This morning, visited the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island to learn about conservation efforts throughout the islands.
The Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) is a biological research station operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation. The objective of the CDRS is to conduct scientific research and environmental education for conservation. The station has a large team of scientists, educators, volunteers, research students and support staff from all over the world. At the CDRS, visitors have the opportunity to observe giant tortoises at all stages of development, from a few days old to close to one-hundred years of age. Web links here:
http://www.darwinfoundation.org/english/pages/index.php
After lunch, enjoy a field trip into the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the archipelago. It is the administrative center of the islands and the most populated. The National Park Service is based here, but perhaps the most important is the Charles Darwin Research Station, the headquarters of all research and conservation efforts on the islands. Giant tortoises can be spotted on the island at certain times of year and several species of Darwin's finches reside here. A dramatic change in vegetation zones can be seen as one travels into the highland region of the island. Visit Cerro Chato and the twin pit craters (Los Gemelos). The twin craters found in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island are actually large sinkholes--not volcanic formations. They were created as a result of the collapse, or the sinking, of surface materials into cracks. The surrounding Scalesia forest is a great place to view vegetation that is unique to the islands and search for land birds.
Photo 1. A visit with “Ché Chuck” Evolutionary Revolutionary. At times I feel like Charles Darwin. Taking a “long time” to study, ponder and evaluate my observations.
Photo 2. The Darwin research facility has much to help us understand the greatness of his efforts.
Photo 3. Even with “data” available for 200 years, there are still some who believe his theory is just that. It’s up to us to believe what we want?
Click here for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/2012GIMPDay7Of17
