Garth Wilson's Page on San Blas, Nayarit

This is just a short little page in which I will attempt to inform the reader about my experiences having to do with Senor Bruce Stewart's class in Mexican Ecology and Culture. The purpose of the expedition was to investigate the vertebrate fauna along and near the beachhead within specified areas near San Blas, Nayarit. The trip was both interesting and informative for all involved and is highly recommended by myself for anyone interested in Biological Science. Allow me to begin by telling you something about myself.

My interest in biology stems from an upbringing which included many camping trips in Oklahoma and neighboring states. On these weekend outings a keen interest in ecology was transferred to me by the naturalists appointed to instruct us of the surrounding world. Along with this interest came school subjects of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Now, being of mid-thirties and a non-traditional college student, I look back on these formative years with awe and appreciation for those who took the time to foster the development of my interest in Science. At the time of this writing, my plans include application to the School of Veterinary Medicine at OSU.

Enough said about myself. As was previously stated, I want to tell you about our Spring '98 class in San Blas....

Never having been on an ecological survey, there was a bit of apprehension among a few of our American group of students as to what might have been expected of us. As the days unfolded, and knowledge transferred, these fears subsided. Some of our group even became very popular among the Mexican students and instructors. The knowledge and experience of those in charge of the course is unsurpassed. Such things as methods and techniques of capturing creatures for survey were demonstrated by the experts. There were also challenges for the growing mode of scientific thought, examples of which might be: How has the introduction of domestic animals affected species endemic to the area? What affect has the presence of man had on the water quality of the streams within the specified area.

Questions such as these along with many others were discussed among students and instructors. Not wanting to make this a scientific article, I will simply tell you that from my standpoint many satisfactory solutions were proposed in answer of the questions which were brought about by investigation of the area.

In closing, I will reiterate that anyone interested will find this type of course both rewarding and fulfilling. If I may be of further assistance feel free to contact me.

My e-mail is garthw@brightok.net