During this immersive, 3-week introduction to tropical ecology and conservation of tropical biodiversity and ecosystems, students will explore a variety of tropical ecosystems in Costa Rica, including tropical dry forests, tropical wet forests, mangroves, beaches, and cloud forests.

The heart of this program will be conservation work on the Osa Peninsula with the nonprofit Osa Conservation. Osa Conservation scientists will guide students through several experiences that introduce students to the many ecosystems found in the tropics. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with Osa scientists to develop and implement long-term projects on sea turtle conservation and forest restoration.

This is a wonderful opportunity for our Rocky Mountain students to experience new concepts in ecology as well as alternative models of conservation that differ from those in the US. Download the Student Information Packet to learn more.

Trip Map

Trip Dates: May 9 - May 29, 2026

Courses: ESS4000 (Tropical Ecology) and ESS4001 (Tropical Conservation)

Trip Leaders: Emily Schultz, and Ian McCullough

Trip Cost: $3265 not including airfare and tuition. There are Scholarship Support funds available to reduce the cost to for credit bearing students.

Tuition: See current in-district, in-state, and out-of-state CMC Tuition Rates.

Application Deadline: December 15, 2025. Ready to apply? Submit your trip application online.

Registration Deadline: February 2, 2026