Biology students from Columbia Adventist Academy in Battle Ground, Washington, celebrated the reopening of Walla Walla University’s Rosario Marine Biology Station in Anacortes, Washington, as the first school group to visit since the start of the pandemic. The result was an incredible experience exploring the amazing creatures of the ocean and the opportunity to learn more about their Creator.
Every year, CAA sophomores look forward to the trip as integral and adventurous part of their biology curriculum. Bringing this tradition back, following last year's cancellation due to the pandemic ,was a true high point of the school year.
Students spent time in muddy, sandy-cobble and rocky tidepools while taking part in Rosario's field research. “It was a good opportunity to bond with classmates," says student, Marcos Cartegena. "[We] learned not just about birds, but about other organisms like barnacles that I didn’t know too much about."
Chaplain Aaron Payne guided spiritual reflection time around evening campfire worships. One such evening was spent listening to the life experiences, wisdom and beautiful testimony of Joe Galusha, WWU professor emeritus of biology.
There were many other highlights including a night observing tubeworms and barnacle gardens as well as bioluminescence in jellyfish and plankton. Caryn Earl, CAA's registrar, helped students find 68 different species of birds, including a peregrine falcon. Jesse Umbert, a WWU graduate student at Rosario, showed students his work tracking octopuses for research. To the great delight of the students, he also introduced three of his octopuses.
Other highlights included challenging group activities, great food prepared by volunteers Verna Ames and Patti Gilliland, solo reflection at the beach, unmasking in the state parks, lots of social time and very little sleep.
Students even enjoyed putting away their phones. Rachel Swanson says, “Honestly the thought of not having my phone wasn’t too great, but it was awesome to be off the grid and really enjoying nature.” Student Grace Fulton also benefited, “I think the thing I learned most was how much I don’t need my phone and that I feel happier without it."
Stephanie Benna, CAA biology teacher, says, “the students came back to school wishing that we were still at Rosario enjoying the scenery and spending time together as a class. This was a great opportunity for our students and a perfect way to learn how to complete field studies. We had a lot of fun, and I can't wait for next year!”
“I learned a lot about marine organisms," says student Jessica Hubach. "I would rate this trip a 14 million out of 10.”
Biology students pause from their birding at Fort Casey State Park.
Evening devotion on the beach at Rosario.
Marine inventory research at Deception Pass State Park.
Jesse Umbert shares octopus research with students.
Chaplain Aaron Payne tries a different kind of marine sampling.
