Ecuador
Biodiversity, Botanical, and Floristic Research Expedition
Conduct a botanical inventory of diversity through specimen-based research in various rainforest ecosystems while developing remote travel and survey skills in partnership with the local community.
Join a botanical research expedition to document the flora of the Sumak Kawsay Reserve. Designed to teach students field-based research, develop remote travel skills in the tropics, and experience Ecuadorian culture, this expedition-based program collaborates with a local community in a remote rainforest on the eastern Andean slopes.
Students will hike to a remote base camp, sleep in tents, develop orienteering skills to install a plot to survey and evaluate tree diversity, and experience Ecuadorian culture in urban and remote settings.
Our research will generate data for long-term biodiversity studies and provide 400+ specimens to major museums (e.g., Smithsonian, Missouri Botanical Garden, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Ponitificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador in Quito, and the Universidad Estatal Amazónica in Puyo).
Important Considerations / Student Expectations
All passports must be current seven months past the return date of any school sponsored trip. Please check and plan accordingly.
Sign-Up Instructions
Participation for all Lawrenceville Harkness Travel Programs is dependent upon a review of student applications, Head of House / Day Advisor Recommendations, medical fitness for participation, and financial and disciplinary standing. Seniority and gender balance is also considered in the selection process.
Application to this program is not considered complete until both of the following items have been submitted:
Head of House/Day Advisor Recommendation must be completed and submitted to Louise Wright by Monday, October 31, 2022.
Application Survey must be completed by Monday, October 31, 2021.
Dates
March 4 - 14, 2023
Price
$6,250
Includes all required vaccinations.
Target Student Population
This program is open to all students.
Students with a desire to learn and/or use Spanish are encouraged to apply.
Ability to spend large portions of each day in physical activity, studying field biology, and being immersed in nature are important.
Ability to carry a weighted backpack, walking on mountainous and wet terrain, for long periods is important.
Program Leaders
John Clark
Science Teacher
Annie Wilcox
History Teacher
Noelle Niu
Mathematics Teacher
Pre-Trip Work
Prior to departure, there will be several mandatory meetings for all students
accepted into this program.
Location Info
