Organization for Tropical Studies

For decades, researchers and students have studied resident amphibians, reptiles, insects, and plants, and the effect of wetlands on local ecosystem processes at OTS' La Selva Biological Station.  In the 1990’s, this research was greatly facilitated by the presence of a low wooden walkway that bisected a research wetland. Unfortunately, the low walkway was quickly damaged by floods, falling trees, and fluctuating water levels.

We are fundraising for an elevated walkway through this wetland, to stimulate research on this interesting and valuable habitat. An elevated walkway would be ideal for conducting studies without trampling and impacting this sensitive system. One only needs to look at the boardwalk in the Cantarrana Swamp at La Selva to appreciate the effect that accessibility can have on stimulating science. An elevated walkway through the station's research wetlands will provide the same accessibility, but will allow researchers to employ manipulations not possible on the Cantarrana.

To be known as the "Teska Elevated Walkway," funds raised will recognize and honor Dr. William Teska who brought hundreds of students throughout his life to La Selva.  Dr. Teska was a professor at Furman University and Pacific Lutheran University and maintained a lifelong interest in La Selva's ecology.  Dr. Teska passed away of natural causes on June 25, 2016. 


Map. Location of the Research Wetland (green) and the proposed entrance trail and elevated walkway (red), in relation to the research compound and the STR and CES trails.



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