People who will not sustain trees will soon live in a world which cannot sustain people.
— Bryce Nelson
The new year started off with the annual board meeting. Genevieve was here to review the past year and help with the wish list of projects and ideas for 2011….and there seem to be many!
The classroom is getting closer to completion. We placed an order for the windows and doors.
Landscaping was done by Victor with help from Genevieve’s partner, Charles. They planted a variety of material, taking care to use only native species for the landscape design.
Victor and Charles landscaping
The first group to visit Cloudbridge in 2011 was Gatton Academy from Kentucky. The students spent a week doing research on various topics such as beetle surveys, tree monitoring, mammal monitoring and inventory, and plant bio monitoring. They obtained credits for this class and enjoyed a rewarding adventure in a topical country for their efforts.
Gatton Academy class picture - Students and Leaders
Hard at workGatton Academy students planning their projectFinal presentations
Our second group for 2011 was from the University of Minnesota on tour through Wilderness Inquiry. They came up to Cloudbridge for a hike in the cloud forest.
Volunteers Molly, Dan, and Aurelien built new composters that are placed in the vivero area. They can be used by guests staying in the Casa and Casita. The compost will be mixed in with soil for new seedlings.
New composter made from a plastic barrel
Adam and Annie are our resident biologists for three months. They have been busy giving guided tours of Cloudbridge as well as birding tours in the surrounding area. Adam has helped with the installation of water lines for the new hydro electric system for the classroom. Annie’s housecleaning has resulted in an organized library, a room used as an information centre, and new signage. Thank you for enhancing the reserve’s educational component.
Annie working on an information board complete with a chalk board for visitor comments.
