A portion of this course will be taught at Va Tech. While at Va Tech we will study a diversity of topics including the biology of the Southern Appalachians, the culture and history of Costa Rica and studies of the flora and fauna of the major ecosystems we will visit in the Southern Appalachians and Costa Rica. In Costa Rica we will travel by bus to the areas of the country where unique tropical ecosystems are found. Participants will see first hand the effect of climate and elevation on each tropical ecosystem and the unique relationships among the flora and fauna found in each ecosystem.

While at Virginia Tech, we will meet from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 to 3:00 pm as needed. Students will work in groups. Each group will summarize one of the major ecosystems we will visit, detailing the dominant flora and fauna and unique species of each ecosystem. Each group will construct a probable food web of the dominant life forms found in their assigned ecosystem. Each student will receive a copy of each group report to take into the field. In Costa Rica, we will visit each of the unique ecosystems. After visiting each ecosystem, students will refine the group reports noting additions and deletions to each report.

Upon return to VT, each group will combine their knowledge of their ecosystem with basic ecology and construct a plan to bring a portion of one of these ecosystems to Blacksburg Virginia. This plan will detail seasonal, climatological, meteorological, geological and biological components necessary to ensure success. Each ecosystem must contain at least 25 species and each group will need to justify why they chose each species and why it is important in their scheme.

In addition, each student will also present a fifteen to twenty minute talk on a tropical ecosystem topic of their choice. These presentations will be during the evening or during the bus rides. Topics can include, but are not restricted to, anything related to tropical ecology, the culture and the people. No topic can be duplicated. Topics will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis.

This intinerary is a busy one. We have included activities that include a combination of biological studies and recreational activities that will enchant you with the Costa Rican ecology and country side.

May 15

Introductions; team building activities; group assignments; get approval for field talk topic. Discussion about similar environmental issues in the United States and Costa Rica. Overnight: your accomodations.

May 16

Presentation on the botany of Appalachians and Costa Rica; Hike the Cascades in the Jefferson National Forests. Overnight: your accomodations.

May 17

Presentation on the forest ecology of Appalachians and Costa Rica; visit logged sites in the Appalachians. Overnight: your accomodations.

May 18

Presentation on the mammals of the Appalachians and Costa Rica; work on group projects. Overnight: your accomodations.

May 19

Hike Angel's Rest and part of the Appalachian Trail. Overnight: your accomodations.

May 22

Complain about the hike to Angel's Rest; Presentation on Tropical Botany; Speaker on Birds of the Appalachians and Costa Rica; Group Project work. Overnight: your accomodations.

May 23

Presentation on the dos and don'ts of Latin American Culture. Overnight: your accomodations.

May 24

Group Projects. Overnight: your accomodations.

May 25

Prepare Field talk; discuss field journal. Overnight: your accomodations.

May 26

Submit draft group reports. Overnight: your accomodations.

May 27 - Yes it is a Saturday!

Day free for packing and last minute whatever. Leave Blacksburg for Charlotte, NC around midnight.

May 28

Arrive Charlotte Airport around 6 am to board a Delta flight for Atlanta. In Atlanta we will pass through customs and board a Delta flight for San Jose. Lunch in San Jose. (You might want a neck pillow for the flight.)

May 28

Upon our afternoon arrival into San Jose our group will be transferred to our hotel in mountains right outside of San Jose. In the late afternoon, visit the National Museum and get aquainted with the Pre-Columbian history of Costa Rica.Overnight: Costa Verde Inn, Escazu

May 29

After breakfast visit the Gold Museum and then travel on the Pan-American Highway to the National Park of Rincon de la Vieja. Overnight: Rincon de la Vieja Mountain Lodge

May 30

Spend the day visiting the savannah of Rincon de la Vieja National Park and also studying the volcanic activity in the area. Overnight: Rincon de la Vieja Mountain Lodge

May 31

As we are hoisted up into the canopy, study the ecosystem of the dry forest. In this thrilling way, study one of the most diverse and unknown ecosystems in the world. Then continue our journey into the misty mountains of the cloud forests of Monteverde. Overnight: Hotel Finca Valverde, or Eco-Verde Ecotourism Lodge, Monteverde

June 1

Explore the canopy of the cloud forest on the suspended walkway of the Skywalk. Orchids, bromeliads and ferns share this aerial existence with an abundance of wildlife. If we are lucky, we may catch a glimpse of the resplendent quetzal. Spend the afternoon visiting the Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Preserve, which is acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the New World Tropics. End the day with a visit to the Hummingbird Gallery and witness a wide variety of hummingbirds around feeders. Overnight: Hotel Finca Valverde, or Eco-Verde Ecotourism Lodge, Monteverde

June 2

Visit the Butterfly Gardens and enjoy Monteverde before traveling over the Continental Divide to our destination on the Pacific coast. Overnight: TBA

June 3

At Punta Morales, study the unique ecosystem of the mangroves at the interface of land and sea. In the afternoon, travel to the colonial capital city of Cartago. Visit the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de los Angeles, Costa Rica's most visited pilgrimage site. Overnight: TBA, Cartago

June 4

Travel south on this steep segment of the Pan-American Highway over the Talamanca mountains to Cerro de la Muerte (3,491 meters). Study this tropical alpine region covered in native oak trees and cloud forest. Again, keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal also common to this area. Return to Cartago in the evening. Overnight: TBA, Cartago

June 5

Take advantage of the computer services of the Institute of Technology to record the learning of the previous week of on-site study. In the late afternoon, travel to the northern lowland region of Sarapaqui, home to La Selva Biological Research Station. Overnight: La Quinta Lodge, La Virgin, Sarapaqui

June 6

La Selva is home to 420 species of birds, 330 species of trees and 120 species of mammals that share their habitat with an international group of scientists and students currently engaged in cutting-edge research about the tropical rainforest. The morning's tour- guided by a locally trained naturalist-introduces the ecosystem of the lowland rainforest. After lunch, explore the swamps of the station. Overnight: Hotel Rio Palmas, Pocora

June 7

A visit to EARTH College, a leading research and training institute for agricultural leaders from across Central and South America, allows insight into current advances in the region’s number one industry. At EARTH (which is a Spanish acronym for Agriculture School of the Humid Tropical Region) tour and compare organic and non-organic banana plantations, view the innovative banana paper plant and visit the botanical gardens. After lunch, travel through the port city of Limon on the way to the Southern Caribbean coast. Overnight: Hotel Yare, Puerto Viejo de Limon

June 8

Enjoy a relaxing day of water activities. In the morning, snorkel at beautiful coral reefs in Cahuita National Park. In addition to viewing the beauty of this underwater ecosystem, witness the damage that the runoff from nearby plantations has on the marine community. After a native Caribbean lunch, sea kayak at the breathtaking beach at Punta Uva. Paddle up a tranquil river or try your surfing skills on the waves. Overnight: Hotel Yare, Puerto Viejo de Limon

June 9

While hiking through the KekoLdi Indigenous Reserve with our guide, Lucas, learn about the culture and customs of the Bribri People. After a two-hour hike through primary and secondary rainforest, arrive at their community center and see how the Bribris make everything from crafts to chocolate. Spend the day in dialogue with community representatives. Learn about their deep connection to the forest and the environmental threats to their way of life. A native lunch is served with all ingredients coming from the Reserve! Overnight: Hotel Yare, Puerto Viejo de Limon

June 10

We get an early start as we prepare for our overnight adventure at Punta Mona (Monkey’s Point). Spend the entire morning hiking through the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, the only path into our remote campsite. Along the way travel from the beach into the jungle where the diversity of flora and fauna is incredible. This is an exercise in sustainable living as we bring limited food with us. We spend the afternoon snorkeling, fishing and gathering local fruits and vegetables for our meals. Everything that we eat must be caught from the sea or foraged from the forest or organic garden. We can ensure that you will not go hungry! At night we walk the beach in total darkness in the hope of witnessing the nesting rituals of the giant Green and Leatherback turtles, some of which weigh over one thousand pounds. Overnight: Punta Mona (camping)

June 11

We take advantage of the early morning hours to visit our neighbors- the dolphins who live offshore. Traveling by boat, we will participate in an international scientific research project by collecting data travel about the different species of dolphins that inhabit the region and playfully swim alongside our boat. Return to camp and spend the rest of the morning and afternoon working on the farm: both in the organic gardens and with the project of sustainable development and environmental education. This second evening provides another opportunity to catch a glimpse of the giant sea turtles nesting on the beach. Overnight: Punta Mona (camping)

June 12

We return by boat to "civilization." From there we leave the Caribbean for the mountain town of Turrialba. A visit to the serpentarium affords the rare opportunity to witness the venom being extracted from the deadly fer-de-lance snake by the country's foremost snake expert. The night is spent enjoying the view from the Turrialtico Hotel. Overnight: Turrialtico Hotel, Turrialba

June 13

Wake up early and head to the banks of the Pacuare River for an unforgettable day of white water rafting. This most scenic river slices through virgin rainforest and plunges through mountain gorges which drop the most beautiful waterfalls right alongside your raft. We stop on the riverside for an excellent lunch. In the evening we return to a mountain suburb of San Jose. Overnight: Costa Verde Inn, Escazu

June 14

Use the morning at the university to finish homework and projects at the computer lab. In the afternoon, visit the capital's most concentrated souvenir district at Moravia. Enjoy the exquisite views and scrumptious delights during the farewell dinner at Ram Luna restaurant.Overnight: Costa Verde Inn, Escazu

June 15

Board the plane or begin a field study filled with wonderful memories of your Costa Rican Adventure and learning excursion. Arrive Charlotte NC about 11:00 pm. Take bus to Blacksburg and arrive about 3:00 am on the morning of June 16.