Hi everyone! My name is Adam and this is the first of many blog posts recording and reflecting on my experiences during this amazing field camp in Belize. I’m sure you’ll get to know me very well over the next couple of weeks.

This whole trip is so exciting and I’m looking forward to spending time in Belize studying and appreciating the beauty of both the rainforest and the reef. I’m an Environmental Science major, and this is an amazing opportunity to immerse myself in and learn about a rich and beautiful ecosystem. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve spent time doing research and preparations, learning as much as I can about the ecosystems we’ll be experiencing and getting all the gear I’ll need for hiking in the rainforest and snorkeling off the reef. I was paying particular attention to trees and cryptobenthic fish, which I’ll be the expert on in when we’re in Belize. I learned a lot about the different species we should see in Belize and I’m excited to identify some of the ones that came up in my reading. I also did some research on the biogeographic history of the region, and how different species came to be distributed as they are in the region. I’m can’t wait to share what I’ve learned and hear about what my classmates have been learning about.

I’m excited for how immersive this trip should be. Since we’ll be in remote scientific research stations, our entire days will be jam-packed with scientific field work. Last summer, I did a field camp study abroad program which took me to Greenland and taught me some of the basics of ecosystem monitoring, and I imagine that (although the ecosystems will be radically different) some of the skills I learned will carry over. I’m a bit nervous about the physical requirements of the trip—hiking, swimming, and generally being outside in hot, humid tropical conditions all day might be taxing. I think I’ll be able to manage; I just want to be very conscientious that I’m hydrating and getting enough rest.

Overall, I’m super excited to get this opportunity and I can’t wait to embark on this adventure—I hope you’ll follow along!