Science Comes to Life in El Bosque

The smell of rain. Bell bird songs. The crunching of leaves and mud underneath our boots. Women in STEM ventured to The Children’s Eternal Rainforest or “BEN” after the Spanish “Bosque Eterno de los Niños” to explore the biodiversity and conservation efforts happening in the Monteverde community. With our trusted guides, we witnessed toucans, bell birds, tarantulas, and even a nest of orange-billed nightingale-thrush eggs and their mother. Wandering through the trails, students had the opportunity to explore both flora and fauna to understand how their passions and interests can contribute to the efforts of conservation and sustainability in Monteverde and beyond. 

FUN FACT ALERT: The Children’s Eternal Rainforest is the largest private reserve in Costa Rica founded by a group of Swedish primary school students in the late 1980s. 

Following our adventures at BEN, we traveled north towards the Tenorio Volcano National Park of Costa Rica to visit Rio Celeste. Upon arrival, we had a delicious meal and stay at the gorgeous Albergue Heliconias Lodge. This lodge offers breathtaking views, trails, and a historical commitment to shifting the conversation on ecotourism to focus on conservation first and foremost.

Setting off to Rio Celeste along winding roads and bumpy paths brought us to a bright blue river. Although there were moments of peace, solitude, and reflection, Rio Celeste kicked up the adrenaline and adventure of our travels thus far. Through tubing down the river, students were able to see the tremendous biodiversity surrounding Tenorio Volcano National Park while understanding the impacts of climate change especially during the rainy season.

Following our fast-paced morning, we shared some time with an inspiring and empowering conservation leader who shared her journey as a Latina leader in STEM. Sofia Pastor-Parajeles, a wildlife-social woman scientist specializing in a variety of conservation from marine science to tapirs, gave her raw perspective on the challenges and triumphs that come with speaking up for what she believes in even in a male dominated field. This firsthand perspective prompted students to ask questions and rethink the immense opportunity they have to connect to their fellow Women in STEM participants.

Here are some delicious bites we have enjoyed this weekend!