This past May, 2015, I attended a study abroad trip to the Peruvian Rainforest to participate in an independent research project. The entire trip was almost 4 weeks (May 13th - June 7th), with a full 3 weeks spent in the jungle.
The experience was absolutely AMAZING!! I went really having no expectations. I'd seen photos of the jungle and I've watched movies (like The Jungle Book), but as much as I had cleared my expectations, I was still surprised and amazed (understatement).
Firstly, I had previously never been off the North American continent so this was a new and exciting (and inspiring!) experience. Having grown up in Texas and taking Spanish in high school I wasn't entirely out of my element language-wise, so it wasn't as intimidating as it could've been. Instead, I knew enough to get some cultural exchange!
For my research project, I asked our guides about medicinal plants and their uses, which I have created a general information sheet for, and tested some of them for antimicrobial qualities. I only tested plants that were said to be used to treat wounds, kidney pain, and burning or blood during urination. I made teas, prepared salves, and even chewed some up with my mouth! In the end, I did see results with a couple plants. Read about my quick realizations during my first bout of fieldwork here.
Here's an outline of the trip, use it as a guide to hear more about my trip:
Day 1 - May 13th - Travel Day
Day 2 - May 14th - More Travel, Arrive in Puerto Maldonado, Peru
Day 3 - May 15th - Visit the Animal Rehabilitation Center
The experience was absolutely AMAZING!! I went really having no expectations. I'd seen photos of the jungle and I've watched movies (like The Jungle Book), but as much as I had cleared my expectations, I was still surprised and amazed (understatement).
Firstly, I had previously never been off the North American continent so this was a new and exciting (and inspiring!) experience. Having grown up in Texas and taking Spanish in high school I wasn't entirely out of my element language-wise, so it wasn't as intimidating as it could've been. Instead, I knew enough to get some cultural exchange!
For my research project, I asked our guides about medicinal plants and their uses, which I have created a general information sheet for, and tested some of them for antimicrobial qualities. I only tested plants that were said to be used to treat wounds, kidney pain, and burning or blood during urination. I made teas, prepared salves, and even chewed some up with my mouth! In the end, I did see results with a couple plants. Read about my quick realizations during my first bout of fieldwork here.
Here's an outline of the trip, use it as a guide to hear more about my trip:
Day 1 - May 13th - Travel Day
Day 2 - May 14th - More Travel, Arrive in Puerto Maldonado, Peru
Day 3 - May 15th - Visit the Animal Rehabilitation Center
Day 4 - May 16th - Travel Day - get to the Las Piedras Biodiversity Research Station!
Day 5 - May 17th - First Jungle Day!
Day 6 - May 18th - Visit Logger Camp
Day 7-10 - May 19th-22nd - Research Days
Day 11 - May 23rd - Hike up the Lucetio stream and falls
Day 6 - May 18th - Visit Logger Camp
Day 7-10 - May 19th-22nd - Research Days
Day 11 - May 23rd - Hike up the Lucetio stream and falls
Day 12 - May 24th - Research Day
Day 13 - May 25th - Visit Lucerna for a resupply; weird contrast from the Jungle!
Day 14-16 - May 26-28th - Research Days
Day 17 - May 29th - Climbed a 90ft TREE! - definite highlight - ; groups made videos
Day 18 - May 30th - Research day and fishing!
Day 19 - May 31st - Visit the ARC research station, and camp out on a beach
Day 13 - May 25th - Visit Lucerna for a resupply; weird contrast from the Jungle!
Day 14-16 - May 26-28th - Research Days
Day 17 - May 29th - Climbed a 90ft TREE! - definite highlight - ; groups made videos
Day 18 - May 30th - Research day and fishing!
Day 19 - May 31st - Visit the ARC research station, and camp out on a beach
Day 20 - June 1st - Return to station, Research
Day 21 - June 2nd - Wrap up research and pack
Day 22 - June 3rd - Leave Research station and return to Puerto Maldonado
Day 23 - June 4th - Visit the Floating Forest
Day 21 - June 2nd - Wrap up research and pack
Day 22 - June 3rd - Leave Research station and return to Puerto Maldonado
Day 23 - June 4th - Visit the Floating Forest
Day 24th - June 5th - Visit the Institute and La Casa de Selva, visit Market, and Karaoke
Day 25th - June 6th - Departure - Leave Peru
Day 26th - June 7th - Arrive back in Dulles!
Check back more for updates!
Day 26th - June 7th - Arrive back in Dulles!
Check back more for updates!