Students Explore the Biodiversity of the Costa Rican Rainforest

Five Upper School students and Prep Science Faculty Karen Cateriano recently returned from Sarapiqui, Costa Rica, where they spent four days learning about the biodiversity of the Costa Rican Rainforest.

The trip was organized and led by Rustic Pathways, the leading organization in global teen adventure travel and community service programs. Rustic Pathways empowers students through innovative and responsible travel experiences to positively impact lives and communities around the world.  

During their stay at La Selva Biological Station, JP Dare ’22, Michael Amsel ’22, Jack Epstein ’22, Jacob Stein ’22, and Gonzalo Miranda ’22 conducted research, collected data, and explored and interacted with natives in the rainforest during day and night nature tours. The group went bird watching and counting, and also traveled to La Tirimbina Biological Reserve where they got an opportunity to observe all different species of bats, getting so close that they were able to touch their wings.

Additionally, students extracted invasive coffee plants that are damaging the rainforest, installed camera traps throughout the area, and collected and analyzed the data. Through all these activities, the group saw all types of animals, including sloths, leaf cutter ants, toucans, red-eyed tree frogs, poison dart frogs, and much more.

“It was an unbelievable experience for all of us,” said Ms. Cateriano. “To see animals in their natural habitat during both the day and night is incredible. This trip truly enhanced the students’ understanding and knowledge as they now know what it means to live in the rainforest.”