With a shared desire to connect back to nature and devote themselves to conservation work, 11 eco-activists came together to experience EPI once more as alumni. This Ecology Project International trip led us to Pacuare Reserve in Costa Rica. One of the most important coastlines in all of Costa Rica, helping protect sea turtles during the laying season. Our program lead, Claudio Quesada Rodríguez, was a conservationist who has dedicated his life to protecting sea turtles. With a restless pursuit of knowledge, he is always expanding and learning new ways to protect this species and the world from human destruction.
Claudio offered us a glimpse into the lifelong work he has been dedicated to, showing us just how hard yet rewarding the work can be. We had all been on an EPI trip before and knew that we’d have to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty. Amidst the sandy chaos, shovels and machetes in hand, we looked down the 6 kilometers of beach we’d have to walk. Our mission was to get to the end of the beach, stopping every 25 meters to dig holes for mile markers in preparation for the thousands of turtles that would soon lay their eggs.
Claudio, our ever optimistic guide, kept us encouraged with a reminder that, “oh ya we are almost done.” Very rarely did any of us ask how long we really had, knowing it was more than we wanted. He kept us going and revived us with freshly cut coconut that kept us motivated. We’d take breaks to admire nature’s treasures we found along the way. Observing bones scattered along the beach, tasting the plants that contained medicinal properties or admiring the birds that added to the amusement.
Claudio could spot a feathered friend from a mile away, he never failed to point out a new species. Whether Logan, a fellow alumni, was knee deep in sand or shovel in hand; at the mere mention of a new species, he’d drop everything faster than a falcon swooping in for its prey to grab his binoculars that were always close by; helping add to his 70 new bird species found on the trip. Watching everyone be so present in nature kept me motivated. Each step was a testament to our determination to finish the job. Looking for driftwood, a gift from the sea that would help research assistants track the location and trends of the turtle’s nesting patterns.
After a long and exhausting day we looked forward to a freezing cold shower and a home cooked meal. It was a reminder that deep down, no matter our background we all cherish the comfort of home: a warm meal and a refreshing shower after a long day.
Mother nature provided the playground for our adventure, her beauty was the true entertainment. We rafted in her rivers, played jump rope with her vines and drank from her coconuts. She played hide and seek with us, testing how present we were in the moment. Everyday she would show me a Morpho blue butterfly, dancing across the sky. Native communities in Costa Rica believe it’s a sign of healing and transformation. A beautiful reminder that healing happens when we come together, united by a shared desire to transform.
