Volunteers/Researchers:
The group ARO from Quebec sent two groups this month to help out with transplanting seedlings and other misc. work in the tree nursery, as well as annual road maintenance.
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Bob stayed until mid month and rewired a few of our older buildings. Thanks Bob for all of your help these past few months. It is much appreciated!
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Christian Shulz had to leave us and head back to Germany, but not before he managed to experience some great night hikes. He also explored the forest during the day adding new photos to his collection. He did some machete work as well as plumbing repairs in the nursery and carpentry. He is a plumber by trade, but wanted to experience nature through a volunteer experience. He says he is coming back and we look forward to having him.
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John Himes PhD from Florida has joined the Cloudbridge team and will be managing day to day operations and expanding our research program. John has much experience as a herpetologist and in field research.
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Sara Silva and Joao Reis from Portugal are travelling the world. This is just one stop of many for them. Previously they spent 2 years working in the Cayman Islands to save a little money for the next leg of their journey. Now they are up for some volunteering. Sarah is a pharmacist and Joao an engineer. Their careers are on hold while they experience many opportunities and adventures. Here at the reserve they are measuring trees for research on reforestation methods as well as tree nursery tasks and help with computer related issues.
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Natalia is a young Costa Rican student studying tourism at a University in San Isidro. She is volunteering once a week so that she can practice her English while learning a little about ecotourism in her country.
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We say goodbye at the end of the month to Matt Smokoska our resident biologist. His enthusiasm for biology and nature has been a real asset for the reserve. He has introduced many people to the life that abounds after dark with his numerous night hikes. During the day he also did group tours as well as private tours covering trails in search of birds and wildlife. He always takes the time to share information and photos resulting in many happy and informed visitors.
Thank you for the hundreds of photos that you have left us for future reference.
You will be missed.
Good luck with the job hunt back in the United States.
A night hike led by Matt:
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Birding in March:
March seems to be nesting month for many species. It is not uncommon to be hiking along and have a bird fly out from a nearby hidden nest. Also the quetzals are calling, which indicates the beginning of the mating season for them. This year there have been regular sightings along the main trail of a young male who we hope has decided that this location will be his territory. It is an easy and accessible spot for avid birders in which to see one.
