For the past several years, students have had the opportunity to travel to Belize with members of the ConVal Science Department to study tropical marine and rainforest ecology. This week-long learning adventure is coordinated through Ecology Project International, an organization that focuses on field-based ecological education, habitat restoration, and the protection of threatened species.

During the last trip in February 2026, the first half of the week was spent on Billy Hawk Caye where students learned to snorkel, studied coral reef and mangrove ecology, dissected invasive lionfish, and collected data for an ongoing coral reef health survey. The Sabal family graciously hosted the group, teaching students about Garifuna culture through food, music, and dance.

The last half of the week was spent at Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society (TREES) research station. TREES operates a field station offering programs in tropical ecology, sustainable agriculture, and conservation, providing educational opportunities and hands-on volunteering. Students collected stream macroinvertebrate data, assisted with mud turtle and bat studies (see photo), learned about rainforest plants from an ethnobotanist, and completed individual research projects.

These experiences allowed students to practice science field research techniques, contribute real data to ongoing conservation efforts, and deepen their connections to each other and to the natural world. If you are interested in this experiential learning opportunity, contact Carol Young at cyoung@conval.edu or Andria Johnson at ajohnson@conval.edu.