Author: field-notes
Capstone Projects
Lucia Tilson Washington State University African Ecology and Conservation- Fall 2023 Collecting soil samples! After absorbing every bit of information available to us in Kruger National Park for the last 3 months, we OTS students have quite a few more questions than we have answers. The final capstone projects of...
Skukuza and Biodiversity
Kelsey Craig Adams State University African Ecology and Conservation- Fall 2023 August already feels so long ago. For our group here at OTS South Africa, this first half of the program has been filled with getting to know one another, starting shenanigans, panicking about due dates, and marveling at the...
Favorite Places Outside of Skukuza
Julio Tozetto University of Connecticut African Ecology and Conservation- Fall 2023 Pullen Farm: Surrounded by mountains, with a clear view down the valley, Pullen Farm was home for the first week of our OTS African Ecology and Conservation adventure. For us students, it was a week of getting to know...
Top Five Sightings in Kruger…so far
Jessica Stochel Rutgers University African Ecology and Conservation- Fall 2023 We have had incredible luck in our Kruger National Park (KNP) sightings. From cuddling lions to wandering secretary birds, so much has been seen only halfway through the course! Here are my top 5 sightings in Kruger so far. Three...
Wildlife I’ve Never Seen Before
Annalee Anderson Bradley University Tropical Biology- Summer 2023 So far, my time in Costa Rica has been incredibly fulfilling in numerous ways. From the captivating places we've visited, to the Me standing on the iconic Stone Bridge at La Selva! wonderful company I've been surrounded by, I couldn't have asked...
Collaborative Sharing
Else Hayes Bradley University Tropical Biology- Summer 2023 A Rufous-Tailed Jacamar! My time as part of the OTS Tropical Biology course is rapidly coming to an end. With only seven days left of this incredible experience, I am rushing to absorb the plethora of biodiversity seen across Costa Rica. This...
A lot of Monkeys, No Monkeying Around!
Andrea Lucia Ayala Guerrero Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Tropical Biology- Summer 2023 Howler Monkey sighting! It's the first day of the program in Costa Rica, and we have just arrived at La Selva Biological Station. After settling in, we kick off our activities with a short hike along the...
Conservation and Community
Catherine Soto Washington State University Tropical Biology- Summer 2023 Hi there! My name is Catherine, and I am currently on a 4-week study abroad trip in Costa Rica hosted by OTS (the Organization for Tropical Studies). My classmate Anjali holding a stick bug in her hand! As much as I...
All About Forest Regeneration!
Atzin Martinez University of Hawaii Manoa Tropical Biology- Summer 2023 Digging a hole by hand to plant a tree with Finca Cantaros! Being a part of the OTS Tropical Field Biology course has presented me with many valuable experiences and opportunities. I've met many amazing and smart people, many of...
The Dream Team
Claire Asmussen Northern Arizona University Field Practicum- Summer 2023 Immi and I after a morning of birding! When I arrived at Johannesburg airport for my study abroad experience with OTS, I was met by a recent graduate and employee of the organization. We sat and had coffee in the airport waiting...