NATURAL. Sea Turtle Conservation Program

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1 NATURAL Sea Turtle Conservation Program

INTRODUCTION Our goal is to guarantee the health and ecological success of the sea turtles nesting on the Osa Peninsula by integrating conservation, research and educational outreach.

2 INTRODUCTION Our goal is to guarantee the health and ecological success of the sea turtles nesting on the Osa Peninsula by integrating conservation, research and educational outreach. Our work focuses on populations of Olive Ridley and Pacific Green sea turtles. Both of these species are on on IUCN s red list of endangered and critically endangered species. Protecting these turtles is a large undertaking, we can t do it on our own. We rely on the help of dedicated volunteers like you! We work in partnership with the Costa Rican Park Service to monitor and protect nesting turtles on 18 km of Osa s Pacific beaches from Matapalo to Carate. The Osa provides one of the most important nesting areas along the entire Pacific Coast of Costa Rica for Olive Ridley sea turtles. Manuel Sanchez

YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE Our volunteers come from all over the world to help guarantee the success and long term health of nesting sea turtles in the Osa Peninsula.

3 YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE Our volunteers come from all over the world to help guarantee the success and long term health of nesting sea turtles in the Osa Peninsula. With the help of volunteers we have protected more than 16,000 sea turtle hatchlings over the last two nesting seasons and carried out a number of educational projects to raise local awareness about the importance of conservation on the Osa Peninsula. Our Sea Turtle Conservation Program collects vital baseline data that is shared with national and international networks enabling regional and global strategies for sea turtle conservation. We rely on volunteers to make this project successful and it is our goal to provide an enriching and educational experience for everyone who contributes their time to this project. As a volunteer you will participate in supervised research alongside our staff and a team of research field assistants. Carlos Garcia

AS A VOLUNTEER YOU WILL Participate in nightly beach surveys with the help of Staff and Research Field Assistants Conduct morning beach surveys; check for hatchlings, excavate nests, and record

4 AS A VOLUNTEER YOU WILL Participate in nightly beach surveys with the help of Staff and Research Field Assistants Conduct morning beach surveys; check for hatchlings, excavate nests, and record predated eggs Take biometric measurements of sea turtles & perform turtle health assessments Record data on different turtle species; analyze tracks and record identifying marks Assist in the application of two types of identification tags Monitor nesting sites for hatchlings & potential predators Mark and triangulate nest positions for later excavations Phoebe Edge

5 OUR COMMITTMENT WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU We are committed to ensuring that all participants have a safe and educational volunteer experience. Volunteers can expect: Pre-departure information about what to expect and what to bring An orientation upon arrival and educational presentation about endangered sea turtles, their nesting habits, threats, and natural history Training in scientific data collection and sea turtle fieldwork Supervision by a field coordinator or research assistant on night and morning beach patrols Access to on-site staff and field coordinators We host volunteers of many ages and from many places. All have a shared interest in helping to ensure the future of endangered sea turtles. Ideal candidates work well both independently and as a member of a team, enjoy being outdoors, are culturally sensitive and respectful, don t mind remote areas and most importantly are ready to have fun while helping an important cause! We ask that you: Are In good health: the work is physically strenuous and requires up to 6 hours of walking at night, in a humid tropical climate on soft sand, and sometimes in heavy rain. Morning patrols can sometimes involve walking under a very hot sun. Commit to a minimum of one week Commit to working a minimum of 30 hours/week Are age 18+ or accompanied by a guardian or group leader

ACCOMMODATION volunteers with our sea turtle conservation program have the option to either stay at our facilities (the Piro Biological Station) or at a participating ecolodge in Carate.

6 ACCOMMODATION volunteers with our sea turtle conservation program have the option to either stay at our facilities (the Piro Biological Station) or at a participating ecolodge in Carate. Volunteers at the Piro Biological Station monitor and patrol Piro and Pejeperro beaches while volunteers staying at participating lodges patrol Carate beach. Please see the following descriptions to choose the lodging that best suits your needs.

PIRO BIOLOGICAL STATION Volunteers staying with us at the Piro Biological Station are offered comfortable shared accommodation in one of our three cabins.

7 PIRO BIOLOGICAL STATION Volunteers staying with us at the Piro Biological Station are offered comfortable shared accommodation in one of our three cabins. Each cabin has three bedrooms that can accommodate four people, a shared bathroom and shower, and a breezeway that can be set up for work or relaxation. In addition to the cabins, the research center is also equipped with a wet lab, reference library and dining hall. Limited access to wireless internet is included. Our extensive trail network covers diverse ecosystems including primary and secondary rainforest, coastal habitats and numerous freshwater resources. Volunteers staying at Piro Biological Station will interact with researchers and other visiting groups and have the opportunity to learn about various conservation activities and programs happening at our facilities in Osa.

FINCA EXOTICA Please note that for the remainder of the season we will only be accepting volunteers to Piro Research Station due to project needs.

8 FINCA EXOTICA Please note that for the remainder of the season we will only be accepting volunteers to Piro Research Station due to project needs. Finca Exotica is a lodge with an organic farm and botanical garden and forms part of the Saimiri Wildlife Refuge in Carate. The key aim and objective of Finca Exotica is to create a sustainable environment for healthy living. This is the perfect place for volunteers interested in sustainable architecture, sustainable agriculture, tropical fruits and plants. Finca Exotica offers a chilled out and relaxed environment for volunteers. Small or large locally hand crafted jungle tents for 2 people with either a queen or 2 twin beds that are placed on platforms to keep you dry. The tents are spaciously spread across the garden providing you the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. Although some have a private outdoor shower, you may be sharing a communal bathhouse or stay in one of the more plush cabins with a private bathroom.

Catappa seeks to support research and responsible eco-tourist development while conserving land to serve as a biological corridor for the wildlife of the Carate-Corcovado region.

9 CATAPPA Please note that for the remainder of the season we will only be accepting volunteers to Piro Research Station due to project needs. Catappa is a foundation aimed at promoting a liberal educational philosophy of living sustainably with the environment. Catappa seeks to support research and responsible eco-tourist development while conserving land to serve as a biological corridor for the wildlife of the Carate-Corcovado region. This establishment provides clean and comfortable accommodation for volunteers in a calm and stress-free environment filled with the soothing sounds of the jungle. Catappa offers cabins accommodating up to four people. Each cabin comes with a twin bed, a bunk bed, electricity, bathrooms equipped with private shower and balcony. In addition, bunkhouse lodging is available for a discounted price.

LOOKOUT INN Please note that for the remainder of the season we will only be accepting volunteers to Piro Research Station due to project needs.

10 LOOKOUT INN Please note that for the remainder of the season we will only be accepting volunteers to Piro Research Station due to project needs. Lookout Inn Lodge is nestled in the hillside along the coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Corcovado National Park, offering comfortable ecofriendly lodgings to all their guests. This is a well established lodge and the perfect place for volunteers who wish to enjoy a touch of luxury outside of working hours. The Lookout Inn Lodge is in the town of Carate on the Osa Peninsula, ideally situated to offer comfortable eco-friendly accommodations to the traveler visiting this remote part of Costa Rica. This is the Primary Entry Point to Corcovado National Park which is considered one of the world s great wildlife reserves. A guided tour into the park is an unforgettable experience. Luxury Accommodations Hot water showers Fabulous Beach and beach activities Amazing Jungle and hiking Spectacular Wildlife - lots of scarlet macaws Swimming Pool Waterfalls

JUNGLE TENT CAMP Please note that for the remainder of the season we will only be accepting volunteers to Piro Research Station due to project needs.

11 JUNGLE TENT CAMP Please note that for the remainder of the season we will only be accepting volunteers to Piro Research Station due to project needs. Benito s Jungle Tent Camp is exactly what its name suggests. It is a small, family-run business that is finding its feet. Some sites are already built while others are still under construction. This is the perfect place for volunteers interested in immersing themselves into Cost Rican culture as it is the closest offering we have to a home stay. Small tents on platforms offering shelter from the elements, with mattresses for comfort.

PIRO SCHEDULE Day 1 19:00 Orientation Day 2 5:00 Morning Patrol Piro Beach 9:00 Breakfast and Free Time 14:00 Hike PBS s Trails 20:00 Night patrol at Piro Beach Day 3 8:00 Breakfast and Free Time

12 PIRO SCHEDULE Day 1 19:00 Orientation Day 2 5:00 Morning Patrol Piro Beach 9:00 Breakfast and Free Time 14:00 Hike PBS s Trails 20:00 Night patrol at Piro Beach Day 3 8:00 Breakfast and Free Time 14:00 Native species Forest Restoration Project 20:00 Night patrol at Pejeperro Beach Day 4 5:00 Breakfast and Free Time 9:00 Lunch 13:00 Optional Horse Tour 20:00 Night Patrol Piro Beach Day 5 FREE DAY 7:00 Breakfast Day 6 5:00 Morning patrol Pejeperro Beach 7:00 Breakfast and Free Time 13:00 Optinoal Kayaking Tour and Free Time Day 7 5:00 Morning Patrol Piro Beach 7:00 Breakfast and Free Time 14:00 Cool off in Piro River 20:00 Night Patrol Piro Beach Day 8 7:00 Breakfast 9:00 Collectivo to Puerto Jimenez * Please note that beach monitoring times depend on high tide, the above itinerary is a rough estimate of when activities will be performed.

CARATE SCHEDULE Day 1 17:00 Welcome 19:00 Orientation Day 2 5:00 Morning patrol Carate beach 9:00 Breakfast and Free Time 20:00 Night patrol Carate Beach Day 3 8:00 Breakfast and Free Time 20:00

13 CARATE SCHEDULE Day 1 17:00 Welcome 19:00 Orientation Day 2 5:00 Morning patrol Carate beach 9:00 Breakfast and Free Time 20:00 Night patrol Carate Beach Day 3 8:00 Breakfast and Free Time 20:00 Night patrol Carate Beach Day 4 5:00 Morning Patrol Carate Beach 9:00 Breakfast and Free Time 20:00 Night patrol at Carate Beach Day 5 FREE DAY 8:00 Breakfast Day 6 5:00 Morning Patrol Carate Beach 9:00 Breakfast and Free Time 20:00 Night patrol Carate Beach Day 7 8:00 Breakfast and free time and Free Time & Packing 20:00 Night patrol & Program Wrap-Up Day 8 8:00 Breakfast 9:00 Collectivo to Puerto Jimenez Phoebe Edge * Please note that beach monitoring times depend on high tide, the above itinerary is a rough estimate of when activities will be performed.

PROGRAM COSTS Location Program Fee (July - August) Program Fee (September - November) Accommodation Fee ONE WEEK (Lodging + Food) Accommodation Fee 2+ WEEKS (Lodging + Food) Osa Conservation Piro

14 PROGRAM COSTS Location Program Fee (July - August) Program Fee (September - November) Accommodation Fee ONE WEEK (Lodging + Food) Accommodation Fee 2+ WEEKS (Lodging + Food) Osa Conservation Piro Biological Station Cabin $200 $100 $300/week $240/week Finca Exótica Tiki Tent $200 $100 $315/week $315/week Cabin $200 $100 $350/week $350/week Catappa (formerly ISEAMI) Bunouse/ Cabin $200 $100 $275/week $275/week Participating Carate Lodges Lookout Inn Cabin (Private bathroom) $200 $100 $455/week $455/week Cabin (Shared bathroom) $200 $100 $350/week $350/week Jungle Tent Camp Cabin $200 $100 $245/week $245/week Please note that these costs do not include airfare and local travel to and from the site, personal expenses such as phone calls and laundry, and additional tours or activities outside of those scheduled. Carlos Garcia

PROGRAM DATES Please note that program dates for Piro Biological Station begin on Tuesdays and program dates for Carate Lodges begin on Thursdays.

15 PROGRAM DATES Please note that program dates for Piro Biological Station begin on Tuesdays and program dates for Carate Lodges begin on Thursdays. Piro Research Station Program Dates Carate Program Dates JULY 10 Jul - 17 Jul 12 Jul - 19 Jul 17 Jul - 24 Jul 19 Jul - 26 Jul 24 Jul - 31 Jul 26 Jul - 2 Aug 31 Jul - 7 Aug 2 Aug - 9 Aug AUGUST 7 Aug - 14 Aug 9 Aug - 16 Aug 14 Aug - 21Aug 16 Aug - 23 Aug 21 Aug - 28 Aug 23 Aug - 30 Aug 28 Aug - 4 Sep 30 Aug - 6 Sep SEPTEMBER 4 Sep - 11 Sep 6 Sep - 13 Sep 11 Sep - 18 Sep 13 Sep - 20 Sep 18 Sep - 25 Sep 20 Sep - 27 Sep 25 Sep - 2 Oct 27 Sep - 4 Oct OCTOBER 2 Oct - 9 Oct 4 Oct - 11 Oct 9 Oct - 16 Oct 11 Oct - 18 Oct 16 Oct - 23 Oct 18 Oct - 25 Oct 23 Oct - 30 Oct 25 Oct - 1 Nov NOVEMBER 30 Oct - 6 Nov 1 Nov - 8 Nov 6 Nov - 13 Nov 8 Nov - 15 Nov 13 Nov - 20 Nov 15 Sep - 22 Nov 20 Nov - 27 Nov 22 Nov - 29 Nov

16 SIGN UP! Before you apply, please make sure you ve reviewed all information provided in this booklet and familiarize yourself with the volunteer duties. To apply, please visit Once you have submitted your application you will receive an confirmation and payment instructions. If you choose to stay at Osa Conservation s Piro Research Station, you can make one payment (program fee + weekly accommodation fee) to Osa Conservation. If you choose to stay at a participating Carate Lodge, you will submit your program fee to Osa Conservation and your accommodation fee directly to the lodge. You will be provided with further instructions in your confirmation . Thanks for volunteering to protect Osa s sea turtles! We look forward to seeing you soon! Jim Ward

17 Carlos Garcia

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