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How Christmas Cheer Is Rooted in the Wild

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Each holiday season, poinsettias adorn our homes, workplaces, and parties with their vibrant red and green leaves. They are the world’s most economically important potted plant, and our holidays are more joyful thanks to this gift from the forest.

Here are some ways that wild populations of undomesticated poinsettias play a crucial role in protecting both the species, the poinsettia industry, and our holiday season:

Genetic diversity: Wild poinsettias harbor a wider range of genes compared to their domesticated counterparts. This genetic diversity is essential for the species’ long-term survival and adaptability. It allows them to withstand environmental changes, such as diseases, pests, and climate shifts, that could potentially wipe out domesticated varieties with less genetic variation. Wild populations in Mexico and Guatemala are well known by scientists. By preserving additional wild populations (pictured above) in El Salvador, Paso Pacífico and our donors safeguard this valuable genetic reservoir that can be used to breed more resilient and disease-resistant poinsettias for the industry.

Disease resistance: Wild poinsettias have evolved natural defenses against diseases that can devastate cultivated poinsettias. Studying these resistance mechanisms can lead to the development of new pest and disease control methods for the industry, reducing reliance on harmful pesticides and ensuring a more sustainable production system.

Cross-breeding potential: Breeders can introduce valuable traits from wild poinsettias into cultivated varieties through cross-breeding. This can lead to the development of new poinsettia cultivars with improved characteristics, such as disease resistance, cold tolerance, or unique flower colors and shapes. This not only benefits the industry by offering a wider range of products to consumers but also helps diversify the gene pool of cultivated poinsettias, making them more resilient.

Conservation of pollinators: Wild poinsettias provide essential food and habitat for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. These pollinators are crucial for the reproduction of both wild and cultivated poinsettias. By protecting wild poinsettia populations, we indirectly contribute to the conservation of these vital pollinators, which benefit not only the poinsettia industry but also the entire ecosystem.

Ecological balance: Wild poinsettias play a role in maintaining the ecological balance of their native habitats. They provide food and shelter for animals, help prevent soil erosion, and contribute to nutrient cycling. Protecting these wild populations ensures the health of the ecosystems they inhabit, which can have cascading benefits for the environment and even human well-being.

In conclusion, the most resplendent flowers of our holiday season depend on the dry tropical forest! Wild populations of undomesticated poinsettias act as a valuable insurance policy for both the species and the poinsettia industry. By protecting them, Paso Pacífico donors help safeguard the genetic diversity and natural resilience of poinsettias, promote sustainable production practices, and contribute to the health of the ecosystems they inhabit. This ensures the long-term survival of these beautiful plants so that generations to come can keep enjoying poinsettias at Christmastime.

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The great false vampire bat (Vampyrum spectrum) is the largest bat in the New World, and the largest carnivorous bat in the world. It can look scary when its wings are extended. 

Kim Williams-Guillen and Merlin Tuttle hold a great false vampire bat

Notice the word “false”? Because this bat doesn’t suck blood, it’s not a true vampire bat. But it is carnivorous, which means that it can eat a LOT of insect pests and other small mammals, including rodents. This bat is good for ecosystems!

Sadly, it is also threatened — presumably due to loss of habitat.

But what is its habitat? Up until recently, we didn’t really know much about its way of life. This is where donors like you came in.

Biologists Marlon Chávez-Velázques and Carol Chambers with a great false vampire bat from the roost
Carol Chambers with a great false vampire bat from the roost

With the support of donors like you, in 2017, we assisted Dr. Carol Chambers and Nicaraguan graduate student José Gabriel Martínez-Fonseca, both from Northern Arizona University, as they worked through long nights to locate a vampire bat colony. First, they captured a female false vampire in their non-harming nets and placed a radio-collar on it. Then, they used radio telemetry to hone in on a hollow 40 feet up in a tree. They climbed up, and in there they found the bat, along with its whole family! This was the first roost of this species documented in Nicaragua.

The researchers returned in October 2023. Thanks to your support, Paso Pacífico team members assisted them once again. And guess what?! The bat family was still there! Here they are.

This discovery is the first of its its kind for this charismatic and threatened bat species. Friends and donors like you help make it possible for us to collaborate with scientists like Dr. Chambers and the newly graduated Dr. Jose Gabriel Martinez-Fonseca. Thank you!

One thing we have learned is that roosting trees can serve as permanent homes to vampire bats. To protect bats, we must save large, old trees.

The tree in this study stands within the agricultural and forest matrix of the Paso del Istmo Wildlife Corridor. Because you helped us to support farmers in protecting this tree and forests across the corridor, this bat and its family, are still happily living there six years later.

You — and other donors like you — are helping bats and returning our world to its natural beauty.

You love bats like we do. They are the only mammals that can fly in the sky. And I know it can seem like supporting niche conservation research can seem like it isn’t that big of a deal.  But it’s meaningful to Mother Nature. It’s meaningful to you and me. And it makes our shared world better, a little bit at a time

Thank you for caring about bats. Your generosity is an inspiration. And of course, if you’d like to help another bat today, you can click here.

P.S. If you’d like to learn more, see this 2017 video and this 2023 video from Dr. José Gabriel Martínez-Fonseca, who co-led the project. And to help our research continue, you can always make a gift today.

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Guest post by Dayspring Pens

Dayspring Pens is proud to partner with Paso Pacífico through a donation of 40 engraved pens. It is an honor to be able to donate to an organization that works so diligently to protect and restore the endangered dry tropical forest and coastal ecosystems of Mesoamerica’s Pacific Slope.

Paso Pacífico works with local communities, landowners, and partner organizations to address the most urgent conservation needs of the Pacific Slope and innovate solutions that are truly sustainable. We hope that our donation of pens can show the respect and appreciation we hold for those who are vital to Paso Pacífico’s work.

Located in Virginia Beach, Dayspring Pens specializes in crafting one of a kind, luxury gift pens made unique with custom engraving. Each of the engraved pens donated features the logo of Paso Pacífico. It is our great wish that the pens will do some good to help this incredible charity as they help integrate and iterate real community-based conservation to the ecosystems of Mesoamerica’s Pacific Slope.

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Have you heard of World Ocean Day?

World Ocean Day is a global day to dedicated to the ocean, climate conservation, and activism. It was originally proposed by Canada at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The United Nations General Assembly officially recognized June 8th as World Oceans Day in 2008 after a four-year petition drive and years of groups holding events to promote the movement.

World Ocean Day began in Ventura, California in 2019 as an event organized by Paso Pacífico. We called it World Oceans Day Ventura. The event took place on June 7th, 2019 in Ventura Harbor and brought awareness to us as a local nonprofit as well as spread awareness around ocean conservation and appreciation for it. The event was hugely successful, with an estimated 150 guests, and included activities such as live music and booths arranged by other local nonprofits. This set the stage for an annual World Ocean Day celebration in Ventura, but plans were derailed by the global pandemic.

This year, World Oceans Day Ventura is back as World Ocean Day Ventura! We have partnered with the Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club and their Ventura Outrigger Challenge race to celebrate the ocean at Ventura Harbor’s Harbor Beach Cove on Saturday, June 10th. The Challenge, a regional canoe racing competition, will be happening in the water as our event takes place on shore. Down the sand from Harbor Cove Beach, Hokuloa will also be having vendor booths, food, and a beer garden.

We are so excited to be holding our event on the same day as the Outrigger challenge, as Hokuloa’s mission is deeply rooted in appreciation and connection with Polynesian and Hawaiian culture and the ocean. The outrigger race taking place during our World Ocean Day event will fuel our energy around protecting and cherishing our oceans, and will also provide awesome entertainment for those on shore. We are so thrilled for our partner event to be the Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club!


The event will be held on June 10 at Harbor Cove Beach in Ventura from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm. The day-long event will feature live music, games, ocean-oriented non-profits, and an incredible view of the Challenge’s exciting canoe races. The Challenge, our partner event, will also have food, a beer garden, and vendor booths to explore. It is sure to be a day of fun in the beautiful sun, celebrating our ocean. Visit the event website to learn more and find extra ways to participate! Thank you for your support.

World Ocean Day Ventura Logo

Story by Daisy Cunningham. Top photo by Nick Jackson.

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World Female Ranger Week starts today, June 23rd, and ends on June 30th. Organizers of this special week interviewed five of our women sea turtle rangers as part of their mission to “amplify the world of female rangers around the world.” We hope you’ll consider donating to our World Female Ranger Week fundraiser to support the work of these amazing women! Hear from them below. 

Liessi Calero exhuming sea turtle eggs at a local beach.

Liessi Calero became a Paso Pacífico ranger because she loves nature and believes that more people should dedicate themselves to wildlife conservation. Her favorite part of her job is getting to work with turtles. 

“I really like it when we release sea turtles into the ocean and hold workshops to exchange ideas. I also love the turtle births and the release of hatchlings,” said Liessi.

Liesse added that her job as a ranger has allowed her to make a bigger financial contribution to her family. 

“My family is very happy with what I do in my work because, being in an area where there is a lot of trafficking of turtle eggs, they tell me that what we do makes a difference.” Support Liessi’s work here.

Darling Delgado exhuming a sea turtle nest.

Darling Delgado, also a ranger for Paso Pacífico, said that her work as a turtle ranger has inspired children in the community, including her own kids.

“I have nieces, nephews, siblings, and children who are motivated by my work to protect the turtles. They like my work and aspire to be rangers,” said Darling.

Since she’s started working for Paso Pacífico, two of Darling’s own children have become Junior Rangers.

“My community feels very happy because we motivate children to protect animals. My family feels happy because I have learned so much about turtles compared to when I first started,” said Darling. Support Darling’s work here.

Karen Lacayo photographed here with a sea turtle.

Karen Lacayo became interested in a ranger career after attending a series of environmental workshops.

“The example we give to others, especially children, of our commitment and love of nature is a fundamental way to raise awareness of the importance of conserving our flora and fauna,” said Karen.

Like Darling, Karen said that the kids in the community, especially girls, are inspired by their work.

“Many girls who study environmental education with us and collaborate with our beach cleanups say they want to be a ranger when they grow up.” Support Karen’s work here.

Miladys Rodriguez (left) with Junior Rangers for World Tree Day.

Miladys Rodriguez became a ranger to share the importance of protecting the environment.

“It makes me happy that certain children have approached me to tell me that they want to be rangers when they grow up.”

Miladys also said that adults have approached her wanting to be part of the Paso Pacífico team. As a result, they’ve gotten involved in environmental activities.

“With the help of the Paso Pacífico team, I was able to improve my skills and confidence by being involved with them.” Support Miladys’ work here.

Sea turtle ranger Elena Vargas releasing sea turtles with Junior Rangers.

Elena Vargas became a Paso Pacífico ranger after realizing that the ecosystems around her weren’t being protected.

“I realized the richness and variety of our ecosystems, but also that we weren’t preserving them and they were being destroyed and at risk of extinction. At that moment, I fell in love with it,” said Elena.

She added that the community approaches the rangers in times of need.

“The community approaches us sometimes when they need help, because they know that we will do our best to help them. What we do is for the good of our people, our community, and our children,” said Elena. “All we do is for the well-being of Mother Earth because we want to see that our children play and that they continue to breathe fresh air.” Support Elena’s work here.

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Paso Pacifico rangers kicked off Global Big Day across twenty-two locations with fifty enthusiastic citizen scientists. From dusk to dawn, the rangers documented a total of 233 species!

Global Big Day is an opportunity for bird enthusiasts across the globe to participate in citizen science. Founded in 2015, this celebration of birds has continued in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic, with some adjustments, of course.

With various supplemental apps and countless species to see, participating in Global Big Day may feel intimidating as a novice birder. But there’s good news: birding gets easier the more you do it. And with our helpful guide below, you’ll be on your way to becoming a birder at ease.

Why Citizen Science Matters

Citizen science can be described as the general public participating in scientific research. In this case, it plays an important role in helping scientists learn more about birds, but general citizen science is cool for more reasons than one.

First, it means people are engaged and interested in being conscientious citizens. Input from everyday citizens can help scientists understand more about the subject they are studying, whether it be plants, water, or in our case, birds! 

Second, anyone can participate. There’s no deep knowledge of the subject required. A genuine curiosity is sufficient reason to get involved.

Third, citizen science benefits everyone. Whether it be known to participants or not, their involvement is part of a larger movement which will help shed light on important issues.

How to Celebrate Global Big Day

There are a few things you can do to prepare for Global Big Day.

Get on eBird: eBird is a free online application used by millions of birders worldwide. The program, made by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, serves as a constantly updating database that compiles citizen science data to help scientists understand the status of birds. You don’t have to be a professional birder to make an account, but your data uploads will help scientists get a better understanding of what’s happening.

Get some practice in before Global Big Day: Familiarizing yourself with the app before Global Big Day can help save you some trouble. You can use the app any time of year to help document the birds you see. After you’ve downloaded the app on your phone or opened a window tab, enter your sightings via the website or the mobile app.

Find a group or bird alone on Global Big Day: No matter your location, there’s likely a few birding groups in your area that would be happy to gain a new member. Birding alone can be fun, but birding with others that are familiar with the species in your area can also be a great learning experience. Check out the Audubon Society in your town.

How to Support Paso Pacifico on Global Big Day

If you aren’t able to participate in Global Big Day next year, you can still show your enthusiasm for birds by supporting Paso Pacifico rangers and Junior Rangers! Our team gathers citizen scientists every year to help in the bird count, and you can feel good knowing that your donations are making a difference in the lives of youth and protectors of the environment.

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Donors like you are the backbone of Paso Pacifico. Without you, none of Paso Pacifico’s work would be possible. We wanted to start off the year right by thanking you and reviewing some of the year’s accomplishments.

January: A record number of Junior Rangers were enrolled in the Junior Ranger program (160), and our team and communities celebrated the 7th annual Christmas bird count.

February: Scientific American featured the InvestEGGator, funded by donors like you, on their podcast 60-Second Science. Listen to it here.

March: Rangers went out on patrol to document primate behaviors and movements, with support from donors like you, the Apenheul Zoo, and Zoo Boise!

April: With your support, our team continued parrot protection efforts in Nicaragua and El Salvador and saw an increase in communal roosts with more than 50 parrots together at a time. Read more about it here.

May: A boy named Charlie from Connecticut helped crowdfund for our fake decoy eggs. Charlie and his friends raised enough for the creation of 13 InvestEGGator eggs!

June: Paso Pacifico took part in the City Nature Challenge and identified over 141 species! Our team also participated in Global Big Day and documented 41 species on eBird.

July: We told you the story of our Junior Rangers who helped stop a poacher and saved two birds! Read more about their heroic efforts here.

August: Our executive director visited the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Center, where Tom White has led efforts to save endemic parrots from extinction for the past two decades.

September: 700 participants removed 2.75 tons of trash from beaches in Central America during the International Coastal Cleanup! Also, donors like you exceeded our midyear fundraising goal and gave $12,000 to help our long-suffering rangers get new computers and other sorely needed technology. Thank you.

October: Our team celebrated the October 2021 Global Big Day with 46 volunteers, including 11 Junior Rangers. A Junior Ranger named Sofia said she loved Global Big Day because she saw birds that she “couldn’t have ever imagined before in [her] life.” In total, the team recorded 276 bird species!

November: With your support, the Paso Pacífico team participated in the first ever Festival Regional Loros Mesoamericanos, hosting three different contests and a celebration of Mesoamerica’s brilliant parrots.

December: Donors raised nearly $60,000 to help children join the Junior Ranger program, which helps save nature and wildlife in Central America. Thank you!

From the bottom of our hearts, we wanted to wish you a Happy New Year! Thank you for supporting us through and through.

 

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Estamos muy emocionados de compartir las siguientes imágenes de una celebración realizada para honrar a los ganadores del primer Festival de Loros.

Los Junior Rangers participaron en tres categorías diferentes: dibujó, historietas y meme. Los ganadores de las tres categorías recibieron un certificado para celebrar su logro. Los ganadores del concurso también fueron premiados con una botella reutilizable y una gorra con un logo personalizado.

Para leer sobre los ganadores del festival, haga clic aquí.

Para leer sobre los requisitos del festival, haga clic aquí.

 

¡Felicitaciones a todos los participantes y ganadores que mostraron su pasión por los loros!

 

We are so excited to share the following pictures from a celebration held to honor the winners of the first Loros Festival.

The Junior Rangers participated in 3 different categories: drawing, comic and meme. The winners of the three categories were presented with a certificate to celebrate their achievement. The winners of the competition were also awarded with a reusable water bottle and a cap with a customized logo.

To read about the winners of the festival, click here.

To read about the requirements for the festival, click here.

 

Congratulations to all the participants and winners who showed their passion for parrots!

 

 

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Paso Pacifico celebró el Primer Festival Regional Loros Mesoamericanos y queríamos compartir los siguientes ganadores de concursos! Para leer más sobre la competencia y sus requisitos, lea nuestro blog de hace unas semanas. Felicitaciones a todos los que participaron y compartieron su hermoso trabajo.

Paso Pacifico held the first Regional Mesoamerican Parrots Festival and we wanted to share the following contest winners! To read more about the competition and its requirements, read our blog from a few weeks ago here. Congratulations to everyone who participated and shared their beautiful work.

Concurso de Dibujos

Drawing Competition

Primer lugar/First place: Jeshua Umaña

Segundo lugar/Second place: Mayela Navarrete

 

Concurso de Historietas

Comic Competition

Primer lugar/First place: Jonhskar Manuel Rodriguez

Segundo lugar/Second place: Paulina Franchesca Acevedo

Concurso de Memes

Meme Competition

Primer lugar/First place: Saymi Lisbeth Jimenez Lopez

Segundo lugar/Second place: Carolay Jorlene Rodríguez Sota

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Reader, we come to you with some exciting and extraordinary news! This Saturday, October 16, Paso Pacífico’s InvestEGGator will be featured on The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation with Mo Rocca. We hope you’ll tune in and spread the word to help others learn about our unique and life-saving technology.

Our executive director Dr. Sarah Otterstrom and conservation scientist Dr. Kim Williams-Guillén were interviewed about our remarkable technology that is helping save sea turtles! We couldn’t be more thankful to our donors for supporting us on our journey. From science articles to our GlobalGiving campaign to being on this show, you’ve been with us all along and for that, we are so grateful.

The Innovation Nation segment was filmed at our office in Ventura, CA, and Kim’s farm in Michigan where the eggs are produced. We’re excited to let you see our work from a new perspective.

For many of you, our InvestEGGator project is familiar. Between the GlobalGiving reports and newsletters, we’ve kept you posted on our efforts to monitor sea turtle trafficking. For many, however, Saturday will be their first time hearing about our project, and it’s all thanks to supporters like you!

Remember, spreading the word about our television appearance will help us catapult our project’s impact. The show episode will be posted on YouTube a few days after the initial airing date so you can spread our story far and wide!

Though we are excited at the prospect of reaching new audiences and possible supporters, we acknowledge that none of this would have been possible without the current support of donors like you. The InvestEGGator rose out of necessity and passion for sea turtles, and has since been fueled by our passionate donors who want to see baby sea turtles survive and thrive.

For Los Angeles, please tune in to CBS2 or KCAL9 at 7:30 a.m. Pacific time on Saturday, October 16th. Check your local listings to tune in with us!

Update: Here’s the video! Thank you to Innovation Nation for featuring our work.

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