HS Trip to Baja Recap

During March 23-29, a group of OHS’ers traveled to Baja California, Mexico to take part in a week-long science trip hosted by EPI. The trip lasted for five days, and students were able to interact with their classmates and have new experiences in Mexico. On the first day, students from all around the world traveled to La Paz, in Baja California Sur. They stayed at the EPI headquarters and settled in for the night. The next day, students took a hike that overlooked the breathtaking Bay of La Paz. Additionally, OHSers also were able to explore La Paz and its rich local, and diverse cultures, including the waterfront promenade. On the third day of the trip, OHSers geared up for an exciting boat ride to Espiritu Santo Island. Once landed, they began their adventure searching for local aquatic creatures, such as dolphins, sea turtles, and rays. Students also had the opportunity to go snorkeling and explore the coral reef. They were also no longer staying at the EPI base but instead camped in tents on the beach during their stay on the island. On the fourth day of the trip, OHSers contributed to a global citizen science project, where they helped to document and monitor the populations of tropical fish surrounding the island. Already demonstrating the significance of their work, the students documented the Crown-of-thorns starfish which is a nonnative species. This is one of the many discoveries that are sure to come from the documentation and data the OHSers gathered on this trip. On the fifth day of the trip, students went on a desert hike and learned about the ecosystem and species that live on Espiritu Santo Island. Students then split into groups to come up with research projects regarding what they had learned about or experienced during their time on the island. On the sixth day, OHSers were able to visit and learn about sea lions, specifically the ones that resided in a rookery called “Isla Lobos.” This marked their final day on the island, and students gathered up their belongings and headed back to La Paz. To finish the trip, the OHSers were able to present the research projects that they had developed during previous days. Ending on an informative note, the OHSers bade farewell to each other, and headed back to their respective homes, having had an eventful and productive time in Mexico.