NATURE STUDY CAMP – 2017

NATURE STUDY CAMP TO MATHIKETTAN SHOLA NATIONAL PARK -2017

The department of zoology conducted a 3 days Nature Study Camp to Mathikettan Shola National Park, Idukki for the 2nd B.Sc. Zoology students from 17th to 19th November 2017. The camp was sponsored by the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department and the Rotary Club, Kochi. A total of 35 students accompanied by two teachers, Dr. Reema Kuriakose and Dr. Meera Jan Abraham and 3 coordinators Mr. Venu Variath, Mr M.S Vinod and Mr. Renjith Kumar participated in the camp. The camp started from the college on 13th January with the blessings from the director of the college Rev. Dr. Sr. Vinitha.

En route to the National park there was a quick stop at the Cheyyapara waterfalls and the Organic Spice Garden. By evening the students reached their destination and the camp started with a formal function. Forest officers Mr. Jayaprakash, Advocate Baburaj and Dr.Rajan P, a wildlife Biologist were also present. The programme for the day concluded with a session where the students got a chance to introduce them and to express their expectation regarding the next day trekking.

The second day started with a morning walk, “nature walk”. This was followed by trekking through the evergreen forests of Mathikettan Shola National park. Guiding the students were Dr.Rajan P and two forest officers who were able to enlighten the students with their first hand experience. The Shola forest consists of thick evergreen forests, dry grasslands and mountains. The day concluded with a presentation by Dr. Rajan P on biodiversity followed by a fun session with skits and games by the students. And thus concluded the second day by laying out an outline for the camp newspaper.

The third day once again began with the refreshing morning walk along the narrow paths of the cardamom plantations. The camp concluded by afternoon.