This past spring break, a group of students, led by Dr. Francisco Pelegri and Dr. Kit Tillmann, traveled to Costa Rica for the UW-Madison Banking Animal Biodiversity program. Below, Genetics & Genomics student Caylynn Dedow shares a reflection of their trip and experiences.
“Our time in Costa Rica was nothing short of amazing! During the trip, we explored three distinct ecosystems, each offering a unique perspective on the country’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Our first stop was Palo Verde National Park, a hot and dry environment rich in wildlife. Its seclusion made for a peaceful experience as we spent time birdwatching along a dried-up riverbed, taking a boat ride through the wetlands, and going on a night hike. It was a great introduction to the plants and animals that thrive in this ecosystem.
We then traveled to Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, where the cooler, humid climate created a striking contrast. The cloud forest was incredibly biodiverse, where we saw monkeys moving through the canopy and even spotted the resplendent
quetzal. Walking across hanging bridges offered stunning views of the forest, and ziplining through the canopy was an unforgettable highlight. We also had time to explore the town and hike along the Continental Divide!
Our final stop was La Selva Biological Station, located in the lowland tropical rainforest. With more time here, we engaged in hands-on learning, including night hikes, studying plant adaptations, and measuring trees to estimate carbon dioxide absorption. We also visited a botanical garden where we sampled unique edible plants and volunteered in a nearby community by helping paint their community center. It was such a 
rewarding experience!
After leaving La Selva, we visited a butterfly garden and a chocolate farm, and toured the largest animal rescue and rehabilitation center in Costa Rica. Seeing these conservation efforts firsthand emphasized the importance of protecting and restoring wildlife. We ended our trip near San José, reflecting on everything we had experienced.
This trip was truly unforgettable. Each location deepened my understanding of Costa Rica’s culture, biodiversity, and commitment to conservation. It also highlighted our responsibility as travelers and global citizens to care for the environment. With climate change continuing to impact ecosystems, supporting conservation efforts, such as reforestation and habitat protection, is more important than ever.
Overall, this experience provided valuable learning opportunities, new perspectives, and memories that will last a lifetime!”