the Tidepool

smooth as glass

2009-03-05T21:30:00.004-07:00

I'll try not to post too many pictures of the sea just in front of CEDO.

But I do want to share these two photos from last week. The sea was completely flat - not a hint of a wave, and it was just gorgeous:

An Introduction

2009-02-09T10:59:00.002-07:00

Hola a todos!

My name is Alexis, and I am the new field education intern here at CEDO. Kat is still with us, and has switched roles to focus on ecotours and sustainability here at CEDO.

I am very excited to be working with CEDO and will be the intern here for the next 18 months. I'm from Tucson, but attended university in Boston and have been traveling and working/volunteering in various places since graduation.

Since my arrival, I've been on quite a few tours and thoroughly enjoyed myself on them all. This area truly is very unique and has so much to offer. I do hope that you all are planning to visit CEDO and explore the surrounding area with us!

Never Seen Anything Like It!

2008-11-24T14:07:00.012-07:00

Here are the photos of an incredible jelly found by Maureen Savino whilst she was walking on the beach in Playa Miramar. Fortunately she was close to the house of some friends, Sue and Jim Adams, and so went to tell them about her discovery and to ask them to bring a camera down to the beach. They had never seen anything like it!

Since then however, no-one has been able to identify the huge jelly, and so we're posting it on here not only to share these amazing photos with all of you, but in the hope that there's a jelly genius out there who can help us identify it....

Any ideas please feel free to post a comment or mail info@cedointercultural.org

Tide Calendar 2009

2008-10-20T12:52:00.006-07:00

Today I saw a sneak preview of the new tide calendar and, not being very good at keeping secrets, decided I'd share it with all of you guys!

For your chance to get your hands on a copy visit us on the 15th of November for our book-signing and tide calendar event (mentioned below), and enjoy our informative coffee morning style talk on tides and the critters that live in their wake.

Alternatively, you can order your copy online: from our eco shop at http://www.cedointercultural.org/

Book signing event ahoy!

2008-10-11T11:42:00.006-07:00

To celebrate the release of the incredible brand new book "The Edge of the Sea of Cortez" we shall be having a book signing event here at the CEDO field station with the authors Betty Hupp and Marilyn Malone, on the 15th of November.

The book focuses on tidewalking and the discovery of the many varied and dazzling creatures that can be found on the shores of Puerto Peñasco and the Upper Gulf of California.

Come along to get your copy and listen to the free talks on tides while enjoying a coffee (and maybe a cookie too!), and fire your previously unanswered questions at our director and the authors themselves.

Be sure to keep the date in your diary, times to be confirmed closer to the event.

Gus' Point of View

2008-10-08T12:51:00.005-07:00

Ready for a bit of a change? Instead of just reading what I have to say every week, allow me to introduce our latest team member on the blogging front - Gus, a 13 year old from the States.

Gus' enthusiasm and interest in all things marine based is astounding, and since his writing skills rival those of many we have decided to bring him on board to express his points of view on various issues. I shall; leave you to read on in Gus' own words.....

note: photo of the Tessoro construction at the mouth of Estero Morúa.

ESTERO TOUR

Hi , my name is Gus and I’m a 13-year old volunteer at CEDO. I’m here to tell you about my experience on CEDO’s Sunset Estero tour. It was a very fun, hands-on, and specialized encounter with nature, and I would recommend it to anyone, young or old.

The tour was led by Kat, who is a dedicated intern at CEDO. She is extremely knowledgeable, and is a very passionate person. We were very lucky to have her as our guide.

Along with my mother and I, two adults came, Richard and Doreen. They own a house in Las Conchas, and are very environmentally conscious. They, too, thoroughly enjoyed the tour.

First, we piled into the CEDO van for the bumpy ride to Estero Morua with our survival gear (sun block and water.) In a few minutes, we arrived, and took seats under the palapas owned by the estuary’s oyster farmers. There, as the sun began to sink, Kat gave us an educational talk about the features of the estero. She told us how it is a safe haven and breeding grounds for one of Puerto Penasco’s essential revenues: shrimp. She also pointed out the many different species of bird living in Morua, and how it is a crucial resting place for many migrating flocks.

Sadly, Kat told us, the beautiful Estero Morua is under threat from developers who want to turn it into a mass tourist attraction and have thousands of people disturbing its fragile ecosystem. Not only would this be bad for Puerto Penasco’s shrimp population (which the town relies on for much of its income,) but also to the millions of other species that call the estero home. While the Mexican government has put useless protections on Estero Morua, such as stating that “No building or establishment shall harm the flamingoes in Estero Morua” while there are no flamingoes to be seen there, builders have already begun construction on “Tessoro,” which means treasure in Spanish, in the estuary. Tessoro is a huge resort, and perhaps to the people in charge of the project it does seem like a treasure that will bring them lots of money, but to the people of CEDO and all of the other people who love the natural world, it is a parasite living off the estuary’s beauty. If more resorts are built, there will be extreme damage done to the esteros that will not be able to be undone. Once gone, the estuaries are lost forever.

Once we finished our talk, we proceeded down to the water’s edge. While Richard and Doreen chose not to go into the water because they wanted to avoid getting nipped by swimming crabs (or Jaibas,) my mom, Kat, and I went plunging into the warm water to check out the boxes of oysters that were floating nearby. Kat explained to us how the oysters get their nourishment from the rich estuary water, and how Morua has a very large difference from low tide to high tide. As we were standing there, admiring the oyster farmers’ work, my mom suddenly gave a scream of fright. Kat and I started and looked around at her. She exclaimed “Something just pinched my foot!” Uh-oh. I knew it must have been the mischievous Jaibas! No sooner had I realized this than I, too felt something grab my big toe. “Ayiii!” I exclaimed. Everybody was laughing, albeit a bit nervously, and to avoid further Jaiba encounters, we headed back to the shore.

Kat then took us for a walk over to where the mud is softer and more nutrient-rich. There, she said, there would be great big fiddler crabs living in holes along the sand. Sure enough, we rounded some rocks and found hundreds, even thousands of giant fiddler crabs! Kat explained that the male crabs were attempting to attract mates by waving their big right claws at them. She said that if we could catch one, we would be able to get a better look at its intriguing structure. I saw a particularly big crab scurrying for cover as we approached. I chased him into a small water outlet running into the main estuary water. The little guy was incredibly fast for his size, and I barely managed to block his exit as Kat came up and grabbed him from behind. As she had said, the crab was very interesting, and we learned that its muscular structure was quite unique.

Next, we dropped our stuff off and walked for a little bit longer until we came to some good, soft, wet sand. Kat taught us how to do the shrimp dance, which consisted of simultaneously wiggling our toes and stomping our feet. In no time, everybody was knee deep in mud and laughing. Amazingly, this dance really did seem to attract the shrimp, for they began appearing all around us in the big holes we created. I decided to build a little pen for them, although they kept escaping by digging into the mud. We chose to move on, and I emptied the shrimp from my enclosure back into the holes from which they came. Getting out of the holes was quite difficult, but we managed it. It was such fun!

Before we walked back to the palapas, Kat showed us these salty plants that you can eat. She gave some to all of us and we tried it. Surprisingly, the edible plants are extremely tasty. I couldn’t stop eating them! We picked some to use to make salads for later, and then retrieved our stuff.

On the way back, we ran into a couple of oyster farmers making their final checks of the day on their oyster beds. Kat asked them whether they would show us how they did their work. They accepted with enthusiasm, and went on to describe to us in Spanish (with Kat as their translator) how they take care of their oysters. It was fascinating, and when my mom and I both got another good nip from a curious Jaiba, the farmers laughed and exclaimed “El Jaiba!”

We said goodbye to the oyster farmers and thanked them for letting us explore their farms. As we walked back up to the car, I gazed at the beautiful setting sun and reflected how extremely unique this place was. I reflected on the experience that I had just had, and as I took one last look out at the vast Estero Morua, a great, swelling feeling of happiness and awe swept over me. I got into the car, and put my arm around my mom.

All in one small trip, I had experienced a colossal adventure. I had learned amazing things, gained an environmental respect for the estuary, and made friends with two former strangers. My mom and I also found ourselves nearer together from this bonding experience. It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to do something as magical as what I was able to do, but luckily, CEDO is dedicated to bringing people closer to nature and all of its creatures through tours like this one. From the estuary adventure that I have been fortunate enough to experience, I have gained new determination to protect the beauty of Puerto Penasco and its unique environment. I believe that ordinary people, such as you and me, are the key to conserving the Sea of Cortez’s irreplaceable natural wonder. Together, we can save the Sea. Thank you Kat, for your kindness and enthusiasm, and thank you CEDO, for your wonderful contribution to conservation.

Gus

Head Out to Isla San Jorge on Saturday

2008-09-30T10:10:00.002-07:00

Hop in a boat, travel through the waters of the Gulf and get ready for some fun with sea lions and birds, because this Saturday CEDO's Isla San Jorge Sojourn is on deck. The boat tour and snorkeling is not to be missed! This extremely fun eco-adventure also includes an introductory slideshow and talk on Gulf island ecology and CEDO research.

The all day event then takes you out to Isla San Jorge, consisting of three main islands and four smaller islands, full of an abundance of wildlife, including fish-eating bats, magnificent tropic birds, and those California sea lions. The reefs and waters around San Jorge support a diversity of life. Marine invertebrates of commercial importance, like sea cucumbers, scallops, mussels, oysters, snails and octopi as well as a variety of fish live in the waters. Don't miss your chance! The outing begins at CEDO's Nature Center in Puerto Peñasco at 7 am and goes until 2 pm. Click here to visit our website for more information and to make a reservation. See you on the island!

Saturday = Tidepool Time!

2008-09-25T13:14:00.003-07:00

Enjoy an amazing evening checking out tidepools! From 6 - 8 pm on Saturday, Sept. 27, CEDO naturalists will take you on a journey through the rocky intertidal zone. Get hands on and be ready to see an array of life: crabs, brittle stars, chittons and all of their invertebrate companions. The Tidepool Exploration begins at 6 pm at the CEDO Nature Center in Puerto Peñasco. Click here to visit our website for more information. We'd love to see you out there!

The world's your oyster!

2008-09-19T11:49:00.004-07:00

This Saturday (and every second Saturday after) we will be running the Oyster Experience tour out to the Punta Roja cooperative in Estero Morúa. This is truly an incredible day out, read on to discover one individual's previous experience, then conact me on intern@cedointercultural.org to make your reservation!

“Escaping into the cool shade of CEDO’s castle–like main building, the day began with a natural history talk on the Gulf of California and it’s surrounding areas, before we made the short trip out to estero Morúa and the oyster farm.
Upon arriving at Punta Roja cooperative, we were surprised to discover how these local dedicated farmers live their lives completely intertwined with nature – working in accordance with lunar cycles and living in basic housing on the shores of these incredible wetlands, one of the most productive in the world.

Wading into the shallow waters we examined the floating boxes in which the oysters grow, and learned about the processes involved in maintaining them healthy and free of predators. During this talk however, an American Oyster Catcher, another inhabitant of the areas esteros, flew down and tried to steal a couple of tasty shellfish from the neighboring boxes!

Choosing our favorite shells carefully, we returned to consult Doña Antonia on the best way to cook our prizes. We experimented a little, using plants from the estuary, ginger and lots of butter to create ourselves a feast worthy of royal attention, and took our seats in the shade to eat and discuss the estuary, the cooperative and the future with Doña Antonia and the other members of the cooperative.”

- Preferred anon.

Cedo... but Not What You'd Expect!!

2008-09-13T09:49:00.007-07:00

This week a wholly unexpected surprise dropped into my mail box- the delightful news that we have a dog named after us!! The Pepper/Martin family are huge fans of the work we're doing here in the Gulf, and felt for various reasons that our name would suit Cedo the dog - pictured right -fantastically.

Read on for the full story in Alisa Martin's own words:

" My fiancee's parents, Phil & Vicki Pepper have been visiting Puerto Peñasco for 30 years. The very first time they visited, Vicki was pregnant with Jacob! They have been supporters of CEDO for years. Now that they have their own home and a vacation rental in Las Conchas, they actively send visitors your way to learn more about the unique Sea of Cortez and it's ecology.

Jacob and I met...6.5 years ago at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). Since then, we have been vacationing in Peñasco with friends & family every chance that we get. We too have enjoyed numerous Natural History talks at CEDO and referred our friends to do the same.

About 5 years ago, Jacob and I decided to adopt a dog from a shelter. We took a trip to the shelter and saw many adorable dogs, but this one stood out. He was 6 months old and had an "interesting face", we thought "what is he"? We did not adopt a dog that day. But, a friend of ours in Santa Barbara had rescued 6 dogs from the shelter. These were dogs that she thought had great potential and needed to be rescued before their time ran out. We went to her house and there he was...that dog with the "interesting face"! We fostered him for a few days and fell in love.

For weeks we could not come up with a name for him. At this juncture, we were doing lots of the 9 hour long, drive through the night trips from Santa Barbara to Peñasco. I was thinking about some of the standout things in Peñasco. We were constantly giving directions to the Peppers' home in section 1, they endearingly refer to as, "The Shipwreck"...."it's the first right after CEDO and the whale bones. Naturally, people then wonder and ask..."what is CEDO?"Everywhere we went, people would see our dog and ask, "what is he"? Out of nowhere I finally said to Jacob..."Let's name his Cedo"! It was perfect, and it stuck! We are constantly explaining to people what his name means. So, you have advocates in Santa Barbara, California explaining that CEDO is the Center for the Study of Deserts & Oceans! He is also a German Shepard, Sharpei, Lab mix!"

Kat: Love it!

Fish Tales

2008-09-09T13:52:00.004-07:00

This week one of our prominent CEDO researchers is off putting Peñasco's conservation efforts on the map! René has travelled to Acapulco to speak at a coastal fishing forum, on the successes of a subcommittee who have placed a temporary ban on the fishing of the Jaiba (or Swimming Crab in English) during it's reproductive cycle, allowing the jaiba to flourish unlike before.

The fisheries department is also working with local fishermen in the Northern Gulf, principally here in Peñasco, involving them in the monitoring of the jaiba, rock scallop and snails. CEDO seeks to work with the community and involve them directly in the conservation of the local areas, knowing that this is the way to successful conservation efforts - we can't do the job alone!

The estuaries of the Northern Gulf of Califonia are said to be the 3rd most productive ecosystem in the entire world, only following on the rainforests and coral reefs. The wetlands research team is currently disecting moluscs in order to analyse the carbon levels within the species. This is part of a wider project which, in short (!), is aimed at working out who eats who, and what, in these vital wetlands; information that will then help scientifically prove the value of the area, and hopefully further conservation laws.

Join CEDO for a Sunset Estero Excursion!

2008-09-08T11:31:00.005-07:00

Head out with CEDO on Saturday, Sept. 13 to experience the beauty of a coastal wetland filled with the bountiful wildlife of the Northern Gulf of California: crabs, oysters, birds and so much more.

Prepare to get your hands and feet dirty all in the name of fun. Available for people of all ages. The adventure lasts three hours and starts at 4 p.m at CEDO's field station in Puerto Penasco, Sonora. For more information visit our website and to reserve a spot on the excursion, or ask any questions, email: info@cedointercultural.org.

Hearts and Souls

2008-09-02T15:21:00.005-07:00

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, caring citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead.

Today, people throughout the world have come to accept degraded environments as staus quo, and yet this needn't be so. Here at CEDO we believe that education is the key to future conservation efforts, and it is our desire to reach as many people as possible, to get into their hearts and souls, and to inspire the green thoughts that reside in all ages and races.

It's no surprise that as we're growing up we often take our surroundings for granted having never known anything else, yet people care for the things they love, not those they take for granted. Knowing this the education team is busy preparing to take nearly 1000 5th graders from Puerto Peñasco under their wing in the 'Youth Towards a Sustainable Northern Gulf' program, and will soon be heading out to remote communities around the Northern Gulf in order to work with the next generation of conservationists!

The eco tourism team are also working hard with local hotels and developers to spread the word about our fantastic range of eco tours, ensuring that a greater number of people are aware of, and can enjoy, the wonders of the Sea of Cortez and the surrounding Sonoran Desert.

Well Under Way

2008-08-28T10:50:00.004-07:00

With a new blogging community up and running and a new season of visitors shortly to step through our doors, things are well under way for Autumn 2008 here at CEDO.

Kick off your time here with a tidepool excursion this Saturday 30th August from 7-9am, accompanied by CEDO experts. Let the secrets of the tidepools be revealed to you as we hunt for starfish, urchins, anemones and many more wondeful creatures. Especially great for kids!

Check Out CEDO's New Website: www.cedointercultural.org

2008-08-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

Our brand-new website has hit cyberspace and is ready for you to peruse at: www.cedointercultural.org.

The site has been overhauled and redesigned to make it more friendly, informative and useful. Here at CEDO we are really excited to share it with you.

Our new website can be used to: plan a visit to CEDO in Puerto Peñasco, schedule an eco-adventure, learn about our conservation and research programs, and support CEDO's programs and campaigns, plus a variety of other things, too.

Feel free to post any comments, questions or recommendations about our new site here, or tell us what you think by emailing info@cedointercultural.org.

What are you waiting for, go check it out now: www.cedointercultural.org.

the Blog is Back!

2008-08-26T10:30:00.001-07:00

A long time has passed since CEDO posted on it's blog, but that time has come to end.

We are going to be redesigning and reconfiguring our blog, adding all types of useful information to it for our eager CEDO friends out there: conservation news updates, photos of nature, wildlife and tidepools, and anything else related to the beautiful and bountiful Gulf of California and Sonoran Desert.

So stay tuned in here at the Tidepool. And check back often, there's bound to be something just for you, like the stunning scenery of Estero Morúa pictured above.

2007-08-21T14:52:00.001-07:00

It's been some time since we've posted to the CEDO blog. But with our new website going up in September, and lots going on at CEDO, we thought we'd get back to it.

CEDO is currently raising money to settle our land disputes under the "Secure CEDO's Property Rights" banner. We need to raise 250,000 dollars by March 2008 to keep our place by the sea. It's a great time to get involved with CEDO - once we have our land issues settled we'll move forward on facilities improvement and programs. Our ecotourism corridor, NaturArte will be ready set to take off!

Wet Feet Summer Camp

2006-06-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

We're getting ready for our Wet Feet Summer Camp, and there is still time to sign up. Check out the details on our website.

CEDO is searching for talent!

2006-06-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

We're accepting applications for the next Field Education Intern. We are looking for someone who is an enthusiastic teacher, both flexible and organized, and ready to interact with lots of different people. Interns have a lot of fun, I must say, living at the field station, hosting groups, leading tidepool tours, giving public talks, and spending time with CEDO's terrific staff. If you are interested check our website (www.cedointercultural.org) for details.

We're moving!

2006-05-24T10:48:00.000-07:00

We've finally figured out the root cause of our many recurring problems with the web site. The short story - we're switching to a new host. Once the domain transfer is done (within the next few days) we'll be back online with lots of new updates, including the new CEDO-cam!

April In Action

2006-05-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

Photo: Field Education Intern Dennis with a sea hare.

Research and education in the estuaries and the inter-tidal zone of the upper Gulf of California continues as warm spring temperature embrace the region. Oyster Catchers and the protected Least Terns are nesting in Estero Morua and strong winds brought the carcass of a whale to Playa Miramar.

The warm water has led many invertebrates to reproduce, like the California Sea Hares which can be seen during low tides around their pink spaghetti egg masses. Snails can also be seen laying eggs on the underside of basalt boulders.

Naturalists Marilyn Malone and Betty Hupp have been regulars on CEDO tidepool tours and are going to publish a field guide that focuses on the inter-tidal organisms of Puerto Peñasco.

Students from a teachers’ college in Mexicali spent two days engaging in environmental education activities and local high school students stopped by to get ideas for CEDO’s water conservation contest.

Need a boat?

2006-05-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

BOAT FOR SALE - 1976 Wellcraft 24’ Airslot Cabin Cruiser

Motor: 1989 2-stroke (6cycl) 225 HP Evinrude. Electronics: Lowrance GlobalNav 310 GPS & Uniden MC 1010 Marine Radio. New pump kit, control box, speedometer, tachometer & voltmeter, water pressure, trim & fuel gauges, switches, etc.
If interested, call CEDO at 520-829-4501, in Rocky Point: 382-0115 or e-mail: dan@cedointercultural.org.

Updates to Summer/Fall Eco-Tours

2006-05-08T10:39:00.000-07:00

Hello! We've got a couple changes to the upcoming eco-tours. The date of the Sept 17 tidepool trip has been moved to Sept 9th, 8-10am. The times of the June 10 Estero trip has been changed to 9:00-11:00am

We've just finished getting our webcam put together and will have it online this week!

New Summer/Fall Eco-Tour Dates!

2006-04-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

We have scheduled dates for many our eco-tours, up through September 2006. Here they are!

WETLAND BIRD WALK
Saturday, May 6th 8:00:00 -10:00am
Saturday, Nov. 11th 8:00am – 10:00am

Join CEDO’s birdwatchers for an exploration of the avian life of Estero Morua. A rich wintering ground for Sandpipers, Plovers, Terns, Gulls, Grebes, Loons, Godwits, Curlews, Dowitchers & more, Morua is the perfect place for beginner and experienced birders alike. Cost: $10

DESERT DISCOVERY
Saturday, May 13th 8:00am - 10:00am
Saturday, Sept. 30 8:00am - 10:00am

Enjoy a tranquil walk through CEDO’s Desert Botanical Gardens and nearby coastal desert. You’ll learn adaptations of desert plants and animals, identify tracks, holes and scat, and discover indigenous uses of plants. Perfect for families. Cost: $10, kids under 5 free

ESTERO EXCURSIONS
Saturday, June 10th 9:00am - 11:00am
Saturday, Oct. 21st 9:00am – 11:00am

Experience the pristine beauty of Estero Morua's coastal wetland filled with crabs, oysters, birds and more! Cost: Adults $20, children under 12, $10.

TIDEPOOL EXPLORATIONS
Saturday, June 24th 7:30am – 9:30am
Saturday, Sept. 9th 8:00am – 10:00am

CEDO naturalists reveal secrets of the tidepools; we'll look for octopus, colorful anemones & more. Cost: $15 adults, $10 kids under 12. Kids under 5 free!

KAYAK CAPERS
Saturday, May 27th 12:00pm - 5:30pm

For an even closer look at Estero Morua, come paddle alongside shorebirds, through inviting channels and mudflats. Each six hour tour includes: Expert guides, Local ecology talk, Full day kayak rental, Lunch and beverages. No experience necessary. Age limit: 18 yrs. Cost: $75 for members $85 for non-members

PINACATE PEREGRINATION
Sunday, Nov. 19 8:00am - 4:00pm
Explore the geologic wonders of the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve on a full-day tour with CEDO experts. Lunch included. Cost: $65 adults

ISLA SAN JORGE SOJOURN
Saturday, May 20th 6:00am - 1:00pm
Sunday, Oct. 29th 7:00am – 2:00pm

Visit Isla San Jorge (Bird Island) and get an up-close look at the abundant wildlife found on this rocky island, including tropicbirds & sea lions. This all-day eco-adventure includes an introductory slideshow and lecture about marine mammals, Gulf island ecology, and CEDO research. Cost: $100 (Lunch included). Space is limited.

All activities start promptly at CEDO, in Las Conchas, Puerto Peñasco. Make your reservations now by phone or fax at:(MEX) 011-52-638-3820113 & 3820115, or 520-829-4501(U.S.) 520-320-5473 or by e-mail at: info@cedointercutural.org

Applications for Wet Feet Summer Camp

2006-04-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

The application form for our overnight summer camp for youths aged 10-13 is now available as a PDF on our web site. The camp lasts from June 22 - 26 and accomodations will be at the CEDO field station in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico. Registrations are due by May 30 and space is limited so get yours in now!

Download the PDF application here:

http://www.cedointercultural.org/WetFeet06_form.pdf

Download the PDF flier, with more information, here:

http://www.cedointercultural.org/WetFeet06_flyer.pdf

In Action - March

2006-04-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

The environmental education program with the fifth graders of Peñasco includes a trip to Estero Morua were they learn how to identify birds and how to collect data like researchers.

El programa de educación ambiental con los estudiantes de Peñasco incluye una excursión a Estero Morua adonde aprenden como identificar aves y colectar datos como investigadores.

Students from Port Townsend, Washington had a great intercultural experience with local students at Institute Sonora. A tour of a shrimp boat with twenty five junior high school students from Arizona helps understand how fishermen work and live.

Estudiantes de Port Townsend, Washington tuvieron una gran experiencia intercultural con estudiantes en Instituto Sonora. Un recorrido de un barco de camarón con veinte cinco estudiantes de Arizona ayuda entender el trabajo y la vida del pescador.

Volunteers from Colorado College help paint a restaurant as part of a sustainable development project in Estero Morua.

Voluntarios de Colorado pintan un restaurante que es parte de proyectos del desarrollo sustentable.

Wet Feet Camp

2006-03-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

More problems connecting to our site's server mean I haven't been able to upload the Wet Feet Ocean Camp information. Until I can get some answers from tech support, here's the dish:

Dear Interested Families,

Summer 2006 has an adventure in store for you…..an adventure in marine biology! CEDO, the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans, will be holding an overnight summer camp for youth ages 10-13 from June 22nd - 26th, 2006. For five days and four nights children will explore the Upper Gulf of California intertidal zone and surrounding Sonoran Desert. Accomodations will be at the CEDO field station in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico.

Campers will explore the marine biology of the Upper Gulf of California through both field study and hands-on activities. Uncovering brittle stars, nudibranchs, and fireworms in the intertidal zone, dancing for shrimp in the estuary, and discovering the secrets of different marine organisms that live in this biologically rich area are only a few of the activities in which the campers will participate.

Counselors with experience in marine biology and desert ecology will staff the camp. All food and beverages (including purified water) will be provided for campers on site. Campers will have the opportunity to visit downtown Peñasco and should bring some spending money but will spend the majority of their time in the field or at CEDO.

If you have any additional questions feel free to contact us by e-mail or phone at info@cedointercultural.org, or 011-52-638-38-20113. In the US, call 520-615-7767.

2006-03-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

Wet Feet Summer Camp is coming up, June 22nd - 26th, 2006.

Email us at info@cedointercultural.org for more info.

Isla San Jorge

2006-03-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

We've had a busy two weeks with school groups this spring break. Jefferson Community School from Port Townsend, Washington, and Realms of Inquiry from Salt Lake City joined us on a day excursion to Isla San Jorge. We censused and snorkeled with the many Sea Lions.

Bus tours

2006-02-16T14:10:00.000-07:00

The Bus Tours have begun their regular visits for our famous Natural History Talk. We are looking forward to a busy season of visitors from many parts of the world.

Los autobuses de turistas han comenzado sus visitas para escuchar nuestra famosa plática de historia natural. Esperamos mucha gente de diferentes partes del mundo durante esta temporada.

In Action Jan. 2006

2006-02-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

Our first eco-adventure of the year took tourists to the Pinacate biosphere reserve. Spectacular views of craters and raptors captivated everyone.

Nuestra primera eco-aventura fue a la Reserva de la Biosfera del Pinacate. Vistas espectaculares de cráteres y rapaces cautivaron a todos.

Field Notes

2006-02-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

Hem & Nadia get down and dirty while performing invertebrate sampling and find a Red Coachwhip snake sunning on the road.

Virtual roadblocks

2006-02-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

Lately we're having a lot of trouble with our server and maintaining our FTP connection long enough to update the CEDO web site or even to fix the link to the weather page updates. So until I can pin down someone from tech support long enough to answer my questions you can access the Puerto Penasco weather summaries in English here:
http://www.cedointercultural.org/Weather_report_E1.html

And in Spanish here:
http://www.cedointercultural.org/Weather_report_S1.html

Sunset at CEDO

2006-01-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

2 new eco-tours

2006-01-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

We're adding two brand-new eco-tours this spring.

WETLAND BIRD WALK
Saturday, February 18th 8-10am
Saturday, May 6th, 8-10am
Join CEDO’s birdwatchers for an exploration of the avian life of Estero Morua. A rich wintering ground for Sandpipers, Plovers, Terns, Gulls, Grebes, Loons, Godwits, Curlews, Dowitchers & more, Morua is the perfect place for beginner and experienced birders alike.
Cost: $10

DESERT DISCOVERY
Saturday, April 22nd 9-11am
Saturday, May 13th 8-10am
Enjoy a tranquil walk through CEDO’s Desert Botanical Gardens and nearby coastal desert. You’ll learn adaptations of desert plants and animals, identify tracks, holes and scat, and discover indigenous uses of plants. Perfect for families.
Cost: $10, kids under 5 free

Spring 2006 Eco-Tours

2006-01-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

Explore this ecologically distinct area in these natural history excursions of the desert & sea designed especially for you and your family. All activities start at the CEDO Environmental Science Center in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora.

For more information contact us at info@cedointercutural.org

ESTERO EXCURSIONS
March 4th Saturday, 10:00am - 12:30pm
April 15th Saturday, 8:30am - 11:00am
Experience the pristine beauty of Estero Morua's coastal wetland filled with crabs, oysters, birds and more! Cost: Adults $20, children under 12, $10.

TIDEPOOL EXPLORATIONS
March 18th Saturday, 8:30am - 10:30am
April 1st Saturday, 8:30am - 10:30am
April 29th Saturday, 7:30am - 9:30am
CEDO naturalists reveal secrets of the tidepools; we'll look for octopus, colorful anemones & more.
Cost: $15 adults, $10 kids under 12. Kids under 5 free!

KAYAK CAPERS
February 26th Sunday, 11:00am - 5:00pm
March 26th Sunday, 10:00am - 4:00pm
May 27th Saturday, 12:00pm - 5:30pm
For an even closer look at Estero Morua, come paddle alongside shorebirds, through inviting channels and mudflats. Each six hour tour includes: Expert guides, Local ecology talk, Full day kayak rental, Lunch and beverages. No experience necessary.
Age limit: 18 yrs.
Cost: $75 for members $85 for non-members

PINACATE PEREGRINATION
January 21st Saturday, 8:00am - 4:00pm
Explore the geologic wonders of the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve on a full-day tour with CEDO experts. Lunch included.
Cost: $65 adults

ISLA SAN JORGE SOJOURN
Visit Isla San Jorge (Bird Island) and get an up-close look at the abundant wildlife found on this rocky island, including tropicbirds & sea lions. This all-day eco-adventure includes an introductory slideshow and lecture about marine mammals, Gulf island ecology, and CEDO research.
Cost: $100 (Lunch included). Space is limited

DESTINATION DUNES
February 4th Saturday, 8:00am- 4:00pm.
A hiking tour of the spectacular Gran Desierto, the largest sand sea in North America, with expert guides.
Lunch included.
Cost: $40

A picture or two

2005-12-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

What's CEDO?

2005-12-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

CEDO is the acronym for the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans. We are a non-profit organization with administrative offices located in Tucson, AZ and a field research station located in Puerto Penasco, MEX.