"Think Like Water"

Students have been working very

hard, sometimes digging for up to

8 hours per day

The field study projects are underway and the students have been hard at work -- especially those who've been assigned to El Manantial Lodge in San Gerardo de Dota! After visiting the El Manantial group today, it's clear that their (wo)manpower is being put to good use. The eight-student group -- consisting of Manae Uchibori, Elliot Goldstein, Qian Ning Leong, Kelly Lester, Cyrena Giordano, Marian Mikhail, Natalie Hurley, and Brijean Murphy -- have been putting in long days of hard manual labor to assist in the improvement and beautification of the Lodge. In just under a week, the students have created an impressive garden, constructed a fire pit, dug multiple soon-to-be-ponds, assisted in a rainbow trout protection project, and helped with interior decorating. Their efforts have had a notable impact on the appearance of the Lodge, and are aimed primarily at improving its attractiveness as an ecotourism destination.

Qian and Marian help to
plant calla lilies that will
absorb nitrates in the soil

Perhaps the most interesting assignment for the group has been to design a calla lily filtration system, which intends to reduce the problematic amount of nitrates that collect downstream as a result of utrification. Elliot Goldstein very articulately explains this project here and sheds some light on being the only male in the group. Kelly Lester further discusses the task here and shares the advice given to the group by Lodge owner, Alejandro: "think like water!"

Additionally, students have been brainstorming ways to more effectively manage the Lodge so that the owners can earn a better living and increase profits. Strategies so far have included everything from new hummingbird feeders to a renovation of the pool area to a reevaluation of planting invasive bamboo plants on the property. For a brief discussion of how to better optimize the use of the garden, click here. By the end of the field assignment, students hope to share their ideas with Alejandro so that some of them might be implemented before prime tourist season arrives in September.

Students explain the details of their
project and discuss the role they've
played at El Manantial Lodge

Although the students are working quite hard, they have the privilege of enjoying a gorgeous landscape in a beautiful cloud forest. This weekend, they hope to explore the Savegre River and the many waterfalls of the region; and, if they're lucky, they'll get to see the quetzal, which is one of Central America's most striking birds!

Tomorrow, we head to Gandoca to check out another field study and to catch a glimpse of some sea turtles. Check back soon for more feedback and footage!