This morning, Thursday, March 12, we found that we had to be flexible with our plans. We were initially planning on making our second and final visit to the San Cristobal community, but due to the growing fear of the COVID-19 virus we decided that it would be better for us and the community if only a few group members went back to San Cristobal. Luckily, the day before we were able to collect the majority of the data that we needed and there were only a few more measurements that needed to be collected.
While John, Alysha, and Jessica went back to San Cristobal to do the final data collection, the rest of us stayed back at the student center to get a jump start on our data analysis and prepare our supplies/samples for the trip back home. Even with the unforeseen obstacles and changes in our plans, we ended up having a very productive morning.
We were able to compile a master spreadsheet for all the data that we had collected for both the Valle Escondido and San Cristobal communities. We prepared our water samples to be transported back to Minnesota by labeling and sealing the sample containers.
Lastly, we set aside the equipment that we would be leaving behind with the San Cristobal community so that the students in the community could continue to monitor the pH and conductivity of the water. We also left behind rain gauges for the students to monitor and record the amount of water the community receives from rainfall.
Once we completed with the collection, organization and initial analysis of our data we were all ready for a lunch break. We ended up eating lunch at the student center rather than with the San Cristobal community as initially planned. After recharging with a little lunch and relaxation we were all ready for our next excursion to the coral reef restoration.
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Shelby G.
