Exploring Biodiversity and Giving Back: The Willows Service-Learning Trip to Costa Rica

Over spring break, a group of 30 Willows Middle School students had the unforgettable opportunity to travel to Costa Rica for a unique service-learning experience that combined environmental stewardship, cultural immersion, and hands-on science. Over the course of the trip, students learned from biologists, conservationists, and local community members to help support projects aimed at preserving the country’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty.

One of the highlights of the trip was working with Latin American Sea Turtles (LAST), a conservation organization dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles. Students participated in monitoring turtle populations—an essential step in understanding and supporting marine biodiversity. After a presentation by a biologist from LAST, the group helped with the physical task of turtle monitoring, which included measuring turtles, checking for parasites, and tagging any new ones caught. The team of students caught four turtles in total, including one green sea turtle that had not been tagged. It weighed 132 pounds and took four adults to carry the massive animal safely! For the students, this was their first time working directly with wildlife, making it a profound experience.

In addition to marine conservation, students contributed to a mangrove restoration project. Mangroves are crucial to coastal ecosystems—they stabilize shorelines, protect against erosion, and provide essential habitats for countless species. Students harvested mangrove bulbs and planted them in nutrient-rich soil, grouping them in clusters of three. Sixth and seventh graders helped measure existing seedlings, while eighth graders planted new ones and moved mature plants to more suitable locations. Watching their efforts take root, quite literally, was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact even small actions can have on the environment. Liz Stocksdale, Willows Middle School teacher and chaperone on the trip, commented, “They were all in the moment”—and it showed in the care and attention students gave to every step of the process.

The trip also included opportunities for cultural exchange and language learning. Local tour guides taught students basic Spanish phrases and shared their deep knowledge of Costa Rica’s ecosystems. Through these interactions, students gained a deeper appreciation not only for the natural world but also for the people who call it home.

Another stop on the journey was a visit to a chocolate farm and garden, where students learned about sustainable agriculture and the steps involved in turning raw cacao into the chocolate products we see in stores. It was a fascinating look at the intersection of farming, culture, and commerce.

The service-learning trip to Costa Rica offered students an incredible opportunity to learn beyond the classroom—through muddy hands, heavy lifting, and meaningful conversations. Whether it was measuring sea turtles, planting mangroves, or learning new words in Spanish, every experience added up to a greater understanding of what it means to be a responsible global citizen.