Forestry 306

What to bring

1. A sturdy, comfortable pair of hiking boots that you have used before (i.e. don’t buy a pair and expect to use them for the first time in Dominica).
2. Lightweight long pants for hiking and forest work; rip-stop quick-dry material is best.
3. Rain jacket or poncho.
4. A hat that will work to keep either sun or rain out of your eyes.
5. Sunglasses.
6. Sandals.
7. A bathing suit. There will be several opportunities for swimming after hikes and we will also be snorkeling, so make sure the suit is appropriate for these activities.
8. A day pack. The fanny pack style (rides on the hips) is more comfortable in the steamy tropics, though a back pack holds more.
9. Extra glasses/contacts if you wear them.
10. Small alarm clock or wrist-watch with an alarm.
11. A flashlight with good batteries. You can bring any size flashlight, but the smaller it is the easier it is to carry.
12. Two one-Liter water bottles (you’ll need them on longer hikes)
13. Notebook and pens/pencils for a field notes.
14. Zip-lock bags of various sizes. I suggest the 1 quart, 1 gallon, and 2.5 gallon size (a few of each). It rains a lot in Dominica, and if you don’t want something to get wet, just store it properly.
15. Sunscreen.
16. A small, personal first aid kit. The most useful items are band-aids, antibiotic ointment, anti-itch/rash medicine, analgesics, and whatever prescription medications you may be taking.

Optional but highly recommended

1. Binoculars. If you don't already have binoculars, you may want to look at Eagle Optics (e.g., Denali models for around $200). Bring waterproof binoculars if possible; also helpful to have a close close-focus for both birds and insects. There will be one or two pairs of course binoculars available, but it is preferable to have your own if possible. This is essential gear for any field naturalist.
2. Digital camera. If you have one or are inclined to get one, it will be very useful both for coursework (we will be collecting images of plants and animals encountered in biodiversity surveys), and for your own use. A model that can take very close (macro) images is most useful for use with insect and plant specimens. We will also be using digital recording devices to record bird songs; if you already have one these this would also be a welcome addition.
3. Insect repellent. Mosquitoes aren’t too bad in Dominica, but they are around.
4. Earplugs. They can come in very handy in bunk bed situations, but also on airplanes.
5. Snacks. If you get hungry between meals, I suggest bringing 5-10 energy bars (e.g., Power Bars, Cliff Bars, or the like).