Rain Forest (Belize)

Rain Forest (Belize)

Click on pictures to enlarge.

The 2nd week of study was conducted at South Water Caye on the barrier reef about 30 miles off-shore Students spent their 1st week at La Milpa field station

Local naturalist, Ramon Pacheco points out features of the tropical forest Young girls at August Pine Ridge perform a traditional Mestizo dance

Students had the chance to visit Mayan ruins

Two weeks in May were spent studying tropical ecology in Belize. The out-of-bounds class was led by NIACC biology instructor Carol Schutte and UNI biology instructor Dr. Daryl Smith. The trip was arranged through The Programme for Belize, a non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable conservation of Belize ecosystems. Students earned two hours of college credit for the trip. Over the two weeks, students conducted group mini-research projects and presented findings to the entire group. They were also evaluated on participation, journaling, pre-trip research and a post-trip report.

The group spent the first week in the tropical forest at a biological field station on the Rio Bravo Conservation Area in northwest Belize. They were treated to a full lunar eclipse and sightings of many birds, mammals and reptiles. The visit included trips to August Alpine Ridge, a Mestizo village where they toured the gardens of the local shaman, had a traditional tamale meal at the community center, and enjoyed native dances performed by young village girls. Nearby Mayan ruins provided trip highlights for many of the students, with the tallest, scalable temple soaring 125 feet, well above the forest canopy and overlooking a river. The archeological preserve also supplied close encounters with the protected and captivating black howler monkeys.

The second week of study was conducted at South Water Caye, on the barrier reef about 30 miles off-shore. The marine ecology studies included snorkeling the reef, seagrass beds and mangrove swamps. An especially colorful octopus, and many beautiful sea stars, sponges, and snails were first encounters for many of the participants.

North Iowa Area Community College, 500 College Drive, Mason City, IA 50401
641-423-1264 or 1-888-GO NIACC
www.niacc.edu

	The 2nd week of study was conducted at South Water Caye on the barrier reef about 30 miles off-shore		Students spent their 1st week at La Milpa field station
	Local naturalist, Ramon Pacheco points out features of the tropical forest		Young girls at August Pine Ridge perform a traditional Mestizo dance

			Students had the chance to visit Mayan ruins