Exploring Ecuador's Ecosystems

During February and March of 2020, we travelled to Ecuador to conduct novel research, explore the country's ecosystems, and immerse ourselves with the Ecuadorian culture. We connected with the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation, a non-profit that promotes biological conservation and the introduction, education, and encouragement of local landowner participation in environmentally friendly practices. We worked with local landowners on building a biological corridor, contributed to ongoing environmental education lessons with the local children, and conducted inaugural research on ghost crabs, using their populations as a measure of human impact on local beaches. During our time abroad, we were able to explore the semi-dry deciduous forest, coastal Ecuador, and the páramo.

Here is our journey through Ecuador.

Our time in Ecuador was an incredible experience and provided us a unique opportunity to see and learn about a new country and continent. With traveling and study abroad options being restricted because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are even more grateful for our time in South America. The funding we were provided gave us an opportunity to study abroad during our undergraduate years and will help inform the decisions we make as we continue to pursue our education after Colorado College.

We would like to thank the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation, Colorado College Center Global Education, Colorado College Organismal Biology & Ecology Department, and the Keller Family Venture Grant for making this experience possible.