Virtual Field Trips

VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS

The cloud forest is not as far away as you might think. Video conferencing and internet communications, like Skype and Facetime, allow us to bring the cloud forest to you. During an interactive video conference, you get a chance to experience the beauty of this forest from your home location.

Topics can include: tropical wildlife, research, conservation, reforestation and climate change, or can be chosen based on interest. In addition, you will be able to speak directly to the scientists and conservationists of Cloudbridge.

We are happy to arrange a ½ hour to 1-hour video conference with students and other interested groups. Typical talks include: an introduction to the reserve and what we do (focusing on the topic of your choice), a showcase of whatever interesting wildlife our researchers have recently collected (like frogs, lizards and insects), and the opportunity to ask questions of Cloudbridge staff and a variety of international researchers.

There is no fee for virtual field trips. However, as Cloudbridge is a non-profit and operates on the generosity of donations, we do appreciate any support you can offer.  A minimum $40 donation is recommended for this experience.

To ask questions about the program or book a field trip, email research@cloudbridge.org. We hope to see you soon on one of our memorable virtual field trips!

Frog researcher showing off a frog (Craugastor crassidigitus) to Shanty Bay Public School’s grade 8 class in Ontario, Canada.
Frog researcher showing off a frog (Craugastor crassidigitus) to Shanty Bay Public School’s grade 8 class in Ontario, Canada.

Student Feedback

One of our past talks was with the fifth-grade class at Ralph R. Smith Elementary in Hyde Park, New York. The children watched and interacted with the presentation on a SmartBoard powered through an iPad, while Cloudbridge staff talked to the class over an iPhone on FaceTime.  Mrs. Ramsey, the teacher, later sent student comments about the experience.

Here are a few:

Me (Emma) and my class really appreciate the time you took out of your day to facetime us and tell us about the rainforest!!!! Thank you for everything! I never knew that there was a snake called the milk snake and I learned the difference between female frogs and male frogs. I really enjoyed it. My favorite part was when you guys told the story on how the spider monkey was peeking in your window!…I’m just so glad that you guys took time out of your busy schedule to talk to us, Thank you so, so much… Personally, I want to become a Biologist when I grow up! You guys are my inspiration…

Sincerely, Emma  ( :

Thank you for allowing our class to face time with you and showing us the frogs and grasshoppers you had.  I learned that the grasshopper can grow so big. I liked seeing the glass frog.  I learned that there are two seasons, dry and wet.  I enjoyed asking the question about seeing big snakes where you are.  Thank you for taking the time to face time with us, we really enjoyed it!

Sincerely, Sammy

This giant grasshopper is one of the interesting critters we have shown to kids over FaceTime.
This giant grasshopper is one of the interesting critters we have shown to kids over FaceTime.

Thank you for facetiming us and teaching us about Costa Rica, I learned that there is a snake called the milk snake. My favorite part was when you told us that you guys take flags and put a number on it and when you are done observing the frog you put the frog right back where you found it. I learned that a female frog is bigger than a male. I like how you do your work. I really enjoyed facetiming you guys.               

From, Abigail

Thank you for showing us the cloud forest in Costa Rica. I had a great time learning about the animals. My favorite thing I learned about was the crabs you saw in the forest. Hope you have a great time in the cloud forest!

Sincerely, Anthony

Some of the frogs in the reserve, like this Pristimantis ridens, can often be brought to video conferencing talks.
Some of the frogs in the reserve, like this Pristimantis ridens, can often be brought to video conferencing talks.

Find out more

Email research@cloudbridge.org with any questions, or to discuss program activities and dates.

Please visit our blog site for monthly updates and photos on our volunteers and researchers, their projects, and other activities at Cloudbridge Nature Reserve.