Invenio (DAY -2) -Nature Walk : An Immersive Journey through Coastal and Forest Ecosystems
The Invenio Nature Walk, part of Oasis's science fest, took participants on a journey from the IISER BPR forest to Garampeta Beach, exploring diverse ecosystems. Equipped with apps like PlantNet and Merlin, teams identified birds, plants, and fungi along the way. The transition from forest to coastline revealed unique coastal species, such as crabs and clams. The walk was a success, leaving participants in awe of natures diversity and giving Oasis members a sense of fulfillment.
conducted at IISER Berhampur on 18th of September, 2024
Journey through Coastal and Forest Ecosystems
The Invenio-Nature Walk marked the concluding event of the Science Fest organized by the Oasis club, inviting participants to explore the rich diversity of both terrestrial and marine flora and fauna. This unique experience aimed not only to showcase the ecosystems of the eastern coast of India but also to equip participants with essential field skills for ecological data collection and species identification. The event exemplified Oasis's mission to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for biodiversity among participants, who spanned students, scholars, and guests from other institutions.
Exploring Diverse Ecosystems
This nature walk distinguished itself from previous club excursions, which had focused primarily on nearby wetlands, by expanding into both forest and beach ecosystems. Participants embarked on a guided journey from the IISER Berhampur campus forest to Garampeta Beach, navigating an ecological gradient from dense inland vegetation to coastal ecosystems. Teams of four, each led by a trained Oasis club member, engaged in active observation and hands-on data collection. Participants learned to use essential identification apps, such as PlantNet for plants, Merlin for birds, and Clino for geographic landmarks, while binoculars facilitated bird spotting. This immersive setup allowed participants to observe and document diverse species, including parakeets, kingfishers, Brahminy kites, and even various plants, mosses, lichens, and fungi, thriving in the post-monsoon climate.
Transition from Forest to Shoreline
As the journey transitioned from dense forest to the shoreline, participants witnessed a fascinating shift in flora adapted to saltier, wind-prone conditions. The coastal stretch unveiled a new ecosystem, where dense tree canopies gave way to resilient creeping plants and hardy shrubs. Garampeta Beach, with its soft sand and scattered shells, offered close encounters with coastal wildlife, including crabs and other marine life washed ashore, such as clams, pufferfish, and even traces of turtles. This natural diversity underscored the resilience of the coastal ecosystem and left an indelible impression on all who attended, including guests from outside institutions.
The Invenio-Nature Walk concluded with enthusiastic feedback from participants, whose reflections highlighted the events success in bridging scientific learning with environmental appreciation. The Oasis club members, guided by Dr. Tushar Mouli Chakrabotis expertise, experienced a sense of accomplishment, affirming the importance of hands-on ecological education. This event reinforced Oasiss commitment to continuous engagement in environmental science and inspired participants to deepen their connection to the natural world.
Moments -
Visuals from the event
Coordinated by - subrat
Present members were - bishnupriya, Debasmita, divyajoti , ronil, namrata, brety, shibashish
Event Written by - brety