Dear Alumni Family,

In 2004, Pitzer College received the rare gift of an ocean side property in Costa Rica from a friend of the College, Diane Firestone. The Firestone Center for Restoration Ecology is a site for research, teaching and learning for Pitzer College. I was lucky enough to go there in March 2008 with Carol Brandt, Vice President of International Programs and Study Abroad and see first hand how Pitzer is changing the world through this center.

In March of 2009, a group of 18 people will be the first Pitzer alumni to experience the Firestone Center as a group. The vast property features rainforest, bamboo forest, 5 ponds, wildlife including Capuchin Monkeys, Sloths, Toucans, Coatis, Poison Dart Frogs and so much more. Faculty will teach the alumni in this unique environment and provide hands on learning experiences including frog counting, tree planting, water sampling, butterfly observation, petroglyph study and much more.

Costa Rica is tranquil, beautiful and lush with unsurpassed plant and animal life. The Pacific Ocean provides a spectacular backdrop to the Firestone Center. Surfing, ziplining, climbing waterfalls and volcano hikes are just a few of the adventures available to alumni during the trip. We will have a variety of options for accommodations for you to choose from and plenty of choices of activities throughout the week so that you can pursue your interests.

Check out my photo slide show and blog and email me if you are interested in going to Costa Rica next year. [alumni@pitzer.edu] Even though it is a year away, it’s not too early to start preparing for this trip. Stay tuned to this web site, we’ll be adding registration materials and travel/packing tips over the coming weeks.

You can read my Costa Rican diary by clicking here.

Looking forward to the Costa Rica Alumni Trip 2009!

Jean Grant
Director of Alumni Relations