MARINE CONSERVATION SURVEY January 24 – February 1, 2015 February 4 – February 13, 2015 *Volunteers wishing to combine the Mangrove Monitoring Project from January 14 – 22nd with the first session of the Marine Conservation Survey can contact us for more details. Raven Adventures Marine Conservation Survey is an international effort to gather much needed scientific data regarding present environmental / biological conditions found in the Loreto area of the Sea of Cortez. Participants will assist our Mexican conservation partner GEA (Grupos Ecologistas Antares) with multiple marine transects (above and below the surface) as well as other biological investigations in an effort to better understand the fragile ecosytem of the Sea of Cortez. Volunteers may be exposed to an abundant number of marine life including whale species such as the blue, sperm, brydes, humpback, finback, orca and pilot whale. Dolphins and sea lions can also be found in high numbers throughout the study site. All data collected will be available to the local Marine Park of Loreto as well as various nature conservation programs operating in the area. The program cost is $950 per person for the 10 day session and is limited to 4 participants . The cost includes food, camping accommodations, camping gear, and safety equipment such as PFDs. Volunteers will be responsible for their flight/bus to/from Loreto, Mexico. We have years of experience traveling to Baja and may be able to give you some pointers on how to save some money with plane or bus tickets. http://ravenadventures.com/marine-conservation/ MANGROVE MONITORING PROJECT January 14th – 22nd, 2015 Volunteers will be assisting in marine conservation by conducting an in depth study of mangrove forests located in Magdelena Bay, Baja Mexico. The study is open to volunteers wishing to gain unique field experience in some of the most pristine mangrove areas left on earth. Using sea kayaks to navigate the dense labyrinth of mangrove forests, participants will collect samples, note climate and water conditions, photograph and film insects, birds, reptiles, mollusks and mammals that use the dense vegetation for food and cover. Species counts will also be conducted on barrier islands found along the Pacific coast. Using GPS systems, the density and distribution of each individual sighting will be added to a catalog of all species encountered over a five-year period. Participants will learn skills such as animal tracking techniques, GPS data collection, wildlife photography, desert and mangrove natural history, sea kayaking and other wilderness skills. The program cost is $950 per person for the 9 day session and includes all food, lodging, camping / kayak rentals etc. Volunteers will be responsible for their flight/bus to/from Loreto, Mexico. We have years of experience traveling to Baja and may be able to give you some pointers on how to save some money with plane or bus tickets. http://ravenadventures.com/mangrove-project/ TO APPLY No previous experience is needed, but volunteers assisting us in the remote areas of Baja will want to have a “go with the flow attitude”, be willing to share a small tent with another participant, possibly ride in the back of pick up trucks, wade into deep mud, and participate in camp life such as cooking, cleaning, and logistical chores. Please contact Colin Garland at colin@ravenadventures.com to ensure there is still space on the session of your choice and follow the application instructions on our website. http://ravenadventures.com/mangrove-project/ http://ravenadventures.com/marine-conservation/