Full Course Description

This is an ecotourism related trip, aimed at helping students appreciate the diversity of ecosystems found in Belize, while also developing a deeper connection to the beauty of the natural world. As a home to many fragile ecosystems, that borders Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize is a small country in Central America. This unique area has many natural habitats from the lowland savannahs in the north to the lush tropical rainforests in the hilly south. Limestone caves are found throughout much of the interior.There are over 250 cayes on the longest barrier reef in the New World with coastal lagoons, mangrove swamps, sand and grass flats and sea bird rookies. Also there lies an exciting cultural legacy manifest in the silent ruins of the ancient Mayan and Kekchi communities, and in the Carib and Creole fishing and forest villages. The various habitats within this spectacular country are host to a variety of organisms, from jaguar, giant tapir, and miniature silky anteater, to leaf cutting ants. Nowhere in the world can one experience such diverse ecosystems as Belize’s barrier reef and tropical rainforest. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary ( February 24 - 26), established in 1990 is world renowned for being the first jaguar reserve. This "one of a kind" reserve was established as a result of jaguar studies conducted in the area by Alan Rabinowitz. Besides being the home to Belize's largest cat, the Sanctuary protects the headwaters of two major river systems and supports an abundance of hardwood vegetation and a diverse faunal assemblage. South Water Caye (Feb. 27 - Mar. 3), time on the island will be comprised of a number of activities which will include: an island survey and mapping; an exploration of the wrack line and a beachcomber’s scavenger hunt; exploring the abundant grass beds and patch reefs located offshore; studies of marine plankton and encrusting communities; studies of mangrove habitat and the creatures that thrive in that ecosystem. In 1996, the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) included South Water Caye in it's World Heritage list of protected sites of "universal value to humanity." They cited the reef ecosystems remarkable biological diversity and beauty, calling it an area "of great scientific value" and noting that it is a habitat for threatened species such as the West Indian manatee and a variety of sea turtles. Blue Creek Station (Mar. 4 - 9) is located in the remote, largely unexplored mountains of southern Belize. The site is situated on the banks of a clear, wild, tropical river, densely populated by many species of freshwater fish. Several trails are accessible from Blue Creek and allow for observation of hundreds of species of exotic birds and plants, and dozens of species of reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Large, spectacular limestone caves, some with Mayan hieroglyphics, are scattered throughout this area.At Blue Creek students will work with the village elders to restore a river and remove debris from the village area generated by non eco-tourists. In addition they will have an opportunity to help in the school’s library where they will interact with local school children. As well, the Ross students will plant mahogany trees around the schoolyard with their school children partners.