La MICA Biological Station is the dream of Dr. Julie Ray and the people of central Panama. It is a
facility for research and education that focuses on conservation and preservation of the natural areas
within and surrounding Parque Nacional G.D. Omar Torrijos Herrera (Parque Omar) in El Copé,
Province of Coclé, Republic of Panama, while providing sustainable employment for the local people.
La MICA is staffed by persons residing in the nearby communities, and whenever possible, utilizes
local services to support the station. Visitors include researchers, students, general tourists, and local
school children.
The main research station is located near in El Copé on a private plot of land. Our elevation is 400m
and we are located just on the Pacific side of the Continental Divide. See more information on our
location below.
Construction plans include a main facility with laboratories, classrooms, and a library. A lodge
includes a cafeteria, dining hall, and store. A cabin and dormitory and a bathhouse will be located
near the laboratories. In the near future satellite laboratories will be located in communities within
Parque Omar to allow researchers the opportunity to travel and work in more remote locations.
All buildings are as ecologically "green" as possible; most materials used in construction are
recycled or readily renewable resources. Solar panels will generate power for the station, while
energy efficient appliances and power-saving lighting will reduce usage. Biodegradable soaps and
cleaning products will be utilized by cleaning crews and encouraged for all guests.
facility for research and education that focuses on conservation and preservation of the natural areas
within and surrounding Parque Nacional G.D. Omar Torrijos Herrera (Parque Omar) in El Copé,
Province of Coclé, Republic of Panama, while providing sustainable employment for the local people.
La MICA is staffed by persons residing in the nearby communities, and whenever possible, utilizes
local services to support the station. Visitors include researchers, students, general tourists, and local
school children.
The main research station is located near in El Copé on a private plot of land. Our elevation is 400m
and we are located just on the Pacific side of the Continental Divide. See more information on our
location below.
Construction plans include a main facility with laboratories, classrooms, and a library. A lodge
includes a cafeteria, dining hall, and store. A cabin and dormitory and a bathhouse will be located
near the laboratories. In the near future satellite laboratories will be located in communities within
Parque Omar to allow researchers the opportunity to travel and work in more remote locations.
All buildings are as ecologically "green" as possible; most materials used in construction are
recycled or readily renewable resources. Solar panels will generate power for the station, while
energy efficient appliances and power-saving lighting will reduce usage. Biodegradable soaps and
cleaning products will be utilized by cleaning crews and encouraged for all guests.
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Andrew Hein
| La MICA Biological Station Fundación Centro de Investigación Biológica El Cope, S.A.● Amigos Support La MICA El Copé-La Pintada ● Provincia de Coclé ● Republica de Panama Amigos Support La MICA ● c/o Julie Ray ● 12458 132nd Street ● Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 www.lamica.org ● la.mica@yahoo.com ● t: (011-507)6-746-3942 Amigos Support La MICA is a project of the International Humanities Center, a 501c3 nonprofit organization. |
| Location and Habitat La MICA Biological Station is located in El Copé of La Pintada in the province of Coclé in the Republic of Panama. Our location is on the Pacific side of the Continental Divide, but within meters of the Atlantic versant, thus exposing our visitors to the differences between the two habitats. We located at about 420 meters, with nearby mountains peaking at over 1400 meters. Much of the habitat is within the cloud forest, a type of forest that maintains a relatively high humidity even in the dry season because of the low hanging clouds. Our dry season is from mid-December until April, with a slight lull in the rains in July. Average temperatures range from the low 20s to mid 30s C. GPS coordinates are 8°37′12″N, 80°36′0″W and UTM is 17P 544011 952864. La MICA is 7.5 kilometers from Parque Nacional G. D. Omar Torrijos Herrera (also called Omar Torrijos National Park and previously called El Copé National Park). Click here to see an aerial view of the plot for La MICA (located in the center of the screen, just above the river in the treed area. Click here to see an aerial view of the southern limit of Parque Omar. Building to the to of the screen is the ranger station. Scroll around on the map to see other local communities and natural areas. |
