Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela Island!
Author: Madeline Crisp | Major: Biochemistry | Semester: August Intersession 2023
When you think of the Galápagos Islands, you may think of Darwin’s finches and beautiful beaches. Both the animals and the environments, however, are extremely diverse across the islands. With a number of endemic species including the marine iguana and Galápagos penguin and everything from volcanoes to mangrove forests, there’s so much to see on the islands. I chose Galápagos — Exploring Darwin’s Legacy to explore this biodiversity in a way that isn’t allowed by a traditional classroom setting.
The two week program was split between mainland Ecuador and the islands of Isabela, Floreana, and Santa Cruz with around 2-3 days total spent in each location. Though the frequent island switches required many long boat rides, it provided a better contrast between how each island differed from each other and from the lush green highlands of the mainland. Our days often ran from early morning to late afternoon, filled with activities like visiting research centers and animal sanctuaries, snorkeling to look for local marine life, and hiking in areas with known endemic species. Evenings allowed for free time to explore the islands and get to know the culture of each location.
Along the way, we learned a great deal about the native flora and fauna not only from our local guides, but also from our fellow students from the University of Arkansas. Before leaving for Ecuador, we each chose a special topic that would be relevant in-country to become the “group expert” on. This could be anything from a particular plant/animal species or a more general cultural or environmental outlook. When the time came that our topic became relevant, we gave an on-site presentation to the group of everything we learned through our pre-departure research. Ask me anything about the hummingbirds of Mindo, Ecuador!
As a biochemistry major, I take many biology and chemistry classes that focus on the cellular processes taking place within environments, but I often don’t have the opportunity to take a step back and think about their applications on a macroscopic level. Bumpers faculty members Dr. Kathi Jogan and Dr. Ken Coffey alongside the many animal science and environmental, soil, and water science majors in this program expanded my view of chemistry completely. From them, I was able to learn so much about sustainable farming, ideal soil conditions for plant growth, and other information about what makes an ecosystem thrive that I never would have known if I had not attended this program.
Our free time in the evenings presented different opportunities for learning. There were ample opportunities to explore local artisan markets and shops, visit locations that we did not stop at with the group during the day, and speak with locals and other visitors from around the world about their experiences on the islands. Some of my favorite conservations during the program were with our local guide Gustavo learning about environmental protections and the regulation of tourism in the Galápagos. Dinner each night offered a wide variety of options, including many local dishes. I discovered a love for ceviche, arroz marinero, and patacones in the Galápagos . While in mainland Ecuador, we also had the opportunity to try traditional Ecuadorian dishes that are harder to find in the United States like cuy and locro de papa.
I feel extremely grateful to have been able to be a part of this program’s first group and learn so much from my peers, faculty, and local guides alike. If you are looking to learn about Darwin’s research and the diverse ecosystems of Ecuador, there is no better way to do it than through Galápagos — Exploring Darwin’s Legacy. Whether you’re a Bumpers College student or from a different college like me, I encourage you to take the leap and apply. If you come willing to learn about the Galápagos Islands and how to reduce your ecological footprint, you will have an enriching experience no matter what. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!