If you want us to feature a story or update, you may contact us here. |
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The OTS Board of Directors met at the Las Cruces Research Station in Costa Rica on March 12-16. But first, they visited urban ecology research and conservation projects in San José and attended an event to mark the launch of the new OTS Center for Urban Tropical Studies. Read the full message below for more information, including the election results for two open director positions. |
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Open Doors Festival 2024 at Las Cruces Research Station |
The annual Open Doors event at Las Cruces has evolved as a means of community outreach in Coto Brus and the surrounding area. Read more about this year's environmental education activities, art and music exhibitions, and more. |
| OTS South Africa celebrates 20 years! |
In 2023, OTS South Africa celebrated 20 years since the launch of its successful African Ecology and Conservation program. To mark the occasion, two events were held in the U.S. in November last year, and a celebration in Skukuza was held in early May 2024. Read more about the history of OTS South Africa and plans for the future.
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OTS Experiences trip to Costa Rica returns in February 2025!
Would you enjoy a trip to Costa Rica like no other? If so, we have one you will love.
Save the date in this upcoming February to have the unique opportunity to visit all three of our OTS research stations in Costa Rica – the remote and rugged Palo Verde Research Station in northern Costa Rica, the lush Las Cruces Research Station in southern Costa Rica and home of the historic Wilson Botanical Garden, and, of course, the iconic La Selva Research Station, OTS’ flagship facility in central Costa Rica. For more information about each station, please visit: OTS Research Stations.
This educational and memorable Costa Rican adventure will feature early morning bird walks, a chocolate tour, a coffee tour, night walks with OTS-trained naturalists, a boat trip, special stops, and more.
For more information, please contact Julissa Larios. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity! Read first-hand accounts from participants to our recent OTS Experiences trip to South Africa below. |
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“Letting the Tree Stand: OTS Experiences South Africa 2024” by Katharine Haake |
Haake writes, "But having toured OTS in La Selva almost twenty years before, I didn't hesitate to bet my first post-retirement adventure on the memory of that visit...Mainly, though, I trusted OTS" Read her full story below. |
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“Traveling to South Africa for the first time with OTS” by Rebecca Louden |
Rebecca says, "As we lugged our bags through the Johannesburg airport, a man approached us and asked if we were with OTS....I suspected intuitively that our group would share a mindset of curiosity and excitement, and this turned out to be quite true. We had an amazing group of people." Read Rebecca's story below. |
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As we welcome undergraduate students to both South Africa and Costa Rica for the Fall 2024 semester, alum Molly McCracken (Tropical Biology Summer 2024) answers a few questions about her experience in Costa Rica. |
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Science happenings at OTS
September 2024 |
From OTS' representation at the 100th anniversary symposium of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute to new projects at La Selva and Las Cruces, read the most recent updates from the field in this edition. |
| New research and publications |
Click below to learn more about recent publications resulting from research carried out at our stations! |
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In remembrance of Rodolfo Silva |
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| Dr. Pedro León reflects on the passing of Rodolfo Silva, a treasured OTS friend and supporter. |
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| Dr. Nora Bynum, a long-term staff member who made significant contributions to the development and implementation of OTS’ education program, retired in July 2024. |
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From OTS' representation at the 100th anniversary symposium of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute to new projects at La Selva and Las Cruces, read recent updates from the OTS community. |
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On the 60th anniversary of the Organization for Tropical Studies |
Luko Hilje reflects on the historical significance of OTS to the study of Costa Rica tropical ecosystems, as well as the role OTS has played in his own education, research, and professional life in this article, originally published on Meer.com in June 2024. |
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Occidental Magazine calls Beth Braker "an inspiration"
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In the Spring 2024 issue of Occidental Magazine, Beth Braker reflects on her research and teaching experiences, including times spent at La Selva. |
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Current and former OTSers elected to the Board of Directors of the Costa Rican Network for Ecological Restoration (RECORE) |
Click below to see the list of current and former OTSers -- many are alums of the OTS Ecología Tropical y Conservación course! -- recently elected to serve on the RECORE Board of Directors. | |
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"Driven by Nature: A Personal Journey from Shanghai to Botany and Global Sustainability" |
In Peter H. Raven's autobiographical memoir, Raven chronicles his first teaching appointment at OTS in 1967 and the establishment of the La Selva Research Station. Click below to read an excerpt from his memoir. |
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"Quetzals: Icons of the Cloud Forest" |
Enjoy an excerpt from Alan F. Poole's book, much of which was researched and written while the author was based at Las Cruces. |
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OTS is deeply grateful and excited to announce a significant bequest to OTS from the Francis Lynn Carpenter Trust. Dr. Carpenter was a central and fundamental figure in OTS for over 30 years, leading research at Las Cruces, shaping the lives of hundreds of OTS students, and continuing the legacy of the Wilson Botanical Garden. |
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Hello OTS! Last October, I was just a guy at an OTS fundraising event at Joe Levine’s home in Concord, MA, and today, I say hello as OTS' new Director of Development. Having listened rapt to OTS students’ lightning talks in 1991 in Monteverde, Costa Rica, and after many years of taking students from Franklin Pierce University to La Selva and Palo Verde, I have been a big, admiring fan of OTS through decades. I am now avidly devoted to fundraising for OTS, because I believe so strongly in the excellent work going on every day, the wonderful influence of OTS programs on students and participants, the importance of the science happening through OTS, and the impact of our legacy for the future of our planet. I look forward so much to getting to know all you OTSers! Please contact me with any questions, advice – anything you think I should know to serve OTS. Thank you so much for all you do!
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