As I write this, I am sitting in Tortuguero, our first new location on this trip after La Selva. Thus, I would like to take some time to reflect on the research station where we spent the first half of our trip. As I mentioned in last week’s blog, La Selva’s complexity was intimidating to me at first, leaving me wondering if I would ever feel comfortable here. However, getting to stay there for such a long time was an incredibly rewarding experience because I got to settle in and experience more enriching opportunities while in the rain forest.
On our very first hike in La Selva, our tour guide seemed so at ease in the forest. I, on the other hand, was completely turned around and wondering if I would ever be able to distinguish between different trails and types of plants. However, after walking the CCC trail and the Arboretum trail every day for data collection, I barely think about which direction to go when we reach forks in the road, and I can spot landmarks which tell me that we’re almost there.
The place in La Selva that I am going to miss most is the library—few things beat walking into the air-conditioned library after a three-hour data collection hike. I love the coziness of the wooden shelves, stacked high with decades-old books about ecology, bees, and so much more. Although there is a section devoted to novels and movies, it felt like a true research library, which made it a perfect backdrop for conducting background research on butterflies for our project.
Speaking of research, Nick and I dove headfirst into collecting butterfly data for our project this week. Each day, we spent a total of 40 minutes at three different locations writing descriptions of the different butterfly species we saw, taking photos of their behavior, and recording climatic variables such as temperature, humidity, and light intensity. Although our project doesn’t sound like a lot of physical activity, it was mentally exhausting, as we would stare at a singular tree for what felt like hours but was only five minutes. This project has truly taught me the importance of patience, something that I famously do not have. On our last day of data collection, Nick and I spotted a Caligo telamonius butterfly sheltering from the rain on a branch. We took a couple photos of it, then started to move on. For some reason, I wanted to observe it for a bit longer, and when we did, it opened up its wings, displaying a beautiful blue color. I know now that things in the forest, and in life, are not what they seem—therefore, it is important that I display patience in all aspects of my life.
Even though we only stayed at La Selva for a week and a half, by the end of our time there I felt much more comfortable and knowledgeable about how it operated and interacted with the rain forest. I can only imagine how many more opportunities that permanent researchers and tour guides have to learn about La Selva! On Monday night, we enjoyed a quiet dinner by ourselves as most of the other groups had left and new ones and not yet arrived. However, on Tuesday and Wednesday, the cafeteria was once again filled with the laughter and chatter of college students, bird-watchers, and tour guides. Even though I have no claim over La Selva whatsoever, I felt a sense of overprotectiveness as I watched the newcomers attempt to navigate this new environment. I can only hope that they appreciate and learn from the rain forest as much as we did.
Over the past week, we traveled to several plantations to observe the relationship between agriculture and the environment. At these plantations, there were varying levels of importance placed on sustainable agriculture practices. I really enjoyed the pineapple and banana plantations because the guides explained the history of the crop, their sustainable practices, and the ways in which they differ from commercial agriculture. At the banana farm, the owner taught us about the various crops that they plant besides bananas and plantains: for example, starfruit, avocado, basil, and peppers. This is a great way to increase biodiversity, as well as control pests in a natural manner. Another thing that stuck out to me is that both the pineapple and banana plantations do not sell their fruits whole; rather, they make juice or flour, respectively. This seems to be a great way to use imperfect fruits that commercial agriculture companies may deem to be waste. It seems to me like it takes a considerable amount of effort to consciously practice sustainable agriculture, and it is truly inspiring to see local businesses fighting back against large-scale agriculture companies.
When compared to the other two plantations, the cacao tour fell a bit short for me. It felt more artificial and rehearsed than the previous tours, especially during the chocolate demonstration when we sat in bleachers, rather than together at a table. Furthermore, the tour guides explained that Tirimbina does not actually produce cacao anymore; they simply amuse tourists with myths and chocolate. I would have liked to learn more about the explosion in the cacao economy and how that impacted the country as a whole, as well as comparing the sustainable practices seen now with industrial agriculture. Overall, these agriculture tours were extremely interesting and, supplemented with the videos we watched in class about raising farm animals in a more ethical manner, has changed my viewpoint on the food I eat. I plan to make a more conscious effort to read food labels at the grocery store and to understand where my food is coming from. When I get home, I am going to visit my local farmer’s market to support small-scale farmers, as well as start my own garden to limit pesticide use in my vegetables and herbs. I truly believe that although large agriculture companies are the ones who must alter their methods, the consumer does have a great influence on the likelihood of change occurring.
Overall, the first half of my time in Costa Rica has been a whirlwind of incredible displays of biodiversity, rewarding research opportunities, spectacular food, and blossoming friendships within our group. I am a bit nervous to leave the comfort of La Selva behind and begin to explore the other locations on our trip; however, I am excited to engage in and learn about ecotourism, as well as how climate change may impact these awe-inspiring rain forests that I am so grateful to get to experience.
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