Friends and Family Trip
Center friends and family, including members from the community of Punta Chueca
Lorayne Meltzer/Kino Bay Center
In mid-October, the Kino Bay Center welcomed a group of alumni, board members, donors, long-time friends, and new collaborators for the first Friends & Family Trip of the season. Participants joined Center staff in their weekly science, education, and community activities, explored the region’s diverse ecosystems, and participated in field activities alongside community conservation leaders.
A traditional Comcaac dance circle with the group in Punta Chueca
Lorayne Meltzer/Kino Bay Center
Participants expressed deep appreciation for the Center’s impact, embodiment of Prescott College values, and spirit of collaboration. One guest described the experience as “a sentimental journey: inspirational, educational, and just plain fun.” The Center runs these trips to appreciate donors and cultivate new connections.
We are grateful to everyone who joined us and look forward to welcoming more friends and family to experience the Kino Bay Center soon.
New camera – Special thanks!
An extra special donation was made to the Center this season by recent Prescott College graduate, Dr. Ken Hartlage. His contribution—a Nikon D500 camera accompanied by a variety of lenses and attachments—came at a crucial time for the Center’s Media and Communications Program (MCP), which is currently undergoing an exciting period of growth and professionalization.
Training session with the new camera in Laguna La Cruz
Andrés Galindo & Ulises Rancaño/Kino Bay Center
Many of the photos featured in this newsletter were captured thanks to this generous donation. The MCP has also been able to train additional Center staff in the camera’s use, offering a hands-on session at Bahía de Kino’s Laguna La Cruz to help strengthen our collective storytelling skills.
It’s thanks to donors like Ken that the Center continues to evolve, expand its capacity, and find new ways to fulfill our mission of conserving the biocultural richness of the Midriff Islands Region of the Gulf of California.
