COSTA RICAAmbrose University | Field Course in Conservation EcologyApril 29 - May 8, 2019

Costa Rica has more than 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity, 801 miles of coastline, and the world’s highest percentage of protected areas. At the same time, it consistently ranks high in prestigious international quality of life studies. How does Costa Rica maintain its fragile balance, and what can we learn from it? Find out as we explore glorious national parks and private reserves, and learn from the naturalists and conservationists who are stewards of this remarkable realm. With rainforest hikes, reforestation projects, birdwatching, adventure activities, cultural immersion and agricultural tours, your 9-day learning expedition will be as exhilarating as it is enlightening. Experience abundant wildlife and stunning panoramic views unlike any other as you discover the natural gems that Costa Rica has to offer.

Photo by Pelin Karaca

• ParticipateinreforestationprojectsinSantaElenaReserveandatalocalfarminSarapiquí.

• WitnesstheintersectionofindigenoustraditionsandmodernlivelihoodsduringachocolatetouratTirimbinaReserve.

• Ventureonanexhilaratingwhitewaterraftingexpedition.

• GoondaytimeandnighttimehikesinSelvaVerdeReserve,partoftheMesoamericanBiologicalCorridor.

• Discoverthefascinatinglivesofbatsandtheimportantroletheyplayintheecosystem.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

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COSTA RICA

the Tropical Science Center, Monteverde and Santa Elena reserves were born. After lunch, depart for Arenal via Jeep and boat to transfer across Lake Arenal. After checking in at the hotel you will have time to enjoy the on-site hot springs. Overnight at Arenal Paraíso. (BLD)

MAY 3 - SARAPIQUÍThis morning take a guided hike in Arenal National Park. The hike takes you along the base of the volcano through forest, over lava flows, and finally to the destroyed areas now in the process of regeneration. This is the closest place to view the volcano. After lunch, travel to Sarapiquí, stopping en route at Ecocentro Danaus Reserva Ecologica, a private reserve where programs for conservation, training, environmental education and sustainable production are developed. Their mission is to meet and manage sustainability of local and national biodiversity through eco-friendly forms of production and integrated management of natural resources. While there, learn about their programs and their project to restore the biological path between the reserve and the tributary of the Burio River in La Fortuna. Afterwards continue on to Selva Verde Lodge and Rainforest Reserve, located in the lush lowlands of northeastern Costa Rica. Founded in 1985, the lodge is designed to have a minimum impact on the environment and is a proud participant in the Certification for Sustainable Tourism program (CST). After settling in enjoy an orientation to Selva Verde followed by a visit to the nearby Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC) for a charla presentation on local culture. The SCLC is a not for profit organization founded to preserve the cultural integrity of the rural community of Chilamate and aid in sustainable community development projects. This evening dinner is at the lodge. Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge. (BLD)

MAY 4 - SARAPIQUÍEarly this morning enjoy an introduction to the amazing tropical birds of Selva Verde during a short hike with your guide around the grounds of the lodge. The avifauna of Selva Verde is abundant and feeding stations have been set up around the lodge to facilitate observation and identification of the many species that frequent the area. Return to the lodge for breakfast then set out on a second nature hike through the reserve in search of new species. Your guide will discuss the complex details of the ecosystem and how life in the rainforest thrives. This afternoon take an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip on the Río Sarapiquí. A professional river guide escorts all trips and all necessary safety equipment (helmet, life jackets, etc.) will be provided. Following a thorough safety orientation and basic rafting lesson, experience both Class II and Class III rapids of the Rio Sarapiquí. This evening a nocturnal hike provides a comparison between wildlife during the day and night. Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge. (BLD)

MAY 5 - SARAPIQUÍAfter breakfast, embark on a boat ride down the Rio Sarapiquí. While winding down the river bordered with forests and cultivated fields,

APRIL 29 - SAN JOSÉUpon arrival at the Juan Santamaría International Airport meet your guide and transfer to the hotel in San José. Dinner and program orientation will be at the hotel restaurant this evening. Overnight at Wyndham Herradura. (D)

APRIL 30 - MONTEVERDE This morning travel to Monteverde. Upon arrival, check in and settle into the lodge. After lunch, visit The Bat Jungle to learn about the diversity and abundance of bats, where they roost, what they eat, and all about echolocation. There are more than 95 bats representing eight different species living in a flight space that is designed to look like a nighttime cloud forest. Behind glass windows, you can watch the bats feed, fly, and hang. Overnight at Monteverde Country Lodge. (BLD)

MAY 1 - MONTEVERDE Today begins with a guided hike in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, 765 acres of preserved cloud forest that has been permanently leased by the Santa Elena Community High School. The original vision was to use this land for agricultural research and education in Monteverde. However, the farming proved to be unsuccessful, and in 1989, the land was converted into a cloud forest reserve. Proceeds from entrance fees go towards managing the reserve and helping to improve the community. While at the reserve, participate in a service project cleaning up the trails of the Santa Elena Reserve and listen to a presentation on the management, species monitoring, and conservation practices going on at the reserve. The remainder of the day will be free to study or to explore the Monteverde area. Overnight at Monteverde Country Lodge. (BLD)

MAY 2 - ARENAL This morning take a guided hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The beginnings of the reserve can be traced back to a group of Alabama Quakers that emigrated to Monteverde in the early 1950s. Visiting biologists discovered that the cloud forest, located above the Quaker community, was rich in plant and animal life. Over 2,500 plant species have been identified here including 300 individual orchid species and over 200 species of ferns. Due to the incredible foresight of the Quakers and

BLD = BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

ITINERARY

Photo by Pelin Karaca

Photo by Pelin Karaca

Cost is based on triple/quad occupancy with individual beds. For a single room throughout the trip add $300 per person, for a double room add $125. A $200 per person deposit and enrollment form are required to reserve your space on the trip. This deposit is refundable excluding a $100 cancellation fee until January 24, 2019, at which time non-refundable final payment is due.

THE FINE PRINT

aquatic animals, birds, and reptiles are abundant in their natural habitat. You can also view native residents going about their daily lives and witness the impact local banana plantations have on this watershed. This afternoon, head to Tirimbina Biological Reserve for a chocolate tour and hike. The trails are designed to approach areas of high interest for wildlife watching or viewing highlights of rainforest biodiversity. Experience a view of the treetop flora and fauna from a 100-meter suspended canopy walkway spanning one of the many stream valleys in the reserve. This evening attend a presentation on the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor (MBC). The MBC is an international initiative that links critical habitats from southern Mexico to Panama in an effort to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development throughout this ecologically fragile region. Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge. (BLD)

MAY 6 - SARAPIQUÍThis morning participate in a reforestation project with the SCLC. Reforestation with native tree species by small farmers helps cement biological corridors and allows local people to benefit from rainforest conservation through sustainable wood production and habitat protection for wildlife of interest to eco-tourists (such as the critically endangered Great Green Macaw). The remainder of the afternoon will be free for studies or exploring Selva Verde. Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge. (BLD)

MAY 7 - SAN JOSÉToday visit a local pineapple plantation to learn about organic farming and harvesting techniques. The pineapple industry is an important source of foreign exchange for Costa Rica. Discussion topics include the current controversy regarding the effects of the agriculture industry on the environment and how recent concern has brought about reforms and constructive compromise. Next, return to San José and enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide. Overnight at Wyndham Herradura. (BLD)

MAY 8 - FAREWELL!Transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport for your departure flight home. (B)

Holbrook Travel purchases Travel Protection on behalf of all participants traveling in 2018 or beyond. These plans help provide coverage once the trip has departed and offer benefits for Baggage/Personal Effects, Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses, Emergency Evacuation and more. Optional additional coverage is available in the form of the Group Deluxe Plan, which offers benefits for Trip Cancellation/Interruption, in addition to many other insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. If interested in this optional plan, we can provide you with rates and plan details.

TRAVEL PROTECTION

Photo by Kelly Jarvis

ChilamateMonteverde

San José

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENROLL

Visit holbrook.travel/ambrose-cr19 or contact Ted Pike at Ted.Pike@ambrose.edu

PHOTOS BYPhotos by John Earl Kneisler, Dain Van Schoyck, Britt Reints, Pelkin Karaca, Kelly Jarvis, Sanford M. Sorkin, Francsco Veronesi and Joaquin Garcia