Lamanai

The class went to Lamanai Maya ruin today - here are some student entries of the trip so far (and photos of Lamanai below):

JAYCE: So far it has been an amazing adventure here in Belize. The country is gorgeous and at times the multiple hikes each day seem daunting at first but then become part of the daily experience. I can’t believe how quickly the time flies by, each time I check the clock it’s like being in Belize is a part of a different world entirely, from sun up to sun down and sometimes way before sunrise and way past sundown it is a constant go attitude with hikes, surveys, bird watching, an occasional presentation or field study session and it is just all a dream session. Sometimes being here is so surreal I have to stop and realize where I am and not forget which day it is in my normal calendar, remembering that eventually I will be home in the states with all my family, friends and loved ones who I miss dearly. My greatest challenge today was climbing the Mayan ruins at Lamanai archeological site. I had to conquer my fear of heights, my vertigo which seems to only affect me when I look down from high places and the 45 degree vertical climb. It was absolutely worth it to see what the Mayans have seen and stand from the same perspective they would look out across their nation and their jungle. I am looking forward to the cayes (keys) where I will be snorkeling and enjoying my time near the reef systems and coastline of Belize. I am so glad I came to Belize to experience this world. It will stay a part of my life, always.

HEBERTO: Being in Belize has been awesome. I came expecting a fun time and boy did I find one. I have been so many animals and I have yet to explore some more. I was able to conquer my fears and I held a scorpion on my hand!!! I climbed many trees and my wild side is coming out. I saw a menonite family on a boat. I saw howlers again and was happy to remember the good old aluoatta. Surprisingly I haven’t had many mosquito bites so I am happy. And me and my buddy are rocking the field school! I want to continue learning and studying wildlife and once we get to the cayes and see all the fish the experience will get even better.

Main Lamanai temple

Corrie and Julie on the main Lamanai temple overlooking New River lagoon

Class resting on top of the temple

Julie, Ariane and Deeriann (Belizean student from Galen University) motoring back on the New River

Class photo at Lamanai

Heather Castillo taking a break at Lamanai

La Milpa, Day 2

CATHERINE (Belizean student): Its day two here at La Milpa for Belize Field School 2012, really long day yesterday! Participated in the night hike, was very excited to see the nocturnal activity happening here ... Woke up early today to set camera traps for mammals with the NMSU group which was a great field experience to utilize today’s technology for more efficient monitoring of fauna. In addition, it was a great pleasure to assist NMSU students to familiarize themselves with local flora and fauna. On a personal level today I myself developed created a deeper appreciation things that I normally take for granted like having fresh coconut and readily available fresh tropical fruits

ARIANE: Hello all! We went out to set the camera traps today, and got a nice tour of the jungle! The weather is humid but surprisingly nice with a light breeze. Didn’t see many mammals as we were setting up the traps but I did stand in the middle of a fire ant hill and felt their wrath... The highlight of the trip today was probably when Vladimir took us out to set the traps and used a machete to cut open coconuts from a coconut palm. Fresh coconut water is amazing!! The Belize cooks are great and we are definitely eating well!! It’s so refreshing to just stop and listen to all the animals, especially when we go out at night. I miss everyone, Jack, Justin Jillian, Tanya Flint, parents… Everyone

HEATHER: Hi everybody! I have found a slice of paradise here in Belize! Nothing like swinging in a hammock in the shade. This place is so much more than I expected and I love it! I will post more when we have more time!

Roadside Hawk near La Milpa station

Julie, Heberto, Catherine and Ariane (with coconut)

Luis with a ginormous walking stick on his arm

Boykin and Vladamir set up a camera trap

Daniel Macias photographs (a lizard?) Note the headlamp spot in his left hand, camera in right.

Dr. Martha, Melvis and Deeriann help untangle and set up mist nets to catch some birds

La Milpa- Night hike

After a beautiful dinner at La Milpa (stewed beans, rice, stewed chicken, etc) we set out on a quick night hike on a nearby station trail. We were lucky to see tons of leaf cutter ants, a red-eyed tree frog, a tinamou, (heard howler monkeys), etc - pretty cool for only being in the country a few hours!

Corrie and Lori in the La Milpa dorms

Leaf cutter ant

Tinamou in the tree

Red-eyed tree frog - very cool!

Welcome to Belize!

Hi everyone – they’re here! The Belize Field School class from NMSU made it safe and sound to Belize this afternoon on Day 1 (of 10) of our Belize spring break adventure! It is warm and humid here – welcome to the tropics! The students and professors are in great spirits and ready to start their field work. Right now, we are headed to the jungle station at La Milpa in northwest Belize’s Rio Bravo Conservation Area.

PLEASE VISIT THIS BLOG OFTEN…we promise frequent updates of photos and stories during these next 10 days!

Pictured here, left to right, are Rhondine Petrof (Belize country coordinator), Deerianne (Belizean student), Catherine (Belizean student). Back row: Lori, Heather, Daniel B, Dachin, Daniel M., Shae, Heberto, Jayce, Luis, Dustin. Middle Row, left: Dr. Ed Boles (instructor/guide), Julie, Dr. Martha Desmond (Professor), Arianne, Lenney Gentle (Belizean Guide). Front: Corrie, Kristi

Hi Everybody!

This is Kristi, the Director of the Belize Field School Program for New Mexico State University. The field school staff and I are here in Belize and looking forward to seeing Dr. Desmond's Wildlife class tomorrow! On the map of Belize (below): we’ll start by going to the northwest at La Milpa station (Orange Walk District south of Blue Creek) where course projects will be conducted, then we'll transfer to the Tropical Education Center near the Belize Zoo and then end with a couple days out on the reef at Southwater Caye southeast of Dangriga.

Find out more about La Milpa at http://www.pfbelize.org/tourism/?page_id=16; Tropical Education Center at http://www.belizezoo.org; and Southwater Caye at http://www.izebelize.com/belize/ize/island/southwatercaye.html

View from the plane near the airport. Belize River and village below; Caribbean sea in the distance...