Cofrin Center for Biodiversity

Winter Interim: December 27, 2010 - January 8, 2011

We are accepting applications for this year's course.

The UW-Green Bay travel course to Panama will provide an opportunity for students to conduct a variety of exciting field research projects in collaboration with the world famous Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. A generous subsidy from The 1923 Fund of Dr. David Cofrin makes this once-in-lifetime experience available at a very modest cost per student (about $1800). The number of students will be limited to 5, so acceptance for the travel course will be competitive. Students will be selected based on the relevance of this course to their career goals, previous field experience, and academic record.

See syllabus and trip details for more information.

Tentative Schedule and Trip Highlights (note this is tentative as all arrangements have not been finalized)

Note this itinerary is a sample only and may differ as plans are made!

Course Schedule 2010‐11

Day 1 (Dec. 27) Monday

Travel from Green Bay to Panama City
Overnight at Gamboa

Day 2 (Dec. 28) Tuesday

Early morning bird surveys in Soberania National Park
Mid‐day visit to Rainforest Discovery Center
Evening lecture by STRI scientist (topic to be determined)

Day 3 (Dec. 29) Wednesday

Day trip to Barro Colorado Island; introductory lecture and guided hike
Evening walk in Gamboa

Day 4 (Dec. 30) Thursday

Early morning field trip to Pacific Slope forest
Visit to Jaramillo Lab or other research site (?)
Preparation for travel to Fortuna

Day 5 (Dec. 31) Friday

Fly from Panama City to David / purchase supplies in David
Drive from David to Fortuna Reserve
Afternoon introduction to cloud forest ecosystem
Short hikes near Fortuna field station

Day 6 (Jan. 1) Saturday

Early morning bird research along altitudinal gradient
Afternoon guided hike along Continental Divide Trail
Evening search for moths and other nocturnal animals

Day 7 (Jan. 2) Sunday

Early morning bird research
Afternoon visit to Fortuna Dam

Day 8 (Jan. 3) Monday

Early morning bird research
Drive to David (late morning)
Fly to Bocas del Toro
Evening introductory lecture

Day 9 (Jan. 4) Tuesday

Boat trip to mangroves for snorkeling, dolphin watching
Evening lecture on marine macroinvertebrates

Day 10 (Jan. 5) Wednesday

Benthic macroinvertebrate survey (glass‐bottom boat)
Afternoon data management and data analysis
Evening hike (bats, marsupials, and other nocturnal animals)

Day 11 (Jan. 6) Thursday

Benthic macroinvertebrate survey (glass bottom boat)
Trip to Bastimentos National Marine Park

Day 12 (Jan. 7) Friday

Fly from Bocas del Toro to Panama City
Transfer from Albrook Airport to Tocumen International Airport
Fly from Panama City to Miami
Overnight in Miami

Day 13 (Jan. 8) Saturday