The Ocean and You: Bahamas Field Study June 8-15, 2019
Columbus Zoo Field Study Leaders Mary Holben Teen Volunteer Assistant Mary Holben is a licensed teacher in her second year with the teen volunteer (ZooAide) program at the Columbus Zoo she believes that teens can do anything they put their minds to! Using the Columbus Zoo as her classroom, Mary encourages teens to support conservation organizations like the Columbus Zoo along with its local and international partners to make the world a cleaner, greener place. Outside of the Zoo, Mary coaches marching band, loves to read, and enjoys the outdoors. She is reading up on marine ecosystems and piracy to prepare for this field study. Brandon Good Conservation Education Manager Brandon has facilitated and managed teen summer camp programs throughout his eight year tenure at the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds. With more than a decade of experience as a trained lifeguard and lifeguard instructor, Brandon is extremely comfortable in the water and makes aquatic safety his top priority. Brandon has loved the ocean and its inhabitants for most of his life; from picking up a sea urchin as a child to his first time seeing humpback whales in the wild. Brandon is committed to protecting wildlife and is constantly looking for ways to maintain a sustainable lifestyle while also inspiring others to commit to more sustainable practices.
The Ocean and You: Bahamas Field Study The Ocean and You: Bahamas Field Study is designed for 15 to 18 year olds interested in marine science. This course will focus on human impact on the environment. We will explore the ways climate change, plastics and invasive species are affecting the Bahamas and discover how we can each make a difference for wildlife and wild places both at home and internationally. Pre and Post Trip Meetings Teens will meet throughout the spring and summer to learn about the Zoo s ocean conservation programs and to get to know each other before the trip. Behind the scenes opportunities with Zoo professionals will provide a foundation for this field study. Bahamas Field Experience Trip Dates: June 8 15, 2019 Andros Island is the largest of the 700 islands in the Bahamas. This rural island has a population of approximately 7,500 people. Snorkeling, bird watching, tide pool exploration, nature walks and more create this once in a lifetime experience. This trip is operated by International Field Studies, Inc. (IFS), an educational and scientific non profit organization established in 1970 to promote and assist educators with field study programs.
Course Topics Climate Change and the Environment Climate change has had a huge impact on the Bahamas. There is evidence of this everywhere you look! During this course we will explore how climate change is affecting the people and animals who call this place home. Coral Watch We will snorkel in multiple locations to assess the health of the coral reefs and observe how the Forfar staff is working to restore coral in this region. Photo courtesy of International Field Studies. Extreme Weather The number of hurricanes in the Bahamas has increased in recent years. During our visit, we will have the opportunity to meet local people who can tell us about their experiences. We will visit land sites which have been destroyed by these extreme weather events, and we will explore some of the ways the Bahamas has adapted to protect its coastline.
Plastics are a Problem The Bahamas has committed to eliminating single use plastics by 2020! Students will see first hand the impact plastics have had on this island and discover what they can do to make a difference! Smart Shopping During our pre trip meetings we will learn how to make smart decisions while shopping both for this trip and in our daily lives. We will encourage participants to make some environmentally friendly single use swaps such as carrying a reusable water bottle instead of buying drinks in disposable plastic bottles. Remember, the people who make the biggest difference are the ones who do the little things consistently! Beach Clean Up The beaches in the Bahamas are beautiful, but if you look closely you will see many tiny pieces of plastic mixed into the sand. During our trip, we will visit Somerset Beach to enjoy the waves and collect some of the plastics that litter this beautiful habitat.
Healthy Fish Healthy Ocean Andros Island is in close proximity to the third largest fringing barrier reef and the Tongue of the Ocean (a mile deep abyss filled with vibrant marine life). During this field study, we will explore these marine habitats and discover how we can help to protect the animals who call these places home. Columbus Zoo Conservation Partners The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is committed to ocean conservation and works closely with partner organizations such as SECORE (http://www.secore.org/site/home.html) and Rising Tide (https://www.risingtideconservation.org/) to protect these important ecosystems. Shores animal care staff will meet with course participants during one of the pretrip meetings to explain their conservation work and lead the group on a behind the scenes tour of their region. Invasive Species Invasive species can have a dramatic impact on the environment. The Bahamas is actively working to manage these plants and animals so they can protect the native species who call the Bahamas home. During our time on Andros Island, we will observe the number of invasive species both on land and in the water and learn about how these species have impacted this island nation. Upon returning to Columbus, we will visit The Wilds to learn about invasive species here in Ohio and how we can all help to protect native Ohio plants and animals!
Forfar Field Station Lodging Forfar Field Station is a rustic former dive resort, named after its founder and builder Archie Forfar. Nestled in a beachfront coconut grove on Andros Island, Forfar provides rustic cabin style lodging. Each cabin has 3 4 sets of bunk beds, electricity, fans, mosquito nets, and a private bathroom with hot water and a shower. The Forfar Lodge houses the Dining Hall, Classroom, and open living areas. Photos courtesy of International Field Studies.
What to Expect A sample schedule is provided below. We plan to spend three days on land and three days on the water (weather permitting). Food Breakfast and dinner are served in the dining room and most lunches are eaten picnic style at study sites. IFS ships most food in from Fort Lauderdale and supplements with food from local farms. Menus are set, and usually offer a mix of standard American fare (lasagna, chicken) and a touch of Bahamian cuisine (pigeon peas and rice). Reasonable dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, soy free, nut free, or gluten free diets, can be accommodated if you notify us before the trip. Thursday night is Cooks' Night Off and groups typically go out to a local restaurant. Dinner usually runs from $15 to $20 per person. Ice cream, snack foods, and soft drinks can be purchased at several locations on the island. The US currency is equal to Bahamian currency and is accepted. Bring cash. Credit cards are accepted at Forfar, but are not accepted on the island. Snorkeling A brief snorkel orientation will be conducted with your group. We require everyone to wear a snorkeling vest while in the water, regardless of swimming ability as they help with visibility. Everyone must swim with a buddy. Students are required to bring their own mask, snorkel, and fins. We also strongly encourage students bring a mesh bag to hold their snorkeling gear. Snorkeling vests are provided by IFS.
Packing List Essentials Item Passport Money Sunscreen Bug repellant Aloe vera Water bottle Sunglasses Sun hat Towel Description This needs to be a passport book. A passport card will not get you into the Bahamas! Bring small bills like $20, $10, $5 and $1 s Do NOT bring spray sunscreens you will not be able to use them at Forfar! We recommend at least 30+ SPF. Zinc Oxide mineral based sunscreens are much better for the coral reefs than those containing chemicals such as oxybenzone. Bring what works for you (Natural or Deet based), however, Deet based repellents can t be sprayed while on the boats (eats away the paint) Aloe vera lotions/gels that contain lidocaine help sore sunburn Needed for all trips. 32oz is recommended We recommend inexpensive polarized sunglasses Something that can be secured when riding on the boat Microfiber towels are much smaller, dry quicker, and take up much less space and weight than a traditional towel Clothes Item Ample underwear & socks 2+ Bathing suits Description Long socks are great for bug protection. Sand flies love ankles! T Shirts Up to one a day Long sleeve T Shirts Lightweight shorts Lightweight/ Long pants Sweatshirt or Fleece Rain jacket Water shoes/ Sport sandals or Dive Boots Flip flops Athletic or hiking shoes 2+ for sun and bug protection 2+ pairs 1+ pairs for bug protection Nights can get cooler Lightweight Used for both land trips or on boats Tougher sole will be needed to walk on sharp rock and slippery surfaces/ shallow waters (Teva/Chacco/ Keen/Merrel). Something that can be worn all day. Preferably close toed. For general day to day wear Closed toe shoes are necessary for land trips
Toiletries Item Shampoo/ Conditioner Soap Deodorant Feminine products Toothbrush/Toothpaste Hairbrush or comb Description Please try to source environmentally and biodegradable brands such as: Yes To!, Burt s Bees, Jasons Naturals, Natures Gate, Dr. Bronners, Alba etc. Dr. Bronners, Burt s Bees, Kiss My Face, Alba etc. Ample supplies as needed Snorkel/Dive Gear Item Mask Snorkel Fins Long sleeve rash guard Gear bag Mask Defogger Description Please ensure that the mask fits well before your trip You may also want to consider shorts to wear over swimsuits bottoms when snorkeling for extra sun protection Big enough to carry all snorkel gear together For your snorkel mask When packing, remember important weight limits for small charter flights. Try to keep the weight of your luggage under 40 lbs. You are allowed one carry on bag weighing 10 lbs or less, and it must abide by baggage size regulations, 12 H x 6 W x 14 L. All carry on baggage must have a Western Air carry on baggage tag. Baggage that exceeds 40 lbs will be subject to overweight charges of $1 per additional pound, and any excess /oversized/overweight bags will be sent on the next available flight. Also, accurately provide your body weight during your online registration. Planes are weighted with the information provided. Forfar Field Station is located in a humid environment with exposure to corrosive salt air electronics do not like this! We are not responsible for items that are damaged, lost, or stolen. There is a safe on station where some valuables (such as money and passports) can be kept. Forfar is an eco friendly field station. We will ask participants to please bring all plastic back to the USA at the end of the trip. This will help to keep the Bahamas beautiful!
Important Dates September 26 Fall 2018 March 1 March 9 March 15 April 13 Late April May 11 Late May June 8 15 Late June July Trip Application Available Submit Trip Deposit Final Payment Due Pre Trip Meeting Apply for Passport Pre Trip Meeting Snorkel Practice Pre Trip Meeting Parent Meeting Bahamas Post Trip Gathering Wilds Visit Payment Info Per Person: $1750 + airfare to Nassau, Bahamas A $300 non refundable trip deposit is required upon acceptance to course to reserve your space in this field study. A minimum of 10 paying travelers is required for this experience. Final non refundable payment of $1450 + airfare to Nassau will be due March 1. IFS suggests participants purchase travel insurance that covers trip expenses such as natural disasters, travel delays, and emergencies. Hurricane season in the Bahamas lasts from June to the end of November. Groups visiting during this time frame should strongly consider the additional coverage.
Contact Information Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Brandon Good Brandon.Good@columbuszoo.org 614 724 3496 Mary Holben Mary.Holben@columbuszoo.org (614) 724 3420 International Field Studies Becky Schmitthenner office@intlfieldstudies.org or (614) 268 9930