Las Cruces Biological Research Station
10:44
With only two more groups left to shoot, I went down with the second group focusing on studying river hydrology. Working with Aaron Thomas from the University of Montana, students Austin Durglo of Montana's Salish Kootenai tribe and Zane Ketchen of the Yakama Nation are analyzing water quality among tributaries feeding into the Rio Java River. The goal of the project is to assess overall stream health and contribution to the main river. While the Rio Java flows into the nearby town of San Vito, the river is an important lifeline to many
aquatic species and supports groundwater wells for nearby inhabitants. Thus, the students would like to increase the foundation of water quality on the Rio Java -- allowing for proper future management and restoration. |
| Austin taking a variety of measurements on the Rio Java as Norys watches. They're looking for changes in temperature, PH, nitrate, and ammonium. |
Like the other projects, the Ngöbe came along to observe the methods Aaron and Austin were using and even had the opportunity to try it out themselves.
 |
| Isabel and Celenstino take photos of an insect found at the river. |
 |
| President Flores and his daughter Norys take river flow measurements at the Rio Java. |
 |
| Aaron and Scott showing the Ngöbe how to take measurements in one of the Rio Java's tributaries. |
 |
| President Flores' handy bag goes everywhere. |
 |
| Lots of hiking can catch up to the mind... |
 |
| More measurements. |
 |
| President Flores' essentials |
At the end of our day, we knew it was going to be the last night the Ngöbe would be staying with us. A heartwarming goodbye ceremony was held as each student and mentor said their final goodbyes. While some words were lost through translation, nothing can describe the warmth of everybody's presence in the room. Hearing not only the Ngöbe, but the students give them thanks in their native language was a very very very cool thing to hear.
The cultural exchanged continued, as we first participated in a native round dance -- a common dance performed at Native American pow wows. Watching everybody dance in a circle listening to music I'd only seen in documentaries was a surreal experience. I'm beyond words thankful for being let into the circle of these inspiring students. After the round dance, the Ngöbe then showed us two of their dances -- leading to lots of laughter and smiles.
Some life experiences a camera just can't capture, this goodbye ceremony was exactly one of them.
11:20
No comments:
Post a Comment