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Participating students and staff will learn how something as common, and as well known, as the Monarch butterfly means something different to each of us depending on the context and our experiences. The main objectives of this short-term course will be to:
- Learn first hand how migratory Monarch butterflies in Mexico interact with their over wintering habitat in an ecologically unique manner.
- Observe Monarch butterfly sanctuaries in the field to gain an appreciation of their interactions with local culture and communities, and
- Examine on-site the growing conflict between conservation efforts to preserve the dwindling Monarch butterfly habitats, and the mounting social pressures from surrounding communities to clear timber on the reserves for economic purposes.
The course will take place December 28th, 2007 to January 6th 2008 over winter break (during the holidays between Fall and Spring semesters) in Mexico City and in the communities surrounding the reserves that make up the Monarch butterfly winter sanctuary.
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