Winter 2009

From CFI

This winter give yourself a lasting gift that gives back. Journey through the Tropical Andes, volunteer and learn during one or more of the sections offered. All proceeds from your educational adventure make these critical conservation and remediation projects possible. Save on fees when you sign up with a friend.

Cloud Forest Institute & Amazon Mycorenewal Project

Ecuadorian Political Ecology, Oil Pollution, and Mycoremediation Service Learning Course with Spanish Language and Science Labs December 15 2009 – January 15, 2010

The Cloud Forest Institute and the Amazon Mycorenewal Project invite undergraduate, graduate and lifelong students to attend our 2009 Winter Service Learning Course Ecuadorian Political Ecology, Oil Pollution, and Mycoremediation. This course will take students to Quito, Lago Agrio, Mindo and Cuyabeno to experience the striking biological and cultural diversity of Ecuador's many regions including the Andes Mountains and Amazon Rainforest. Students will participate in the development of ground breaking mycoremediation technology and study Latin American political ecology. Service learning students will help heal lands and communities polluted by the oil industry. Students can receive independent study credit through their current college or university.

Millions of gallons of petroleum spilled since the 1970's currently pollute the Ecuadorian Amazon, renowned for its high degree of biodiversity and species endemism. As a result, agricultural lands are unusable, animals are poisoned and people suffer from related illness and face some of the highest cancer rates in the world.

Mycoremediation is bringing new hope to this dire situation. Oyster mushrooms can metabolize petroleum toxins, effectively remediating damaged lands. For the second year, Cloud Forest Institute and the Amazon Mycorenewal Project welcome students from a variety of academic backgrounds including biology, ecology, mycology, the social sciences, non-profit management and education to participate.

Students may enroll in four, week-long sections individually or for the entire month long course in which we will examine Ecuadorian cultural traditions, political ecology, oil economics, toxicity and bioremediation. Cloud Forest Institute will help students pre-arrange with their University department to earn up to 4 credits through independent study.

Course Description and Itinerary. Dates and activities subject to adjustment.

A Country Study: Intro to Ecuadorian Culture, History and Ecology Monday, December 14: Arrive in Quito, evening introductions, welcome and orientation. Tuesday 15: Morning tour through colonial Quito, we spend the first day learning about Ecuador's history and culture, including do's and taboo's and the importance of respectful behavior while in a foreign country. Afternoon travel to Lago Agrio for the first Mycorenewal Workshop.

Section 1 - Wednesday 16th - Monday 22nd Field Study: Mycorenewal of Toxic Sites Students journey to Lago Agrio with the Amazon Mycorenewal Project. This Service Learning mycoremediation course will run in conjunction with community workshops training locals to utilize mycorenewal techniques to clean toxic petroleum pollution. A seed germination toxicity experiment will be installed to test the effectiveness of previous AMP experiments of soil mycoremediation by observing seed ability to germinate and grow. This will take place during sections 1 and 4.

Section 2 - Tuesday 23rd - Sunday 28th Cloud Forest Conservation Christmas Retreat While the seeds germinate, students journey to Mindo where they enjoy the cloud forest while learning about Ecuador's incredibly diverse ecology. Students will participate in a wide range of activities including bird watching, hiking, mushroom hunting, river rafting, visiting waterfalls, orchid and butterfly attractions, and just relaxing by the riverside amongst the butterflies and hummingbirds. Topics covered include Biology of the Cloud Forest, Threats to and Conservation of the Cloud Forest. In this section Spanish instruction is available by arrangement.

Section 3 - Monday 29th - Monday 5th Journey Into the New Year: A Shamanic Experience in Pristine Amazon Next students foray into the Amazon wilderness in Cuyabeno to observe an intact Amazonian environment. Activities include hiking, mushroom hunting, swimming, fishing, and canoing. Meet indigenous community members and spend time in ritual with shaman.

Section 4 - Tuesday 6th - Thursday 14th Peak Oil Issues: Production, Destruction of Ecology and Effected Communities The course returns to Lago Agrio to complete the seed germination experiment. Stops along the way introduce students to communities and show toxic sites abandoned by the oil industry, including pipeline ruptures, abandoned wells, and communities located near active wells. Thursday 14th: Farewell dinner.

Prerequisites and Other Academic Information

Intermediate level Spanish is recommended to get the most out of this course, but is not required. Students enrolling in independent study to receive credit must make arrangements before the course begins and will have more rigorous academic responsibility than those attending for life learning interest. Undergraduate students in their first or second year should have already completed their general education writing requirement. Students in their third or fourth years should have finished the introductory seminars for their particular major. High school students may enroll when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or legally designated chaperon. The college or university through which independent study is granted will charge tuition beyond the costs of the course. Financial aid may be available to help with tuition and course fees.

Costs

$1,000 per section or $3,600 when enrolled in all four sections. Cost covers food, lodging and in country transportation, special gear, as well as activities listed in the itinerary. Spanish instruction is optional and entails further costs depending on needs.

Additional costs not covered may include, but are not limited to: airfare, required travel insurance, optional travel immunizations, suggested reading, beverages, souvenirs, tips and donations. $100 articulation and curriculum fee for students seeking college credit through independent study.

Scholarships are available. Inquire with Cloud Forest Institute to find out more.

Faculty and Staff

Freeda Alida Burnstad, Director Cloud Forest Institute Guest speaker during Cloud Forest portion. AMP team member.

Mia Maltz MS, RITES Project Founder Permaculturist and Mycoremediation Specialist. Workshop presenter. AMP team member.

Donaldo Moncayo, Amazon Defense Coalition President (Mayor) of the community Santa Cruz. Local host and experiment lead. AMP team member. Lindsay Ofrias, The Clean Up Oil Waste Project LLC Founder Course independent study supervisor. AMP team member.

Nicola Peel, Eyes of Gaia Course leader. AMP Founder. Documentary Artist

Robert Rawson MS, International Wastewater Solutions Bioremediation and Waste Water Specialist. Course workshop presenter. Part-time faculty for Santa Rosa JC. AMP team member.

Silvia Sornoza, Executive Assistant Cloud Forest Institute Provides in country logistical support. AMP team member.

Cristian Vaca, Environmental Activist Cloud Forest Institute coordinator in Mindo. Guest speaker.

Ricardo Viteri, Ecuadorian Mycological Society Kallambas Commercial mushroom grower in Quito. AMP team member.

Language instruction is provided by the licensed instructors of Amazonas Spanish School. Other guest lecturers and local experts will be featured.

Service Partners

Amazon Defense Coalition, Amazon Mycorenewal Project, Cloud Forest Institute, Ecuadorian Mycological Society Kallambas, The Clean Up Oil Waste Project LLC.

Trip Extensions

Spanish instruction may be arranged for before the course begins, and is available during the entire course for additional cost. Other language instruction, travel and volunteer arrangements can be made to extend your trip. We recommend not leaving Ecuador without a visit to the Galapagos Islands and suggest visiting the Temple of the Moon Inca ruins in Inga Pirca. For those with more time Cloud Forest Institute can arrange volunteer experiences with a variety of organizations including the Amazon Mycorenewal Project. Please inquire with CFI for more information. For information and to register contact:

Freeda Alida Burnstad (707) 743-1287 alida(at)cloudforest.org