Have you ever gone camping or had a sleepover with friends? What about in the middle of the jungle? Well, that's what it feels like when I do field research -- a sleepover in the jungle!
One of the coolest things about going to school in Costa Rica is that I go on overnight field trips with my biology classes. We meet up at the University, pile into a van, stop for snacks and head to the forest!
All around the country, biologists are doing research in the forests. That means they need a place to stay! Biological Reserves are like camp for scientists, with rooms full of bunk beds, communal showers and a huge dining hall.
Costa Rica is pretty serious about protecting its land. Over 25% of Costa Rica is National Park -- that means it’s pretty green! In some of that protected land, nobody is allowed to visit except for scientists, and lucky students like me.
After we wind through the mountains on narrow, bumpy roads, we get to the Biology Reserve. Sometimes they’re in chilly rainforests high up in the mountain, and sometimes humid and hot rainforests by the ocean.
To hike in the forest, I need to bring a rain poncho, binoculars, a headlamp, water, camera and my notebook. I make sure to wear long sleeves and pants at night instead of bug spray, so I won't hurt any frogs I might touch.
