First Post!

Hey all,
I am participating in the California College of the Arts Ano Nuevo class in charge of creating and deploying ceramic nest modules for the Rhinoceros Auklet population on the island. So far this class has been very rewarding, as well as extremely challenging and thought provoking. Its been hard to design potential homes for a species that is integrated into such a complicated and fragile ecosystem.
Last week we finished pouring the moulds for our ceramic modules, which means after spring break we will be ready to make the 20+ required prototypes for deployment and use on the island. I am excited to see how it goes, I have high hopes for all the groups - so far all the designs look like awesome potential auklet homes. Im also a bit nervous about getting the modules TO the island...they will be large (and heavy), as well as fragile. It will take a lot of trips back and forth to the island, but it will be worth it.
It is such an honor to be working so close with the biologists of Oikonos, as well as the designers at Rebar, and of course...nature itself! The island and reserve is a beautiful place, and I can't wait to return.

Thanks for reading - stay posted!
Sonja