Earthwatch Field Studies

La Manzanilla, Mexico-The central Pacific Coast of Mexico, Costa Alegre, has a rich endowment of natural resources, from fringing reefs bejeweled with colorful fishes to tropical deciduous forests, one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world. Coastal mangrove forests play a pivotal role here, preventing erosion and sedimentation of coral reefs, providing key nursery areas for fishes, and offering crucial habitat for American crocodiles, boat-billed herons, and other wildlife. But a dramatic rise in tourism and development along Costa Alegre threatens to undermine the ecological role of mangrove forests and the communities that rely on them. You can become part of an interdisciplinary initiative to assist local communities in mangrove conservation. You will work with Jerry Keir, Director, Great Basin Institute, and an international team of researchers.

On the Expedition

Working from a boat in mangrove forests, you will sample tree density, identify species composition, and collect plants for further research. You will run transects along the forest for a diversity of birds, collecting critical survey data on neotropical migrants and resident species. You will also help with mangrove restoration efforts, using the data you collected to build a functioning mangrove ecosystem. Dr. Michael Morrison (Great Basin Institute), Dr. Alan Gubanic (University of Nevada, Reno), Jerry Keir, and others will each add their own expertise to certain teams. This is an outstanding opportunity to help conservation efforts at the community level. In your spare time there’s plenty of kayaking, fishing, surfing, and nature-walking to be found.

Meals and Accommodations

You will return from the field to a base camp on the beach, where you will share a screened tent and palapa, or thatched hut, with teammates. The camp has potable water, conventional bathroom facilities, electricity, and a dining area. You’ll help the staff prepare meals from abundant local fish, shrimp, and octopus, including traditional Mexican cuisine. Fresh tropical fruits, including avocados, mangos, watermelon, and papayas are also available in abundance. A five minute walk up the beach, the town of La Manzanilla offers a dozen restaurants for local or international fare.

Dates for Field Research Teams:

GBI employees and volunteers are encourage to apply for financial assistance to participate in this program. For more information on the GBI’s research program with Earthwatch Institute, please visit http://www.earthwatch.org.