Terrestrial Ecosystems

SoPac:

We're back! After ten days on the South Island's west coast, we have learned much, seen much, and have much to tell. Joe Sheldon (Eastern, Messiah) has been our fearless leader as we studied the various ecosystems on the west coast. Here's a glimpse...

Walking to the foot of the Franz Josef glacier.

Joe Sheldon talking about the glacial landscape.

Emma (kitchen manager and botanist extraordinaire) imparting knowledge regarding New Zealand forests plants.

Darin (Messiah) soaking it all in.

Allie (Program Administrator) and Emma.

Now students are working away compiling their ecosystems research projects, using the data gathered on the last two days of our trip. Our semester is quickly coming to a close, as only two weeks remain.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Marine Ecology

SoPac:

This week was spent exploring the remarkable diversity of marine life here in Kaikoura with Professor Beth Horvath (Westmont). Limpets, algae, chitin, starfish, paua, sperm whales, fur seals, to name a few. What an incredible opportunity to be able to actually get out into the tidepools and study them firsthand instead of just talking about them in the classroom.

Jonny (Eastern), Kathleen (Messiah) and Laura (Waynesburg) seeing what they can see.

Oh yea, and did I mention we got to swim with Dusky Dolphins, widely considered the most acrobatic dolphin in the world? Because we did.

It's been a while..

SoPac:

And we're back! To all our faithful followers, apologies for the brief blog hiatus. Much has happened since we last connected, namely, Environmental Lit II with Susan Felch (Calvin) God and Nature II with Rolf Bouma (UMich) Spring (Fall) Break. So there is much to tell, but we'll just share some pictures from Spring/Fall Break.

After some weeks in the Convent together, everyone was given a week-long break to scatter about the country and go off on their own adventures. Some went to Queenstown, some went to the sandy beaches of Abel Tasman, some went to All Blacks crazed Auckland, some road tripped the South Island, and some hike the Heaphy Track. Here are some photos to give you a small taste.

The beautiful South Island

An unbelievable sunset on the West Coast at the end of the Heaphy Track.

A familiar sight in Kiwi-country

Crossing a swing bridge on the Heaphy Track.