SchoolsEstela RomeroNovember 08, 2021

High school at Cerro Pelon Sanctuary

SchoolsEstela RomeroNovember 08, 2021

“Telebachillerato” High School

“Macheros” Village

“Cerro Pelon” Sanctuary

Coordinates: 19.3571170 -100.2899653

The Symbolic Migration continues its visits at every school level in “Macheros” village. The village is located at the bottom of the mountain “Cerro Pelón” sanctuary. Discovered decades ago, it is most likely the best conserved in terms of habitat both for monarchs, as well as, for other plant and tree species.

“Cerro Pelón” Sanctuary is routinely the second-largest monarch colony. It is located at two thousand meters in elevation, which is one thousand meters LOWER than the Sanctuaries of “Sierra Chincua” and “El Rosario.” Here, because of the warmer weather and lower elevation, the Oyamel tree areas are located at the highest points in the steep mountains. This legendary Abies religiosa tree species grows at high altitudes and cold climates.

As students and teachers saw the Symbolic Migration VW bug arriving at their school, they all pointed enthusiastically to the sky, showing the imminent arrival of monarchs to their mountains!

“They have been arriving little by little over the whole week!”

“ Were it not for rather cloudy and chilly days we have had, we would be seeing many more!”

“It could be rather early to see them clustering now. It takes them some days to identify their exact forest spots, while they nectar and drink some water!”

…students and their teachers shouted enthusiastically.

Once in the classroom, Estela focused on the didactic setting of a tiny forest where students could see the many benefits of keeping our forests and prairies healthy.

“…the more conserved our forests, the more stable our rain cycles for agriculture will remain,”

“… the more water and humidity retention underground,”

“… the better habitat and blossoming flowers and shelter for pollinators shall be guaranteed.”

…students commented to themselves as Estela started the didactic demonstration.

This and much more was exchanged as teachers took an active part in the conversation and reinforced Estela’s comments and information.

Students loved seeing their Ambassador Monarchs back at “Macheros.” They were thrilled to have the Symbolic Migration back again, after being absent from their classroom for nearly one and a half years. During this time, they attended their lessons and homework through WhatsApp messages and photos. This meant that families were responsible for additional costs for their smartphone service. There is no reliable wi-fi signal in the area. Fortunately, this shall soon be resolved, as the first high school in the area built three years ago, will require a wi-fi signal as part of the academic program..