External Groups and Visiting Researchers

This season we felt the impact of Covid in the overall reduction of both non-Prescott College visiting groups and external researchers. Nonetheless, we were thrilled to receive visits from 2 groups, the Tara Performing Arts High School from Boulder, CO, and the Treehouse Learning Community based in Prescott, AZ. Additionally, we were able to support 8 researchers from 4 institutions and 3 countries to complete research in fields as diverse as island biogeography, oceanographic research diving, paleoclimatology, and native plant restoration and ethnobotany. We are excited to continue to support a wide variety of research in the region which aligns with our mission and our vision in the coming months and years.

The week was marked by many incredible experiences. We rode in boats as a pod of 100 dolphins swam and jumped all around us. After learning about the importance of mangroves and estuaries, we traveled into the indigenous territory and received lessons in song from a Comcaac herbalist and healer, and we had the chance to contribute to a dialogue around the growing addiction rates in their small population. An amazing cook taught us how to make chimichangas and hibiscus flower water. There was snorkeling among the intertidal zone and more than a few jellyfish stings. We kayaked, body surfed, exercised, and even had time to play a volleyball game.

We are incredibly grateful to the Kino Bay Center. This was our 5th trip to Kino and the feeling of belonging could not have been greater. This magical place and people left us once again deeply inspired to be a part of something much greater, and contribute to a future filled with natural ( and perhaps supernatural) wonders.

Blake Armstrong - Treehouse Student