Course Title:   The Petrified Forest of Sexi, Peru: Using Science and Conservation to Build Foundations for Ecotourism and Education in Northern Peru

Dates:  June 14-19, 2010 (not including travel to and from Peru)

Application Deadline:  March 15, 2010

Credit:   2.0 graduate credits, accredited by Adams State College extended studies program

Instructors:     Dr. Herbert W. Meyer and Dr. Deborah Woodcock

Description:

This special seminar is being offered through the seminar series sponsored by The Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds.  This international travel course for teachers is accredited by Adams State College and offers two extended studies credits. The seminar will take place in northern Peru and will visit the petrified forest El Bosque Petrificado Piedra Chamana located in the Andes Mountains near the small village of Sexi.  The course will begin in Chiclayo, Peru on June 14 and conclude on June 19, 2010.

The seminar will provide unique opportunities to become involved in the application of science and conservation for promoting ecotourism and education.  The primary focus will be on the geology and paleontology of the petrified forest and its application to the education and economic development of the local community.  Secondary topics will include the natural history, physical geography and climate of this part of South America, and the prehistory and archaeology of the ancient Moche culture.  There will be continuous opportunities for Spanish-language immersion, although the ability to speak Spanish is not required for participation.  There may be opportunities to interact with the local school, providing a venue for international exchange of ideas between teachers. 

The participants in this seminar will become one of the first organized groups to visit this remote area, which is formally designated by the government of Peru as a protected fossil site.  The instructors have been doing scientific research at the site during the past ten years and are familiar with the local community.  Using our established relationship with this community and a new partnership between them and the Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds, the seminar will provide pioneering opportunities to set the tone for future conservation and education at the site. 

The course is most suitable for science teachers or for any participants who have an interest and background in natural history and geology.  The total cost will be about US$3500, including airfare which participants will need to arrange independently.  The seminar will be six days in duration, not including travel to and from Peru.  For more information, please contact Dr. Herb Meyer (Herb_Meyer@nps.gov, phone 719-748-3253) or Christina Whitmore (Christina_Whitmore@nps.gov, phone 719-748-3253).