Curatorial collaboration

Preservation of Ohio Wesleyan Student Research Park, public impact in Chile

By Cole Hatcher

Name: Alena Arnold ’23
Hometown: Ashland, Ohio
Majors: Environmental sciences and biology
Minor: Sociology-Anthropology

Name: Jonathan Munroe ’24
Hometown: Kirkwood, Mo.
Major: Geography
Minor: Musical performances (violin)

OWU Login Experience: A grant-funded journey from theory to practice in Chile to collectively explore “Chile’s ‘Parks Route’: A Public-Private Conservation Model” and conduct individual research.

Alena Arnold ’23 and Jonathan Munroe ’24 traveled to Chile for almost two weeks in December and January with William Hayes, associate chaplain and director of the Wilderness Ministry for Ohio Wesleyan, who wrote the university-funded book Theory to Practice Fellowship (TPG).

Of the experience, Hayes said: “Being in Patagonia and seeing it firsthand is something difficult to describe – from the scale of the landscapes we encountered to the range of experiences we had with the land. and people. We learned about the history of conservation in this place in a way that we wouldn’t get from a book or through a screen. I am so grateful to have had this experience with these students.

Collaborative research

Arnold: “Our study of conservation in the region consisted of two main elements: The first was to visit the national parks that make up Chile’s “Parks Route” along the Carretera Austral. The second consisted in interviewing Chileans involved in the management of the parks or impacted by the changes that have occurred in the parks.

“We felt it was important to visit the parks themselves to see how they were organized, how their trails and maintenance compared to US parks, and how they suited tourism, which is a growing industry. in this region of Patagonia.

“Our interviews provided more insight into the history of the parks, including how they have changed in recent years and how the formation of the Parks Route has impacted stakeholders from all sides.”

Munroe“Throughout our journey, we interviewed the people who work and live in and around the parks and the effects CONAF (Corporación Nacional Forestal) and the Tompkins Foundation have had on their lives. We also had the opportunity to hike in four different national parks to see ongoing conservation projects and grants in practice. With our information, we will prepare a presentation to present the conclusions of the TPG.

Individual research

Arnold: “My individual project focused more on my interests in biology and environmental science, and was geared towards understanding conservation in Chilean Patagonia, particularly the conservation of plant and animal biodiversity.

“I asked interview questions to deepen my knowledge of the flora and fauna of the parks we visited, including threats to biodiversity. I also focused on conservation efforts, particularly in our conversations with the CONAF office, which is very involved in reforestation of protected lands and carrying out projects such as the removal of barbed wire fences. .

“Finally, I observed the plant and animal species that we encountered during our hikes in the parks. My goal was to learn more about how conservation efforts are implemented in Chile and how they fit into the context of the broader scientific and conservation community.

Munroe“My separate project focused on ecotourism and what accessibility looks like in these parks.

“In the United States, many of our national parks have become mass tourist destinations with disregard for the land and the animals of the environment. Other destinations of natural beauty are only accessible to people who have the privilege of wealth or the resources to visit.

“In reviewing these parks, I looked at the infrastructure in place for accessibility and asked CONAF rangers about the number of people visiting these parks. In addition, we asked our interviewees if the CONAF was more concerned with catering to tourists or conserving parks.”

Lessons learned

Arnold: “One of the main lessons I took away from this trip was the importance of collaboration between non-profit organizations and government in the field of conservation. This theme has been covered in several of my courses such as Environmental Politics and Politics and Human Impacts on the Environment.

“In Patagonia, non-profit organizations like Fundación Reforestemos are working with CONAF, supported by the Chilean government, which manages natural parks, to reforest degraded areas. The Tompkins Foundation, which has donated huge amounts of land in Chile for national parks, played a pivotal role in transforming the Parks Route into what it is today. It was fascinating to learn of the collaboration between all of these groups as they work to conserve and protect Patagonia.

Munroe“In human geography, we seek to see the impact that space and place have on people. The questions I constantly asked throughout our trip were: “What is Patagonia” and “What does Patagonia mean to you?” »

“The responses ranged from ‘rain, loneliness and isolation’ to ‘this is where my heart and soul lives.’ It was special to see the emotion in people’s eyes when I asked this question because you could really see their connection and love for the land.

Develop skills

Arnold: “One skill I was excited to develop on this trip was my ability to speak Spanish. I hope to study abroad in Peru in the fall semester, and I’m very interested in working in South America at In the future, I was therefore looking forward to practicing speaking and understanding Spanish, especially in the context of conservation. I really feel that my confidence and abilities have increased exponentially, even in the short period of this trip. …

“Travelling in Chile opened my eyes to another way of life, that of small towns without gas stations; to set off flares to mark the new year; breathtaking mountains on a scale beyond reason; and a single road connecting them all.

Munroe“I learned to be a better traveler and citizen of the world. It was my first big trip outside the United States and to a country where I didn’t speak the main language. It took me some time to adapt but with the help of the counselor, I became comfortable and respectful in my environment. …

“Real learning comes from hands-on experience. I wouldn’t have acquired the knowledge and true emotions of Patagonia from a website or a textbook, it’s only something you learn within yourself connecting with the earth.”

Favorite Moments

Arnold: “My favorite moment of all the TPG was during our hike in Queulat National Park. We crossed a raging glacial river on a swing bridge, climbed the side of a massive buttress, crossed a waterfall and reached a lookout overlooking the hanging glacier.

“The moment we reached the final ridge and the canyon opened up in front of us, the glacier and its waterfalls in full view, was my favorite moment. Words cannot describe the scale of this place, nor its fierce beauty. …I’m still convinced that this glacier may be the most beautiful thing I’ll ever see.

Munroe: “Hike to see the waterfall of the hanging glacier in the Queulat National Park. I had seen many photos of the park online, but nothing could have prepared me for its scale and beauty.”

Why Ohio Wesleyan?

Arnold: “I’m really passionate about travel and learning about other cultures and ecosystems, and I truly believe that OWU is exceptionally supportive of travel experiences. … Our science department is also just amazing and the professors are always willing to help you, whatever your goals.

Munroe: “My sister (Cora) graduated from Ohio Wesleyan in 2014. When it came time to look at schools, Ohio Wesleyan was on the list, and I loved the geography department.”

Post-Graduation Plans

Arnold: “I hope to work in conservation in the future, and would love to travel and work internationally. OWU’s TPG and Study Abroad Program certainly helps me achieve these goals by providing curatorial experience in other countries.

Munroe“I would like to attend graduate school for urban studies/planning and possibly work for a non-profit organization that revitalizes neighborhoods without displacement.”