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see also:
Long Field Trips - (three or more days)
The Clodomiro Picado Institute is a leading research
center on the biological activity of toxins extracted from snakes
(especially those in the Families Viperidae and Elapidae). Anti-venom
is synthesized, processed and exported to many Latin American countries.
During this field trip, students get acquainted with the characteristics
and methods of identification of the main poisonous snakes, their
ecology, and the prevention of snake accidents.
An exhibit maintained by Biologists Richard
and Margaret Whitten with more than 1 million specimens collected
all over the Tropics. The exhibit is located at Chalet Tirol, a
small but beatifull Swiss-style hotel in the mountains of San Rafael
de Heredia. It is great for introducing the students to the diversity
of Tropical Environments.
Ex situ conservation of orchids and other epiphytes
and reforestation purposes.
Located on Lagunilla de Zarcero at 1,800 m of
elevation, Jugar del Valle Organic Farm has been a pioneer in the
development of Costa Rican organic agriculture. Students are introduced
to methods developed by local farmers on integrated pest management
and the development of farming techniques that do not involve the
use of pesticides. In addition, students learn how to make bokachi,
the organic fertilizer produced by Jugar del Valle.
A mountainous and rugged area with dense Mountain
Rain Forest, extremely wet and rich in epiphytes, it collects a
considerable proportion of the humidity carried by the Northeasterly
Trade Winds. The area has an impressive biological diversity with
about 6,000 plant species, and 347 species of birds (including the
Quetzal Pharomachrus mocinno), the Umbrella Bird (Cephalopterus
glabricollis), and the endemic toad Bufo holdridgei, which is restricted
to Bajo de la Hondura.
see also:
Long
Field Trips - (three or more days)
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to Field Excursions
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