Day 2: Mist Netting and Bird Banding Demonstration and Runaway Creek Nature Reserve; Mbay Nature Trail Hike

Transcription

1 UW-OSHKOSH 2019 BELIZE STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM ITINERARY Sat, Jan 12 11:50 AM 1:30 PM Day 1: January Arrival to Belize and Mbay Wildlife Sanctuary! Monkey Bay driver and Tour Guide meet and greet group, then transfer in chartered bus along Phillip Goldson Highway, Burrell Boom Road, and George Price Highway to Mbay campus. Mbay guide to offer interpretative presentation on historical landmarks and along route - Phillip Goldson, Belikin Beer and Coca Cola Factory in Ladyville, Belize River and its historic importance at Burrell Boom; Central Prison, and history of the Hattieville settlement. Late Lunch at Mbay Dinner and Overnight at Mbay. Evening Presentation on Protected Areas system in Belize and Mbay s role as part of the Central Belize Corridor by Mbay Director, Matthew Miller At Mbay, campus Orientation at Mbay, Health, Safety and Cultural Awareness briefing by Program Facilitator, then, settling in. Group leaders meet with students to discuss course expectations and etiquette. Sun, Jan 13 Day 2: Mist Netting and Bird Banding Demonstration and Runaway Creek Nature Reserve; Mbay Nature Trail Hike 5:30 AM Early sack breakfast 5:45 AM Depart early to Runaway Creek Rainforest Preserve for mist netting and bird banding demonstration. Runaway Creek is a rainforest preserve of immeasurable ecological value, historical significance and aesthetic beauty, tucked deep in the limestone karst hills of Belize. Over 6,000 acres of untouched savannah and dense rainforest harbor more than 128 species of animals, 315 species of birds, 4 species of large cats, and various other fauna. Innumerable plants, two rivers, and twentyfour. Lunch at Monkey Bay 2:00 PM Hike for about 1.5 hours through 5 distinct vegetation habitats: Tropical Lowland Pine Ridge Savannah, Broken Ridge, Cohune Ridge, Tropical Broadleaf Forest, and Riparian Forest along the Sibun River edge. Interactive discussion on wildlife and plant ID located in this important transect that is part of the Central Belize Biological Corridor, that interconnects Southern and Northern protected areas. Enjoy a refreshing swim at the Sibun River after hike if time, interest and weather permit. Dinner and Overnight at Mbay Evening presentation by Dr. Collin Young on Ethnobotany. Mon, Jan 14 8:00 AM Day 3: Community Baboon Sanctuary (Community Based Conservation) Breakfast at Mbay 4:00 PM Depart to visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary for Natural History Museum Tour and Presentation by Women Conservation Group on community conservation management of the sanctuary, Guided Nature Trail through sanctuary edges (gallery forest) to see howler monkeys living in the wild and medicinal plant ID and Creole Ethnobotany. Traditional "Fire hearth Cooked" lunch at Ms. Edna's After lunch, depart Bermudian Landing and head to the Belize Zoo to observe Belize s wildlife living in their natural enclosures. Belize Zoo serves as a stronghold for wildlife awareness, conservation, rehabilitation and environmental education in Belize. Return to Monkey Bay and prepare for two-nights field excursion to Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve headwaters in the Maya Mountains. Dinner and Overnight at Mbay Evening presentation as orientation to field excursion on Watershed Continuum Concept by Dr. Ed Boles.

2 Tue, Jan 15 8:00 AM Wed, Jan 16 8:00 AM Day 4: Terrestrial Ecology at Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve; Night 1 of 2 Breakfast at Mbay After breakfast, depart for 2 nights to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve headwaters, accompanied by Dr. Ed Boles, Aquatic Ecologist. Lunch at MPR Watershed Campus After lunch, orientations talk about The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, the Forestry Station at MPR and management policies influencing this headwater region. Hike to Big Rock Falls for Pine Ridge Ecosystem discussion and headwater characteristics and bedrock geology. Readings to serve as orientation: A Geography of Belize: Chapter Six Geology of Belize, Cubola Productions, Revised Edition Dinner and Overnight at MPR Watershed Campus Evening slot for Dr. Ed or group faculty to use as instructional time. Day 5: Terrestrial Ecology Continued at MPR Forest Reserve; Night 2 of 2 Breakfast at MPR Excursions to Chalillo Dam to tour the facility. The Chalillo Dam is a gravity dam on the Macal River about 33 km south of San Ignacio, in the western most part of the country where the Macal River converges with the Raspaculo River in the Maya Mountains The construction of the controversial dam was completed in September 2005 to retain 120 million cubic meters of water. The Natural History Museum report lists the displacement of more than 50 mammal species in the Macal River Valley, 185 bird species as well as large numbers of amphibians and reptiles. The Chalillo shares adjacency with Chiquibul National Park and the Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Readings which can serve as orientation: The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw: One Woman s Fight to Save the World s Most Beautiful Bird by Bruce Barcott After Chalillo Dam Tour, get an overview from the fire lookout tower of the riparian, broadleaf and pine forest habitats and waterfalls. Head to Rio Frio Cave. Pack lunch Explore Rio Frio Cave, then spend guided time sampling and identifying macro invertebrates in the first and second order headwater stream that flows over granite and through limestone caverns. Quick stop at Rio On Pools to see these unique geological formations from the Santa Rosa metasediments of the Paleozoic age. Readings on Dr. Boles Rapid Biological Assessment- Stream Sampling and Watershed Conservation and Challenges in Belize; Stream Ecology Reading Vannote et al., 1980 Dinner and Overnight at MPR Evening discussion with Dr. Ed and group faculty Thu, Jan 17 7:00 AM 7:30 AM Day 6: Return to Mbay; Xunantunich Archaeological Tour Breakfast at MPR Depart MPR and head to San Ignacio Town and Succotz Village for 10am Xunantunich Ancient Maya Ceremonial Site guided tour. Meet Maya Guide Elfego Panti and tour this archaeological site and museum. Traditional lunch at noon at Maya/Mestizo restaurant at Succotz, 2:30 PM Depart Succotz Village and head back to Monkey Bay, with quick stop at San Ignacio for quick stop at farmers market. After market tour, return to Mbay to prepare for 2-day overnight camp and canoe excursion on middle reach of Sibun River commencing the following day. Dinner and Overnight at Monkey Bay

3 Fri, Jan 18 Day 7: Mid-reach Watershed Ecology; 1st of 2-Day Sibun River overnight paddling excursion 8:00 AM Breakfast at Mbay Depart to begin 2-day canoe paddle along the Sibun River with Dr. Ed Boles. Water sampling; invertebrates; species diversity; water quality; effects of gravel extraction, agriculture and land use. Bird Specialist and Field Instructor Melito to accompany group for overnight expedition. Picnic lunch at River side Continue floating down the mid-reaches of the Sibun River with Dr. Ed Boles. Dinner and Overnight at Sibun River Camp. Sat, Jan 19 Melito to join group; Mbay to provide back up support for camping and meals along the route with transport and service of all dry gear, pre-cooked dinner, breakfast & pack lunch to overnight camp locations. Day 8: Mid-reach Watershed Ecology; 2nd Day Sibun River Excursion; 8:00 AM Breakfast at riverside. Continue second day canoe paddle along the Sibun River with Dr. Ed Boles and Melito. Water sampling; invertebrates; species diversity; water quality; effects of gravel extraction, agriculture and land use. Picnic lunch at River side Continue floating down the mid-reaches of the Sibun River with Dr. Ed Boles. Reach the take out point and board Monkey Bus back to main campus. Dinner and Overnight at Monkey Bay Sun, Jan 20 Optional: Gather around the campfire for group discussion or program debrief. Day 9: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary - Jaguar Preserve; 1st of 2-Overnights; Marie Sharp Pepper Factory 8:00 AM Breakfast at Mbay Depart to St. Herman s Blue Hole National Park to appreciate unique geological features that can be found within 575 acres of forest rich with wildlife. Upon arrival, park welcome and orientation by park manager, then hike through lush green tropical jungle to St. Herman's Cave, where you will explore this spectacular cave system through huge caverns adorned with crystalline formations. Mayan shamans and priests once journeyed into this underworld known as Xibalba, to perform sacred rituals. After cave tour, enjoy the sapphire coloured waters of the cenote, known as the Blue Hole. Melito Bustamente to accompany group as Field Instructor and Bird Specialist 4:00 PM Pack lunch at St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park Depart to CBWS. Enroute, stop at Marie Sharp Pepper Factory for Tour of facility and pepper tasting. Experience the manufacturing of pepper sauce using only organic and traditional Belizean ingredients and homemade spices. Get a chance to taste a variety of flavours produced at this facility. After pepper tour, continue on to CBWS. Arrive at CBWS. The 128,000-acre area of lush jungle at Cockscomb owes its existence to its most famous resident, the Jaguar. The excellent visitor centre at the Sanctuary has a relief model of the Cockscomb Basin; displays on the area s topography, natural history, trail maps and trail guides. Park welcome and orientation by park rangers and Mbay guides. Visitors' Center tour. Settle into rooms. Readings which can serve as orientation: Jaguar by Alan Rabinowitz (One man s struggle to establish the world s first Jaguar Preserve) Dinner and overnight at CBWS Discussion lead by Mbay Guides or professors on Allan Rabinowitz "Jaguar" Melito to join group for overnights at CBWS.

4 Mon, Jan 21 Day 10: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary Day 2 of 2;Trail Hike and River Tubing at CBWS 8:00 AM Breakfast at CBWS Hike the Tiger Fern Mountain Trail with local guide and Melito who will share traditional knowledge of plant ID and wildlife along trail. At the crest of Tiger Fern Trail, view the spectacular Maya Mountains and uninterrupted tropical broad leaf forest as far as the eye can see. If weather permits, appreciate a glimpse of the Victoria Peak. This is the backbone on biodiversity protection and maintenance in Belize. Enjoy the refreshing cool waters of twin waterfalls and plunge pool in this headwater region. Return for lunch at park. Lunch at CBWS River tubing on the South Stann Creek River in the sanctuary. Guide & Melito compares and contrasts the quality of this watershed and the surrounding Riparian Forest with that of the Sibun River (Not in protected area and used for mass tourism) Dinner & Overnight at CBWS Tue, Jan 22 Melito to join group Day 11: Maya Center; Guest Speaker, Maya Garden Tour and Maya Healing Ceremony; Night 1 of 2 8:00 AM Breakfast at CBWS Depart after breakfast to Maya Center. Welcome by Ernesto and Aurora Saqui, local Maya, who operate a small guest house in Maya Center. Ernesto and Aurora are traditional Maya who serve as community leaders and have been instrumental in the Maya pursuit of being able to live in their traditional way and still participate in the economic development of their community. Presentation by Ernesto Saqui on his work at CBWS during the years that he served as Park Director and his role in the economic Next, tour the Maya Garden with Aurora Saqui, with focus on eco-forestry and ethnobotany. Lunch at Nu'uk Cheil Dinner & Overnight at Maya Center After dinner, Maya Healing Ceremony by Aurora Saqui. Melito returns to Monkey Bay Wed, Jan 23 Day 12: Maya Center Village - Banana and Shrimp Farm visits; Overnight and dinner at village guesthouse; Night 2 of 2 8:00 AM Breakfast at Maya Center After lunch, visit local Maya Cacao Orchard to view Maya cultivation of local organic cacao. Proceed to the factory for Bean to Bar tour. 9 am depart to Haney's Shrimp Farm. Tour the farm to observe how to convert mangroves ecosystems and pump waste back into ocean and how to turn leveled mangrove forest into orchard. Lunch at Haney's Shrimp Farm with Ms. Emma After lunch, depart for Bunches of Fun Banana Farm. Guided Field Tour of the banana fields, plant care demonstrations, guided walk through our varietal plot, viewing of banana history, harvest and packing video. Return to Maya Center. Dinner & Overnight at Maya Center After dinner Maya Cultural presentation with Ernesto Saqui.

5 Thur, Jan 24 Day 13: Depart Maya Center to Tobacco Caye Marine Station; Night 1 of 3 8:00 AM Breakfast at Maya Center 9am depart to Dangriga for 11am water taxi to Tobacco Caye. Arrive Tobacco Caye and meet Marine Station Manager. Lunch at Tobacco Caye Settle into accommodations. Gather for Island orientation walking tour with TCMS Manager, followed by Snorkeling 101 workshop Dinner at Tobacco Caye Evening orientation lecture on Introduction to Coral Reefs; Response to a changing environment from TCMS Managers. (Suggested Lecture) Suggested Readings: Tropical Marine Ecology A Field Guide to Belize by Michael Honeth and Mathilde Loubeyres. Fri, Jan 25 Day 14: Marine Ecology and Conservation Full Day Snorkeling Excursion; Night 2 of 3 8:00 AM Breakfast at Tobacco Caye Depart for full day snorkeling trip. Explore reef ecosystems, mangroves and Bird Isles. Snorkeling on Carrie Bow Caye and Whale Shoal. Lunch on South Water Caye Visit the Man O War Caye Bird Sanctuary to see the nesting site for the Brown Boobie and Magnificent Frigate Bird, one of only 10 nesting sites in the Caribbean, then return to TC. Dinner. Dinner and Overnight at Tobacco Caye Evening lecture on Fisheries Conservation and Marine Protected areas by TMCS Managers. (Suggested Lecture) Sat, Jan 26 Day 15: Marine Ecology and Conservation; Night 3 of 3 8:00 AM Breakfast at Tobacco Caye Unstructured time for group faculty to debrief or work on independent projects or TCMS led lecture on Reef Conservation and Artificial Reefs. Lunch at Tobacco Caye Afternoon guided snorkeling to see patch reef and sea grass beds. Dinner and Overnight at TC. Dinner and Overnight at Tobacco Caye Sun, Jan 27 Day 16: Departure to home destinations; Water taxi to Dangriga Town, charter bus to BZE Intl Airport 5:00 AM Early Breakfast 5:15 AM Transfer to mainland, where Mbay bus will transfer group to PGIA, with stop at Mbay for bathroom break. Group needs to check in 2 hours before scheduled flight at 11:40am. Program Concludes

6 GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS MONKEY BAY 2019 BELIZE FIELD PROGRAM PACKING LIST FOR LEADERS, PARTICIPANTS AND STUDENTS (Suggested Items) * Lightweight sleeping bag or lightweight blanket for winter and spring months (sheets are provided at Monkey Bay) * Bath and swim towel (The light absorbent travel towels are useful and dry quickly) * Flashlight and spare batteries. Head lamps are ideal and leave hands free. * Quart size refillable water bottle that can be carried in day packs (option to bring an extra bottle should you loose one) * Generally casual, comfortable lightweight clothing. Hand washing facilities are available (Monkey Bay offers Laundry Services at a cost) * Lightweight long-sleeved shirts (button-down cotton or quick dry work best) and long trousers- the zip off shorts type are good. These will be for inland activities, canoeing, walking and hiking. Best bug protection is to cover up! * Comfortable above-the-ankle hiking shoes for jungle activities and strap on type sandals for river and beach. Water shoes optional for water activities. * Light rain jacket or pocket size umbrella; hat; bandana; sunglasses * Swimsuits, shorts and t-shirts for swimming and beach wear. Rash-guards optional for sun protection * Personal toiletry items (biodegradable soap is encouraged); sun screen; mosquito repellant (avoid products containing DEET); anti biotic waterproof band aids; general antibiotic (if desired) & anti histamine tablets and creme; motion sickness tablets for those who are prone to sea sickness; any prescription or allergy medications. * Camera - water proof to be considered if engaging in lots of water activities * Memories notebook for keeping a daily journal. * Snorkel Mask & Fins * Mosquito nets Optional: FIRST AID KIT: Individuals, families or the group leader are required to bring a well stocked first aid kit. Most common problems are tummy upsets, bug bites, blisters & or chafing during hikes, small cut or bug bite infections, wet feet, camp fire burns. A good antibiotic creme and tablet as well as anti histamine tablets and creme are useful, as well as re-hydration salts. Please advise any persons taking prescription medications or suffering from allergies to bring their necessary personal medications with them. Alert Monkey Bay and group leader to any allergies. INTERNET ACCESS and POWER SUPPLY: * Wi-Fi is complimentary and available 24/7 in the vicinity of the Dining Hall. Due to limited bandwidth, we discourage video streaming and downloading. Internet café s available in all towns and at Caye Caulker; not in rural village homestay communities. * Wi-Fi access in rural villages is limited, and in most cases not available. Strongly recommended to students to stay in touch with families using Monkey Bay Wi-Fi and let them know where you are heading next to minimize worries. * 110 power points located in all rooms CONTACTS/TELEPHONE NUMBERS IN BELIZE: * International Dialing code for calls in Belize: 001 * International Dialing code for calls in US: 011 * Office: +(501) * Matthew Miller: Cell USA / Home: / Cell in BZ: +(501) info@belizestudyabroad.net MEDICAL or EMERGENCY NUMBERS: Astrum Helicopter: / Belize City Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital: /1564/1593/1671 Belize Coast Guard: BCSL- Radio Service: or Belize Emergency Rescue Team (BERT) / Belize Disaster and Relief Response Team: (501) (search & rescue)

7 Belmopan Hospital: and Belmopan Hospital - Emergency Room: Canadian Honorary Consul Belize City: Captain Fermin Nunez (Tobacco Caye Boat Captain): Caye Caulker: Tropical Paradise Hotel: Police Department: Public Doctor/Clinic: during working hours; after 5pm Private Doctor - Dr. Lanza: Nurse Chris Diego: Dr. Gabriel in Belize City- Medical Emergency: Dr. Hidalgo in Belize City (BHCP): Mahogany Heights Police Station: Monkey Bay - Belize Study Abroad Staff: Matthew Miller (Managing Director) Eden Estephan (General Manager) Ruby Enriquez (Program Manager) Efrain Perez ( Service Learning Program Manager) Janice Williams (HR and Office Manager) Lincoln Wiltshire (Tour Operations Manager) Police Country-wide: 90/911 U.S. Embassy Belmopan City: ; Call Hotline first Consular Chief Officer Ext Embassy Call Duty Officer: Emergency and Weekends