The 2005 All Girls Expedition in Puerto Rico.
Photo: C. Barnes © Project Exploration

"Nature makes me forget about all of the noise and frustration in life—to hear the birds and feel the wind makes you feel like nothing could be any better." Jennifer

Through tropical downpours, muddy trails, and razor sharp grass, Project Exploration's All Girls Expedition spent ten successful days in the Puerto Rican rainforest.

Working alongside scientists, the team contributed to two ongoing research projects: assisting Dr. Sally Silverstone in her work on sustainable hardwood harvesting, and gathering data for a University of Puerto Rico study on the local nocturnal coqui (frog) populations.

The team spent two weeks in Chicago preparing for the field. The girls learned about Puerto Rican history and culture through the Puerto Rican Cultural Center and rainforest botany with the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance. Finally, they honed their data collection skills with Friends of the Chicago River.

When in Puerto Rico, the girls did so much more than just develop their science skills. They faced the everyday challenges of living in the rainforest. Lizards were a common guest in their platform tents, insects and frogs sang all night long, and everything was muddy all the time.

For city legs used to Chicago topography, the hilly, slippery slopes of the rainforest required some getting used to. Mudfights, high spirits, and the amazing scenery helped the girls make it through. Now back in Chicago, the team will be working on developing a final presentation to share their experiences with other young people and their communities.

The 2005 All Girls Expedition was run in partnership with Earthwatch Institute and the Young Women's Leadership Charter School of Chicago.

• For more information about other All Girls Expeditions, click here.
  
• To learn about Sisters4Science, click here.