Amy Kvalseth | Saturday, May 16, 2015
“Become a "citizen-scientist" in India!”
The experience requires more that 1500 characters to review properly, but the highlight was the combination of scientific work with interaction with the villagers and experiencing the countryside. it was not a strenuous expedition with hiking, in fact, we were driven to the various sites,but it was an intense experience watching for, identifying, and counting certain pollinators; counting blossoms, buds and leaves on specified parts of apple tree branches; and identifying and counting plants on a forest floor. Identification of pollinators and flora was a joint effort as we learned in the field.
Accommodations were adequate with fabulous views, but cold in April, as rooms were not heated, except for a small space heater. Food was good Indian food, with an occasional nod to Western tastes with fish, French fries, or pizza.
The scientists, who accompanied us in the field, and the Earthwatch representative, with very accommodating. All were more than ready to educate and to answer all questions, including detailed ones on flora and pollinators posed to the scientists and ones on Indian culture and customs that the Earthwatch representative enthusiastically answered.
Flexibility is required as travel from Delhi to the Kullu Valley is weather and flight dependent, but for us, the change in plans that involved a lengthy drive and an extra overnight before reaching our goal only added to our experience of India. Obtaining the visa: frustrating, but well worth it! Try it!