July 28, 2011 Vol. 3 No. 3
In this issue:
Amazon Jungle Library
Conservation Expeditions
2012 Funding Progress
Amazon Jungle Library
By Sintia (Cindy) Smith Snyder | AAS & CONAPAC Project Coordinator
Dr. Nancy Dunn, an American woman, came to the Amazon rainforest in 1999 to start a novel concept in the jungle--a library! This was unheard of in the rainforest and even in the city of Iquitos and Peru in general; the idea of a free lending library is not common. With time and great effort, the children and adults near the CCC Amazon Library (Centro de Conocimiento Compartido or Center for Shared Knowledge) have benefited greatly from the library. Reading programs, games, computer, music, language and sewing classes, spelling bees, student scholarships and more have been offered to enrich the lives of area residents and expand their minds to the bigger world around them. The library is located near the Yanamono stream on the Amazon River and serves 12 surrounding river communities. There is also a smaller branch library in the community of Sapo Playa.
After 12 dedicated years, Dr. Dunn has chosen to retire from the library and leave Peru permanently. She has made a gift of the library building and all books to CONAPAC, a registered Peruvian NGO, to oversee and manage. Dr. Dunn's abilities will be difficult to replace and someone 
with her similar background, education and experience will be necessary to keep the library functioning at its current level of programs and financial support from donors abroad. Just when Dr. Dunn announced her departure, Megan Thomas was here in Iquitos, volunteering for CONAPAC, and is ready to fill Dr. Dunn's shoes. Megan will become the administrator of both libraries and spend the majority of her time living and working in the jungle. You can learn more about Megan on CONAPAC's Current News page.
CONAPAC's commitment to the rainforest continues with this upcoming acquisition. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Nancy Dunn, for your wonderful gift and your incredible legacy which CONAPAC is committed to uphold. For all previous and future AAS volunteers, expect to have fun and continue our visits to the library upon your next expedition to the rainforest!
Conservation through Education Expeditions
By Claire Lannoye | Curator of Education
Each summer, I buy one caladium plant for my backyard garden. I tuck it between some rocks, with the weeper hose nearby to provide a rainforest-like home. The annual five-dollar investment brings floods of memories and a smile every time I sit on my back porch. Five years of children's faces, schools, boats, piles of school supplies and the amazing staff at Explorama Lodges that take such good care of us.
When I first took the job at the Detroit Zoo, I never thought I would be involved in an international conservation project. Since I was in elementary school and the entire fifth grade hall was turned into an elaborate construction-paper rainforest, I aspired to "save the rainforest". At that time it was a distant and somewhat mystical place, something you see in the glossy photos of a coffee table book and read stories about in magazines. I wore out the T-shirt my parents bought me in middle school, part of a fundraiser to raise awareness and provide funds to save a section of rainforest.
In 2007, I was asked to accompany a colleague and the group of volunteers on the annual Adopt-A-School delivery in April. I was just out of college, had only flown once and was certain that something in the great rainforest I'd always aspired to save was going to eat me. After five consecutive years of invovlement with the program, the lodges feel like second homes, the trails familiar and the Adopt-A-School volunteers are family.
We have already started filling spaces on both of our 2012 Conservation Expeditions. If you have ever considered joining us to deliver school supplies or assist with the construction of a conservation project, please contact me so I can send you information and answer any questions. We would love to share this life-changing experience with you.
Until next April, I'll be enjoying my caladium and day dreaming about the rainforest.
For more information about any of the Detroit Zoological Society and CONAPAC volunteer expeditions, contact Claire or read about it on CONAPAC's AAS Expedition page.
Current Funding Progress for the 2012 Adopt-A-School Delivery
In 2011, the Adopt-A-School program received $110,000 from organizations and generous supporters like you to purchase and deliver school supplies to the rural villages along the Amazon and Napo Rivers. We're looking forward to another successful year with your continued help!
