Adventures in Mexican Flora and Fungi Feb. 4 - Mar. 8
Cedar Hesse and I, (Peter Stocking) will be exploring Mexico by motorcycle (it was our idea long before the movie came out). This trip has been a long-standing reward for completion of our undergraduate academics. Cedar received a double major in botany and biology and I received a double degree in botany and BioResource Research (undergraduate research and thesis project) from Oregon State University. Our primary goals are to experience the native cultures and learn about their use of local flora and mycota. Although we are both interested in ethno-biology, we are also interested in ecological restoration of natural habitats. The purpose of this letter is to solicit contacts in Mexico that may be able to provide us with work (paid or unpaid) related to these areas of study. We would prefer to dedicate 3-5 days to each project rather than single day projects (where half of the day would be lost to training). We will have off-road tires on our motorcycles, so no journey is too rugged. Full-sized backpacks, camping gear, and outdoor skills will allow us to hike in and camp anywhere if remote assignments are requested. Cedar is fairly proficient in Spanish and I've had a year of Spanish training. Early in the trip (~ 4th- 8th Feb.), I'll be taking immersion language classes for a high-powered Spanish refresher. Following that, our schedules are open with the exception of the 18th-25th of Feb. when will be doing work with the Tarahumaras. Among the many beautiful areas to explore, we are very interested in experiencing the cloud forests of Oaxaca and possibly some coastal ecosystems. Generally, the only areas we would prefer to avoid are those surrounding larger metropolises and the Yucatan Peninsula because of time restrictions. The best way to contact us prior to the 4th of Feb. would be through email. Contact information for possible destinations/assignments can be sent to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] & [EMAIL PROTECTED] We will periodically check email in Mexico whenever possible, but voice messages can be left at (541)-456-2226 (msg only). Thanks for your time and help, Peter Stocking Cedar Hesse
