Student Blogger: Wyanna S
Today, December 15, we were taken to the Asa Wright Nature Center. Before 1967 the center was just a plantation owner’s home up in the mountains where they grew the three most common crops of Trinidad; cocoa, coffee, and citrus. In the 51 years since then, they have become one of the most popular wildlife conservation centers in the world and home to some of the most exotic and beautiful birds, reptiles, and flowers I have ever seen. The Center has miles and miles of trails to walk to get a chance to see the interesting creatures that reside there.
Our group was taken 1.5 miles down the Discovery Trail to see what birds and vegetation we could find. Walking down the trail you could really feel just how fresh and clean the air was and there was an incredible sense of serenity listening to the birds call out from the trees. Our guide was extremely passionate and really wanted us all to have a great time while learning about the animals and plants there. Overall, visiting the Asa Wright Nature Center was an amazing experience. We were all able to learn so much and see beautiful creatures. As an Animal Science major, although the experience wasn’t directly related to my major, I was happy to learn so much about the wildlife at the Center! It was a once in a lifetime experience that none of us will forget!
P.s To all our families,
we are having a wonderful time and Kelly and Mary are taking great care of us! Love and miss you all!

Student Blogger: Peyton P
Today is December 15th and we visited Mr. Selwyn’s fruit and vegetable farm. He grows avocados, coconuts, papaya, pumpkins, and different kinds of citrus. I learned a lot from Mr. Selwyn about the production of his crops and some of us were able to help him in grafting avocado trees. He uses grafting to combine the traits of native avocados that are more disease resistant to a better fruit bearing variety. His farm consists of 47 acres and he works very hard to maintain and produce good crops. Mr. Selwyn was very comedic, even asking if we could have a fiesta if he ever came up to Ohio. Although comedic, Mr. Selwyn is a very smart, educated, and hard working man. He explained the processes of what he does to be a successful farmer such as grafting and getting his trees to cross pollinate. As a Plant Pathology major I really enjoyed this visit and had an in depth talk with Selwyn about GMOs and soil nutrients. We finished off the visit with Selwyn cutting off the tops of coconuts for us to drink the sweet liquid inside. Overall we had a great visit to his farm, learning a lot and making friends along the way.
Mr Selwyn explaining cross pollination.
Mr Selwyn cutting coconuts
Teaching us about grafting avocado plants.
Grafting our own plants.
Mr Selwyn has a great farm operation!
