings
or at lunch time. We expect you to research a topic of interest to
you and share what you know with the class. Topics can include,
but are not restricted to, anything related to tropical ecology. Some
topic ideas include land use, agriculture, climate change, conservation,
plants (epiphytes, emergent trees, palms, understory plants); processes
(predation in tropical rain forests, competition, nutrient cycling,
mutualism), hydroelectric power, conservation, plate tectonics and
volcanism in the Neotropics, indigenous peoples, coral reefs in Costa
Rica, mangrove ecosystems, deforestation, species loss, or specific
species or family studies on reptiles, amphibians, birds, or other
specific organisms (e.g., monkeys, bats, sloths, lizards, parrots,
fresh water fish, mollusks, butterflies and moths) or other topics
addressing biodiversity and sustainability (the national park system,
economy and sustainability in Costa Rica, soil types, cattle ranching,
the timber industry, environmentalism, medicinal plants). Do not
be constrained by these suggestions! Let your interests lead the
way. Priority for presentation topics will be on a first-come, first
served basis.
Research
Paper on Discussion Topic
A pre-course presentation
topic paper
(minimum 5 pages plus references)building
upon the foundation provided by your discussion topic, is due
by 5/15/07 (hard copy). The paper should be posted to the web by 5/15/07.
Sign-up via the Discussion
Feedback Web Page If you have questions, please e-mail
or phone Hays at 513-529-1338.
|
Posting
Steps:
Post Discussion/Paper Topic Idea and Outline By
3/15/08
Receive Feedback and Resubmit Revised Outline By
4/1/08
Post Final Pre-Course Presentation Paper Posting By 5/15/08
|
If you are ready, you can INPUT
YOUR TOPIC OUTLINE or Pre-Course PAPER Here!
Look at previous years' submissions:
Field Course Discussions/Presentations-2008, '07, '06, '05,'04,'03,'02,'01,'00,
'99 and '98
|
Preliminary Sample Itinerary:
May 19
Arrive San José, Costa Rica
Guest lecture: An Overview of Costa Rica
Overnight at Hotel Parque del Lago
May 20 Instruction Site 1: Monteverde & Santa
Elena Preserve
Learn more about the Monteverde Area by visiting this web site!
Transfer to Monteverde, afternoon & night hike
AM& PM Lectures: Tropical Forest Ecology Introduction
Plate Tectonics
Student Presentations and Research Projects-realities &
expectations
Monteverde Preserve: North-Central Costa Rica
The Monteverde Preserve Triangle Loop Trail. We will be housed at the entrance
to the preserve.
May 21
6:30 Breakfast
Full day hiking Monteverde Trails
AM and PM Lectures:
The Climatology of Cloud Forests
Climate Regimes of Tropical systems
Tropical Forests I: Forest Formations of Costa Rica
Environmental Gradient Analysis
A Closer look at Tropical Cloud Forests
Night Hike, Student Presentations and Research Projects
May 22
6:30 Breakfast
Santa Elena Preserve Canopy Skywalk, Naturalist Essay
Transfer to Arenal Volcano
AM and PM Lectures::
Igneous geology
Island geology and biogeography
Natural Disturbances and Tropical Biodiversity
Student Presentations and Research Projects
May 23
6:30am Breakfast
Spectacular Arenal Volcano Day Hike
Transfer to Parque del Lago
AM and PM Lectures::
Disturbance in Tropical Ecosystems
Biodiversity II
Student Presentations and Research Projects
May 24
7:00am breakfast at Hotel Parque del Lago , bus to Las
Palmas
Introduction to cloud forest at Cerro de la Muerte mountain
Introduction to lowland forests and Terraba watershed
Overnight at Vista del Cerro
AM and PM Lectures::
Climate Regimes of Tropical Systems
Tropical Forests 2: Forest Formations of Costa Rica
Student Presentations and Research Projects
Note the extremely long antennae. What types of insects are these?
May 25--Instruction Site 2: Mangroves, Banana
Plantations, Indigenous Sites, Drake Bay & Corcovado National Park, Pacific
Coast
May 25
6:30 breakfast at Vista del Cerro
Bus to Sierpe river to board boat to mangroves
Full day in mangrove ecosystems, accompanied by researcher from
the National Museum of Costa Rica working on Pre-Columbian
archaeological sites and land use patterns in the tropics
Overnight at Drake Wilderness Camp
AM and PM Lectures::
Mangroves: A Geological Perspective
Mangroves: An Ecological Perspective
Archaeological sites of mangrove and lowland Pacific Forests
Field Methods in Paleoreconstruction land use I: mangrove and lowland Pacific
Forests
Student Presentations and Research Projects
May 26
6:30 breakfast at Drake Wilderness
Camp Beautiful Drake Bay Wilderness Camp near Corcovado
National Park on an Amazing Sunny Day!
In contrast, the ITCZ can cause some Ferocious
Thunderstorms in late May and eraly June!
Full day in Corcovado National Park
Dinner and Overnight at Drake Wilderness Camp
AM and PM Lectures::
Tropical Forests III: Forest Structure
Field methods in tropical ecology
Tropical Forests III: Animals Influencing Plant Communities
Land Use II: Overview of Deforestation in Neotropical Forests
Corcovado and the Costa Rican Park System
Swamp forests
Student Presentations and Research Projects
Boa constrictors are relatively common in the lowland rainforests of the
Pacific and Caribbean.
May 27
6:30 breakfast
Board boat to Isla del Caño
Full day at in indigenous cemetery, milk tree forest,
tide pool and reef ecosystems.
Dinner and overnight at Drake Wilderness
Camp
AM and PM Lectures::
Indigenous peoples of the Southwest Pacific Region
Land Use II: The Nature of Managed Systems
Geological Analysis and Biodiversity of intertidal zones
Introduction to Tropical reefs
Tropical Forests III: Islands, Fragments, Gaps
Student Presentations & Research Projects
May 28
6:30 breakfast at Drake Wilderness Camp
Full day research in Corcovado National Park
Dinner and Overnight at Drake Wilderness Camp
AM and PM Lectures::
Coral Reefs II
Mangroves: An Ecological Perspective II
Geological Analysis and Biodiversity of intertidal zones II
Student Presentations & Research Projects
We will do astronomy of the Costa Rican night sky using star charts,
binoculars, the Voyager program, and our eyes!
About 10 million stars orbit the center of this globular cluster
- named Omega Centauri - as this giant globular cluster orbits
the center of our Galaxy. Recent evidence indicates that Omega
Centauri is by far the most massive of the about 160 globular
clusters in the Milky Way. We will be able to see this globular
cluster while we are in Costa Rica. The picture and astronomical
information are from the Astronomical Picture of the Day.
May 29
6:30 breakfast at Drake Wilderness
Camp
Transfer to San Jose.
AM and PM Lectures::
Land Use IV: Urban Development and Biodiversity
Synthesis of the Geology and Climate of Costa Rica
Student Research Projects
May 30-Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge-Indigenous
Peoples, Coral Reefs, Leatherback Sea Turtle Nesting Beach, SE Costa Rica
Transfer to Almonds & Corals, SE Costa Rica .Bus and overnight
in family houses at Gandoca in Gandoca community
AM and PM Lectures::
The Biology and Ecology of Sea Turtles
Study of leatherback turtle nesting. We will patrol
the Caribbean beach for nesting leatherback sea turtles.
The Monteverde Preserve Triangle Loop Trail. We will be housed
at the entrance to the preserve.
May 31
6:30 breakfast at Almonds and Corals
Full day with research of impacts of earthquakes on local marine communities.
Afternoon Snorkel
Study of the indigenous Bribri
AM and PM Lectures::
Review for final exam. Prepare final research project reports
June 1
6:30 breakfast at Almonds and Corals
am:Prepare for Discovery-oriented research presentations
& Final exam.
pm: Optional Snorkel
Evening:Discovery-oriented research presentations
& Final exam
June 2
6:30 breakfast at Almonds and Corals
Bus to San Jose
Free afternoon
June 3
Departure to States
Return Home
READER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Tropical Ecosystems of Costa Rica
Drs. Hays Cummins and Chris Myers
|
Assigned Reading
|
Page#
|
|
Brief Environmental Profiles
|
| Campell.C. 1997. Malaria: An Emerging and Re-emerging Global
Plague.FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology 118:325-331. |
1
|
| Natural Resources of Costa Rica. |
9
|
|
Mangroves and Swamp Systems
|
| Rutzer, K.& C. Feller. 1988. Mangrove Swamp Communities.
Oceanus 30(4):18-24. |
15
|
| Kuenzler, E. J. 1974. Mangrove Swamp Systems. In: Coastal
Ecological Systems of the United States. Editors: Odom, Copeland &
MacMahon. The Conservation Foundation |
21
|
|
Indigenous Peoples
|
|
Plamer, P., Sanchez, J., and G. Mayorga. 1990. Taking
Care of Sibos Gifts. An Environmental Treatise from Costa Rica's Kekoldi
Indigenous Reserve.
|
47
|
|
Tropical Forests and Diversity
|
| Laurance et al. 1997. Biomass Collapse in Amazonian Forest
Fragments. Science 278:1117-1119. |
97
|
| Hubbel et al. 1999. Light-Gap disturbances, Recruitment
Limitation, and Tree Diversity in a Neotropical Forest. Science 283:554-557.. |
99
|
| Laurance, W. 1999. A Crisis in the Making: Responses of
Amazonian Forests to land use and climate change. |
103
|
| Ramos, M. and E.R. Alvarez-Buyalla. 1999. How old are Tropical
Rain Forest Trees? Trends in Plant Science |
109
|
| Anstett, M., Hossaert-McKey, and F. Kjellberg. Figs & Figs
Pollinators: Evolutionary conflicts in a Coevolved Mutualism. |
115
|
| Mueller, U., Rehner, S., and T. Schultz. 1998. The Evolution
of Agriculture in Ants. Science 281: 2034-2038. |
121
|
| Arita, H. and M.B. Fenton. 1997. Flight and Echolocation
in the Ecology and Evolution of Bats TREE 12(2)::53-58. |
127
|
| Lieberman, M. and D. Lieberman.1994. Patterns of Density
& Dispersion of Forest Trees. Ch. 8, 106-119. In La Selva, Ecology and
Natural History of a Neotropical Rainforest, University of Chicago Press. |
133
|
| Denslow, J.S.& Gary S Hartshorn. 1994. Tree-fall Gap Environments
and Forest Dynamic Processes.Ch. 9, 120-127. In La Selva, Ecology and
Natural History of a Neotropical Rainforest, University of Chicago Press. |
147
|
| Levey, D.J. & Gary Stiles. 1994. Birds: Ecology, Behavior
and Taxonomic Affinities. Ch. 17, 217-228. In La Selva, Ecology and Natural
History of a Neotropical Rainforest, University of Chicago Press. |
155
|
| Hespenheide, H.A. 1994. An Overview of Faunal Studies. Ch.
19, 238-243. In La Selva, Ecology and Natural History of a Neotropical
Rainforest, University of Chicago Press. |
167
|
| John Terborgh, et al. 1996. Tropical Tree Communities: A
test of the Nonequilibrium Hypothesis. Ecology 77(2):561-567. |
173
|
| Connell, J.H. 1978. Diversity in Tropical Rainforests and
Coral Reefs. Science 199:1302-1310. |
181
|
| OTS LIANA: Newsletter. Winter 1993. The Organization for
Tropical Studies Newsletter |
191
|
| Wilson, E.O. 1990. Biophilia and the Conversation Ethic.
Ch 1. Edited by S. Kelert and E.O. Wilson. |
195
|
| McNeely, et al. 1990. The Values of Biological Diversity.From:
Conserving the World's Biological Diversity. McNeely, Kenton, Reid, Mittermeier
and Werner. |
207
|
| Treefall Gaps and the Regeneration Niche: Terms |
213
|
| Sunlight & Stratification.Ch 5. From Tropical Rainforests,
Scientific American Library |
215
|
| The Evolution of Species Diversity Ch 6. From Tropical Rainforests,
Scientific American Library |
241
|
| Stadtmuller, T. Cloud Forest Ecology. From Cloud Forests
in the Humid Tropics, A Bibliographic Review, The United Nations University. |
263
|
| Plate Tectonics. Ch 4. |
275
|
| Newell, N.D. 1972. The Evolution of Reefs. Scientific American
226:54-65. |
291
|
|
Nature and Development
|
| Jaime Echeverri, et al. 1995. Valuation of non-priced amenities
provided by the biological resources within the Monteverde Cloud Forest
Presever, Costa Rica. Ecological Economics:43-52. |
303
|
| Gottfried, et al. 1994. Models of sustainable development
and forest resource management in Costa Rica. Ecological Economics:107-120. |
313
|
| A New Costa Rican Model for Development in Alliance with
Nature |
327
|
The "Poster Frog" of the course. Found on the Caribbean side.
Previous Tropical Ecosystems of Costa Rica class discussion topics:
| An Overview of Land Use in Costa Rica and How Land Use Effects
Deforestation |
Costa Rica & the Galapagos:The Positives and Negatives of Ecotourism |
The Ecology of Leaf Cutter Ants:
- Diversity
- Ecology
- Caste System
- Evolutionary History
|
| Successional changes in tropical forests: Can humans predict these
changes? Are the classifications Real?
Disturbance in Tropical Ecosystems |
Reality, Rights and Responsibilities: Indigenous Peoples of Costa
Rica
Designing a Jr. High Curriculum in Tropical Ecology: What to include
and why? |
The Primates of Costa Rica
- Ecology
- Distribution
- Relation to Old World Primates
- Focus on a specific species
Strangler Figs
- Diversity
- Reproductive Ecology
- Unique Relationships with Insects
- Ecologic Importance
|
| The Geology of Central America:Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes and
Volcanoes |
The Lizards of Costa Rica:Family Iguanidae
- Evolutionary History,
- Species Distributions
- Species Diversity
- Ecology
- Threats to Species Survival.
|
Tropical Cloud Forests:
- Unique Climate
- Ecologic Consequences of Living in the Clouds
- Comparisons of Cloud Forests with Lowland Rainforets
|
Here's a little boost in your search for information !!
Search the Ecology WWW Database!
Try it, you'll like it!
|
Search Engines
The"Don't Leave Home Without It List"
Tropical Ecosystems of Costa Rica
What to Bring and Other Information
A male frog singing in the night.
Passport Kind of redundant, wouldn't you say!
PASSPORT! (One more time!)
Photocopy of your passport
Insurance card or a photocopy of the front and back of card
Clothes and Other Things:
Most of the places will be hot. It will rain, probably a bunch.
Don't bring anything you really care about. Light clothes that
dry fast are great.
Clothes and Shoes (always think 'lightweight' and 'quick-dry')
Swim suit (1)
Lightweight shorts (3 pairs)
Lightweight short-sleeved shirts (3)
Lightweight long pants or conversion pants (pants that zip off into shorts) (2 - 3)
Long-sleeved, lightweight shirts (2)
Socks (4-6 pairs)
Lightweight sneakers (disposable; not flip-flops)
Light hiking boots that can dry quickly in a humid environment
Shower shoes such as flip-flops
Hat (wide brim for sun protection)
Neckerchief or bandana
Jacket or sweatshirt, maybe long underwear too, for cloud forest
Light raincoat or poncho (for rain protection and as an extra layer of warmth)
Field Supplies
Sunglasses
Binoculars and a hand lens
Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
Insect lotion (formulas with DEET are most effective)
Field notebook (preferably waterproof. Try 'Rite in the Rain' at http://riteintherain.com brand or Forestry Suppliers, Inc. http://www.forestry-suppliers.com)
Personal journal
Pencils, pens
Day pack
Water bottle
Personal Supplies
Personal toiletries (biodegradable is good): soap, shampoo, toothpaste/toothbrush, etc.
Antibacterial wipes or lotions (good for cleaning hands in the field)
Personal first-aid kit: any prescription medications, antihistamine, anti-diarrhea meds, throat lozenges, itch-relief, antibiotic ointment, pain reliever, antiseptic, anti-fungal powder/ointment, bandages, moleskin, etc.
Light bath towel (or just a piece of a sheet, it dries more quickly)
Ear plugs
Wash cloth
Travel alarm clock (battery or wind-up)
Miscellaneous
Flashlight and batteries
Money (for personal use and also approximately $20 exit tax at airport)
Camera (a polarizing filter helps) and extra camera batteries
Film (all you need; it is difficult and expensive to buy in Costa Rica)
Lens cleaner and tissue for camera and binoculars
Resealable plastic baggies (they come in handy) and trash bags for dirty clothes
Did you know that Costa Rica has over 600 active and extinct volcanoes?
Documents
You can enter Costa Rica with a passport or with a birth certificate that has a raised seal and a drivers
license. A passport is better and more convenient and remains
valid for 10 years in case you make further travels, but it costs
~$50.00. Whichever you decide, act early to get your documents--passports
can take weeks to process.
Vaccines
The Center for Disease Control recommends the following for travelers on a typical tourist itinerary
in Costa Rica and NE Panama. These are not mandatory; no vaccines
are required by law for entry into Costa Rica. Call the Center
for Disease Control (404-332-4555) for additional information.
Malaria: Transmitted by mosquitoes, limited, only scattered reports in
Costa Rica. Malaria has been reported from the Bocas del Toro
region of Panama. Chloroquine (also called Aralen), 500mg (pill)
once per week starting one week prior to trip. Use a good insect
repellent.
Hepatitis A: From polluted water or food. Immune Gobulin, for a limited stay,
single dose recommended at least 4 wks before travel, or Hepatitis
A vaccine.
Example Flight Itinerary
| Flight Number |
Date |
Departure City |
Arival City |
Departure Time |
Arrival Time |
| Flt 1644 |
5/19 |
New Orleans, La |
Houston, Tx |
3:25 pm |
4:28 pm |
| Flt 1532 |
5/19 |
Houston, Tx |
San Jose, Costa Rica |
5:40 pm |
8:02 pm |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Flt 1535 |
6/3 |
San Jose, Costa Rica |
Houston, Tx |
7:30 am |
12:05 pm |
| Flt 1626 |
6/3 |
Houston, Tx |
New Orleans, La |
1:11 pm |
2:15 pm |
We've arranged a group rate through Travel Unlimited Round-trip airfare cost
is only $406 plus Tax. A refundable $40 deposit is also required. Buy your tickets
directly from Travel Unlimited. Ticket costs are not refundable. Because it's
an international flight, make sure to provide the following information with
your reservation:
- Full name as it appears on your birth certificate
- Complete address and phone
- Make checks payable to Travel Unlimted.
Address:
- Travel Unlimited
- Attention: Debbie
- 12 S Poplar
- Oxford, Ohio 45056
- or call 1-513-523-7555
If you want to stay longer in Costa Rica you will need to negotiate
with Travel Unlimited by the time you give them your deposit.
It may or may not cost extra if you stay within the 30 day limit
of the ticket. In the past, most students have car-pooled to New
Orleans. To retain the benefits of group travel, we need everyone
to fly with the group--if for any reason you can not you need
to let us know right away.
Make sure you are at the airport at least two hours prior to departure!!
Contacts & Day-to-Day
Itinerary
Download the itinerary and contact INFO as a
document HERE!
In San José, Costa Rica Aurora Gamez is our main contact.
Have family call here first.
Aurora Gámez
Marco Odio
Geo Expediciones S.A. (travel agency)
Costa Rica, Central America
San Jose Office 506-272-2024 FAX: (506) 272-2220 e-mail: aurora@almondsandcorals.com Almonds and Corals Office: (011)506-759 9056
2008-Tropical Ecosystems of Costa Rica Contact Phone
Numbers & Itinerary
Here is a list of important phone #s while we are in Costa Rica. Your
significant others might need these. The contact phone number at Miami
University, Dept of Geology, is 513-529-8183 or 513-529-3216. Call here first in case
you need to speak with your family member. The main
contact number in Costa Rica is a company named Geo Expediciones.
Aurora and Marco are the owners and operators. When calling from the United States, use the country code (011) prior to dailing the number.
Phone: (011) (506) 272-2024 FAX: (011)(506) 272-2220 e-mail: Geo Expediciones S.A.
The places we'll be staying and phone numbers:
In San Jose: May 19, 27, and June 2
- San Jose Lodge: (011)506 257-8787 Tel. Fax: (011)506-223-1617 Francisco - reservations
Leg One: May 20, 21, and 22 SE Caribbean Coast
- Almonds and Corals Hotel
Phone: Geo Expediciones San Jose's office (011) 506-272 2024 - Fax (011) 506-272 2220,
Hotel Phone (011) 506-759-9056 Fax 759 9089 e-mail: aurora@almondsandcorals.com
Contact: Sharlin Nation or Arelys Jiron, or Aurora
Leg Two: May 23 & 24 La Selva & Arenal Volcano
- May 23- La Selva Biological Station, overnight at La Quinta de Sarapiqui Phone: (011) 506-761 1052 Fax: (011) 506-761-1395
Contact: Beatriz Gamez or Adrian Ramirez
- May 24-Linda Vista Lodge
Phone: (011) (011) 506-479 9522 Fax (011) 506-479 9168
Contact: Jorge Espinoza
Leg Three: May 25 and May 26 Monteverde Biological Reserve
- La Casona de Monteverde Tel. 506 645-5122 Fax: 506 645-5034
Contact: Veronica e-mail: montever@racsa.co.cr
Leg Four: May 28-June 1 Lowland Pacific Rainforests/Corcovado National Park
- May 28--Cabinas Vistas al Cerro Phone: (011) 506-786-7744 Fax (011) 506-786-6663
Contact: Nely Portuguez
- May 29-June 1, Drake Bay Wilderness Camp (Drake) Phone:(011) 506-770-8012 Fax (011) 506-770-8012
Contact: Marleny or Herbert Jimenez
2008 Course Itinerary:
- Day 1 May 19 San Jose, Overnight San Jose Lodge
- Day 2 May 20 Visit to the National Museum. Head to Caribbean coast--Almonds and Corals Lodge
- Day 3 May 21 SE caribbean Coast. Cauhita National Park/Gandoca, Sea Turtle Nesting Beach
- Day 4 May 22 SE caribbean Coast. Almonds and Corals Lodge
- Day 5 Transfer to La Selva, Overnight at La Quinta de Sarapiqui
- Day 6 May 24 Transfer to Arenal Volcano, Overnight at Linda Vista Lodge
- Day 7 May 25 Monteverde Biological Reserve (Sky Trek)
- Day 8 May 26 Monteverde Biological Reserve
- Day 9 May 27 Back to San José. Overnight San Jose Lodge
- Day 10 May 28 Palmar Norte--Cabinas Vista del Cerro
- Day 11 May 29 Drake Bay Wilderness Camp (Lowland Rainforest)
- Day 12 May 30 Drake Bay Wilderness Camp (Lowland Rainforest)
- Day 13 May 31 Drake Bay Wilderness Camp (Lowland Rainforest)
- Day 14 Jun 01 Drake Bay Wilderness Camp (Lowland Rainforest)
- Day 15 Jun 02 San Jose, Overnight San Jose Lodge
- Day 16 Jun 03 Transfer out
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Some Beginning Spanish
Greetings:
Hola Hello ¿Cómo se llama? What is your name?
Buenos díaz Good Morning Me llamo ___ My name is ____
Buenas tardes Good afternoon Hasta luego See you later
Buenas noches Good evening
¿Como está How are you?
¿Que tal? How are things? (informal)
Muy bien Very well
Adiós Hello, goodbye
Gracias Thank you
De nada It is nothing
Expressions:
No hablo Español I don't speak Spanish No entiendo I don't understand
¿Habla Inglés? Do you speak English? Sí Yes
¿Dondé esta el bañyo? Where is the bathroom? No No
la tienda store ¿cuanto cuesta? How much is it?
hotél hotel mas more
comida food menos less
helado ice cream Estados Unidos United States
casa house
¿Que hora son? What time is it?
Numbers and Days:
cero 0 trece 13 lunes Monday
uno 1 catorce 14 martes Tuesday
dos 2 quince 15 miércoles Wednesday
tres 3 dieciséis 16 jueves Thursday
cuatro 4 diecisiete 17 viernes Friday
cinco 5 dieciocho 18 sábado Saturday
seis 6 diecinueve 19 domingo Sunday
siete 7 viente 20
ocho 8 vientiuno 21
nueve 9 vientidos 22
diez 10 treinta 30
once 11 cuarenta 40 cien 100
doce 12 cincuenta 50 ciento uno 101
sesenta 60 doscientos 200
setenta 70 quinientos 500
ochenta 80 mil 1,000
noventa 90 diez mil 10,000
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For further information, please contact Hays Cummins or phone at 513-529-1338. The course is filled on a first-come,
first-served basis.
For more Tropical Ecosystem info, visit the Syllabus: Tropical Marine Ecology of the Florida Keys, Everglades and Bahamas| Marine Ecology Images | Costa Rica Imagery |
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2008
-TROPICAL ECOSYSTEMS OF COSTA RICA-2008