Today started as a typical day at Finca La Anita: up by 7am, eggs and juice for breakfast, and a morning meeting. The rest of the day was bursting with activity! After the short meeting, we split up to divide and conquer the day (and make it easier on the adults).
After we split up, my group went for a relaxing horseback ride through the mountains and we took a winding nature trail. We even went through a stream, twice! If it wasn't for the fog, we would've seen the Nicaraguan River.
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| Getting ready to ride horses. |
After the refreshing ride, we were able to help the community. At the mariposario, we planted lantana (milkweed), excavated ant colonies and weeded the gardens around the mariposario.
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| Searching for milkweed |
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| Successful extraction of invading Atta colony from mariposario. |
After a long day out in the town, we were STARVING and ready to learn how to make local cuisine. Thankfully, a local restaurant was kind enough to let us in the kitchen!
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| Heading out to the local restaurant on our tractor. |
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| Preparing gourmet salads. |
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| Buttering the pan for our veggies. |
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| Enjoying our meal, and each other's company |
After that delicious meal, we had a short walk to a light trap, where a wide array of insects were on display.
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| Insect light trap. |
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| One of the many months at the light trap. |
The extraction of the invading Atta colony looks like it might have been a bit gruesome. What did the team do with them after they were extracted?
ReplyDeleteSounds like you guys had a wonderful day. I am so jealous Julia that you got to go horseback riding. One of my favorite things to do. I hope your horse had a nice name. Dad and I went on 25 mile bike ride up north and we were exhausted! Missing you.
ReplyDeleteExtraction-wow! How did you get the whole colony and how many colonies are there? Does this mean you will be riding Cade more when you get back;)
ReplyDeleteExtraction-wow! How did you get the whole colony and how many colonies are there? Does this mean you will be riding Cade more when you get back;)
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