The University of Notre Dame’s Institute for Latino (ILS) studies joined Eco-Alianza for a week of leadership development, cultural immersion and wildlife discovery under Eco-Alianza’s program for research, conservation, and public service (CEMA).

The ILS Notre Dame’s Latino Studies Scholars Program selects students who stand out for their service in Latino communities—students who identify true needs and then work hard to meet those needs. As this directly mirrors the hearts and collective passion of Eco-Alianza, the new collaboration with Notre Dame is uniquely special and complementary.

The program was envisioned to develop leadership skills. Designed by Eco-Alianza’s staff, led by Carlos Posadas Solano, Executive Director, and the Institute for Latino Studies (ILS) leaders, Paloma Garcia Lopez and Joseph Trinidad. They determined that the best approach to cultivate leadership is through hands-on, real-life experience and immersion.

The course began with an introduction to Eco-Alianza’s Mission, Vision, and Programs. The students were challenged to consider: What are you passionate about? How will you fight for it? How will your experience in Loreto shape your leadership skills moving forward? How might you adapt Eco-Alianza’s model to other global challenges? How will this program benefit Loreto’s youth to build a better tomorrow?

Field trips included an exploration of the natural wonders and beauty of the Bay of Loreto National Park. The students visited Isla Coronado, where they experienced the sea lion colony, and Isla Montserrat to identify a wide variety of sea birds and desert environment. While at sea, they encountered humback whales and common dolphins. For many of the students, it was their first time boating, snorkeling, or seeing these magnificent animals with their own eyes.

Under Eco-Alianza’s competent leadership, the students immersed themselves directly into Eco-Alianza’s varied and unique Outreach Programs, working alongside the Environmental Education team for a day of Sea Turtle Education with a local elementary school, Colegio Calafia de Loreto. The Notre Dame students prepared lunches for the local youth and worked with staff to prepare unique educational activities for each Sea Turtle station.

At the end of their week of immersion, the international students departure was not one of goodbye, but the beginning of a new international friendship and collaboration.

The true integration of Eco-Alianza staff with the Notre Dame students illustrates the critical pieces of cross-cultural understanding: friendship, connections, and shared-values. It was evident the students and Eco-Alianza staff were greatly impacted by the relationships they made. These memories will carry them forward as they develop their own careers in service and leadership, confirming Eco-Alianza’s incredible impact, not only locally, but internationally.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING: THE REBIRTH OF THE WESTERN FLYER, AND A NEW GENERATION OF RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

Who was John Steinbeck?
John Steinbeck (1902–1968) was an American writer best known for his novels depicting the struggles of working-class people during the Great Depression. Some of his most famous works include: The Log of the Sea of Cortez, The Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men, and East of Eden.

Steinbeck was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1962 for his realistic and imaginative storytelling, which often highlighted social injustice. His works remain widely read and studied for their powerful themes and vivid depictions of American life.

For more information about Steinbeck, click here.

What is the historical and scientific importance
of the Western Flyer?
The Western Flyer is known primarily for its role in the John Steinbeck 1940 expedition to the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) with marine biologist Ed Ricketts. Steinbeck documented their journey in his book, The Log from the Sea of Cotez, (1951) which blended which blended scientific exploration with philosophical reflections on ecology and human nature.

Historical Importance
The Western Flyer, the vessel used for their six-week biological collecting expedition, inspired Steinbeck’s literary and philosophical work. The journey helped shape early ideas of marine ecology, as Rickets was a pioneer in the field.  The boat has become a symbol of environmental awareness and the need to preserve marine ecosystems.

For more information on Ed Rickets, click here.

Scientific Importance
The specimens collected during the 1940 voyage contributed to a better understanding of marine biodiversity in the Gulf of California, and focused a lens on the interdependence of species, an idea that later influenced the field of ecosystem science.

Today, the Western Flyer stands as a symbol in the scientific community for its role
in pioneering ecological awareness, inspiring modern conservation and marine biology initiatives.

The Sinking and Restoration of the Western Flyer
After its famous voyage with Steinbeck and Ricketts, the Western Flyer returned to commercial fishing. Over the decades, it changed hands multiple times and fell into disrepair. The ship had been abandoned and left rotting in the Swinomish Slough. A storm caused the vessel to take on water and sink. It was refloated in 2012, but in terrible condition. The boat was moved to Anacortes, Washington in 2013, but before any major repairs could be made, it sank again due to its deteriorating hull. It was raised once more and placed in dry dock to prevent further water damage.

Restoration Efforts
In 2015, businessman and geologist John Gregg purchased the Western Flyer with the intent to restore it as an educational and research vessel. The final restoration work took place at the Port Townsend Shipwrights Co-op in Washington.

Much of the Western Flyer’s Douglas fir hull had rotted, so shipbuilders replaced large sections while preserving as much original material as possible. The boat’s original pilothouse and deck had to be reconstructed. While maintaining historical accuracy, the restoration also included modern navigational and safety equipment to make it seaworthy. The ship’s red and white paint scheme from the Steinbeck-Ricketts expedition has been carefully restored.