Day 5: Continued

During the past few days our group has been enormously busy and engaged! In our science work, students are now at the stage where they have presented their research proposals for review/modification. They are going to be conducting both field and lab controlled experiments to test for inhibitory mechanisms to Atta cephalotes movement. On our trek back from the permaculture farm, we observed the 'atta' in their most aggressive trailing behavior. These ants have trails that are roughly 8 inches wide and during the cool hours of the day, they pack these pathways solid with some workers carrying leaves back to the fungus gardens and others placing pheromones for pathway signaling. It is clear why they can become an agriculture 'nightmare' .......as we observed them by the 'gazillions' moving their cargo. In their projects, students are working hard to conceive of methods to inhibit the 'atta' destructive forces to vegetation here at Finca la Anita and other farm facilities. If you have not yet been enticed to further investigate the ecology of the atta species, please access our MHS Costa Rica web site linked on this blog page, where you will find instructional resources for that purpose! Beyond the research work, our group has additionally been doing afternoon tours/volunteer work in the local area, including our trek to the permaculture farm, local school and dining last evening at two local residences. You will find in the photos attached below items reflecting each of these events. Today, research work progresses to the data collection stage, followed by an afternoon of more recreational activities. Our hosts at Finca la Anita--Pablo, Ana, Dorean, the kitchen/other staff have been most wonderful and accommodating, as have coordinator John Doleman and directing Scientist Adrian Pinto. The posts about food and housing here are not exaggerated. Finca la Anita is truly a special paradise in the middle of the beautiful Costa Rican rainforest. Memories from our experiences here will last for a lifetime! Look for additional comments on the past few days' activities from students later today! -Norton