Academic News

These past weeks our field activities included snorkeling to collect scallops, interviewing local people involved in cleaning and packing the product while learning the process, beach walks looking for dead turtles to assess the impact of fishing activities, searching for sea lions and dolphins and discussing about their potential as eco-tourism attractions, fishing blue crabs while analyzing various aspects related to the fishery, visiting various locations to learn about the different habitats present at Magdalena Bay, and swimming in an oasis not very far from San Carlos.

Students have been exposed directly to several of the various activities related to conservation and threats to on the Bay. They have learned about several key aspects in a ‘hands-on' process. After the experience they came away with interesting views and ideas that can certainly be incorporated in some of the research and conservation activities in the area. Working with this enthusiastic group is rewarding and so far we are having an exciting summer… and there is more to come. Hector Perez Cortes & Dr. Gustavo Hinojosa

Student News

It is hard to believe that this summer session is almost over but even harder to believe is that we have fit so much activity into one short month. Last week some students helped plant some seedlings to get a nice vegetable garden restarted on campus while other students went to town to begin work on a project in the plaza. The mayor asked for our assistance in preparing a piece of land for a Mexican cactus garden with an informative mural on the history of tequila. It will be located around the whale skeleton that students restored last semester. We were busy last week landscaping, designing the mural, and restoring a sea lion skeleton that will also be placed in the area.

Today we head back to the Centro de Idiomas in Ciudad Constitucion for another English-Spanish language exchange. The real excitement for this week is the Fourth of July barbeque that the interns have been planning. We wish you could all be here to celebrate with us! Cristina Liberati, Student Affairs Manager

Student Reflections

It was a wonderfully laid-back sort of day filled with community activities, beautifying the local town. We spent the late morning collecting trash from the highway, with a beautiful view of the Bay to the west. Everyone felt really great—if somewhat hot and sweaty—after an hour and a half of cleaning. When we first arrived, everyone was shocked by the amount of trash that littered Baja, so getting out there and helping rather than just complaining was extremely satisfying. After lunch, we went into town to work on the mayor's Mexican garden project, whereupon we weeded out the only grass in town.

That night, Sacha made cookies for everyone as we crowded the table, wanting to help, but often being physically unable to steady ourselves due to the excitement of having homemade cookies… we were simply overwhelmed. Poor Sacha, she was surrounded by about 15 salivating students. Anyway, we ‘chowed' down on the most scrumptious ice cream and doughy cookies, as we played a massive game of Spoons. It was hilarious having a group that size play since only about five cards were making the rounds.

We all passed out, happily, due to our sugar highs and the memory of the night still fills us with joy and jubilation. Lisa Harn, Kenyon College and Kelly Hodoval, University of Florida

When I awoke Friday morning, I turned to my alarm clock and thought I was dreaming--the dial flashed 6:30am. Suddenly, I remembered that we were leaving at 7am for a short road trip to one of the two-hundred oases in Baja. When we arrived we had a short lecture on-site about the carrying capacity in regards to the number of visitors journeying to the oasis. Lathered in sunscreen and surrounded by the shade of date palms, we focused our attention to both of our professors.

On Saturday, we went to Bahia Magdalena North and hiked down to the Pacific side to examine the inter-tidal pools. We measured the length, width, and depth of each pool and jotted down the number of species found in each pool. After our little experiment we climbed back over the mountain where we were met by our awesome pangueros: Luis, Poncho, Julio, and Adan—we got into the pangas and rode off to the dunes. When we arrived there we dropped off a couple of adventurous campers and drove off into the afternoon sun. Back at the center we went our separate ways. It has been a great three weeks, the level of community and the wholeness of life is evident here in Baja. I have met so many awesome people and am grateful for this opportunity. Thanks guys! JJ Hill, Rochester Institute of Technology

It is sad to know that in a few short days our adventure in Puerto San Carlos will be over. We have all learned so much during the time we have been here. Whether it is capturing sea turtles on wet pangas, jumping off palm trees into an oasis, or trekking across a narrow path of mountains on Isla Magdalena to reach the Pacific Ocean, we have all come together because of our love for the environment and our wish to preserve as much of it as we can. Despite our short time here we have incorporated as much of the cultural and economic aspects associated with the conservation biology of Bahia Magdalena as we possibly can.

Speaking to fishermen about their harvest of blue crab, scallops, and even the consumption of sea turtles has given us a better understanding of the delicate balance between their livelihood and the environment. Understanding that relationship has helped us all grow as conscientious individuals who aim to preserve the environment but also understand that this environment is a way of life for the people of Puerto San Carlos.

Among other things, we visited an aquaculture farm in hopes of learning alternatives for the harvest of bivalves such as lions paw, Japanese oysters, concha nacar, and abalone. If successful, the aquaculture could significantly change the methods of harvesting the Bay, thus making it a more sustainable practice.

Reflecting upon our past experiences here has made me realize how lucky we were to visit such a beautiful place as Baja California Sur. The friends we made and the experiences shared have made this month together an unforgettable adventure. Karla Flores, Mills College  

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