Sunny Friday!

Today we got introduced to the methods the scientists use to study the rainforest and their objectives. Tomorrow, I'll be able to show us surveying the forest to see how fast (or how slow) the mahogany trees are growing.
The ultimate goal of this research project is to find a way to harvest trees from the forest while having the least impact on the local wildlife. Tons of data has to be collected in order for the scientists to be able to decide if their techniques are effective. The local frogs, coqui, are being monitored to gauge the impact of the logging methods. In a place where there are no large, natural predators, the 4 species of coqui present here in this forest are indicator species. The logic is: If the coqui are healthy, then so is the forest.

In the afternoon, we went out on a hike into the rainforest. Although we were ready for an afternoon thunderstorm, it never came. This is bittersweet because I'm told the frogs don't sing as much when it's not wet... my gear and tent will stay dry though. Tomorrow, we will get to collect data in the forest and I'll be able to better explain what the scientists and volunteers are doing in this unique environment. Check out the pictures below. They get bigger if you click on them.

This is a coqui I saw last night. They are so fun to watch, but they stop singing when the flashlight is on them.
This is an anolis lizard.
They are common around the research station... scurrying on the walls and ceilings.
This little guy is about 6 inches in length.
This is my tent. It is actually pretty comfy! I slept great last night amongst the coqui orchestra.

This is the outdoor patio/classroom where we hang out when meeting or when it is raining.

This is a picture of Sally Silverstone, the Principal Investigator (Head Scientist), giving us an introduction to the site.


This is a view of the forest from my tent!

Live from the rainforest!

Howdy friends, family, and Kiwi students,

I made it! After leaving the house this morning at 4 a.m. I finally arrived at the research station around 5 p.m. There are 5 resident scientists that live here and 8 volunteers, two teachers, and a journalist. I met all the other volunteers in San Juan and a van drove us an hour south into the forest.

The research station is so cool. We are on top of a mountain ridge, so there are steep slopes in every direction. There are several little structures with retractable tarps for walls and a tin roof. My tent is in one of these structures. There is also a building (with real walls) that is the office, library, and kitchen. There is electricity in the office and a satellite dish outside to provide internet access.

The reality of being here in Puerto Rico sunk in when my plane landed in San Juan and I noticed large lizards scrambling in the grass next to the runway. I haven't learned yet what they were, but I hope to soon. There are also tons of lizards, snails, and frogs here in the rainforest. I hope to do a "gabcast" with them singing soon. The frog below is about the size of a nickel!

This is a view of San Juan from the airplane!

Thanks for all your comments and questions. More to come tomorrow when we go out in the forest and learn what/how the scientists are studying in this amazing place.

You guys are all in my thoughts.

Mr. L

Gabcast #1: Test

Gabcast! Mr. Lafond getting ready for Puerto Rico Expedition #1

Getting Packed and Ready!

Howdy,

This rainy weekend in New England has given me some extra indoor time to get ready for the upcoming expedition. I have still managed, however, to get distracted by signs of Spring. There is a bustle of activity near the wetlands beside my house.

Check out this picture of a oriole in my backyard. I've seen three nesting pairs!

Can you guess what kind of plant this is? I noticed it while taking a walk through some nearby woods.
Be sure to check back often for more updates.

~ Mr. Lafond

Welcome to Mr. Lafond's blog!

On Thursday, May 24th, I am going to the rainforest in Puerto Rico with Earthwatch Institute to assist in a science research project. I will be in Puerto Rico for 11 days... returning on Sunday, June 3rd.

While in Puerto Rico, I will be working side-by-side with scientists who are researching environmentally friendly ways to harvest timber from the rainforest. In addition, we will be monitoring populations of local frogs. Cool, huh?

Check back here for more information.

~ Mr. Lafond