Students interested in biology have an opportunity to study the natural history of the Rio Grande Valley.
The biology department will lead a trip to the Rio Grande Valley as part of a natural history advanced biology class. Participants will study vertebrates, plants and ecosystem structure.
The Rio Grande is a transition zone which makes it an ideal environment to study ecosystems, according to National Geographic. A Transition zone, also known as a regional boundary separates, different climates and terrains.
Students will receive one elective biology credit for attending the trip. All students are able to attend, but the work is geared toward advanced biology students.
Class members will stay at Estero Llano Grande State Park near Mercedes, Texas. Students will take day trips to several state parks, wildlife refuges and nature centers.
The trip is scheduled for Jan. 3-9. The cost is $400, which covers transportation, lodging and food.
Students took a similar trip in January 2014.
“We saw over 60 species of mammals including 11 species of bats,” said Anthony Stancampiano, associate professor of biology. “It went swimmingly.”
Students are excited for the trip.
“I am super excited to spend some time with the science kids while learning about the history of the Rio Grande,” said Ali Bryant, cell and molecular biology senior. “Dr. Stancampiano always leads amazing adventures filled with spontaneity.”
Other biology trips offered by OCU include ecology of Great Yellowstone, gulf coast ecology, ecology of the southwest, natural history of Costa Rica and primate behavior and conservation in Costa Rica.
For more information on the Rio Grande trip or any of the others mentioned visit okcu.edu/artsci/biology.
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