(There will be an added fee for most field trips.)

Évora

FOR EVERYONE: Visit to Monsaraz
August 1 (late afternoon-evening)

We’ll board buses and journey to the frontier with Spain and the nearly 2000 year-old walled village of Monsaraz with its 700 year old castle for a spectacular evening and cookout. The castle will be the site for our Bar-B-Q as we watch the sunset turn the white stuccoed buildings of Monsaraz to gold. Folks, towns don’t come much prettier than this. Load your cameras then come load your belly. We’re in for a wonderful treat.

FIELD TRIP # 1: Parque Natural do Sudoeste  Alentejano  e Costa Vicentina  (SW Coast Natural Park)
Aug 2 (6:30 AM — 7:00 PM) SW of Évora

Explore  the diverse, rugged and wild SW coast of Portugal. Costa Vicentina Natural Park offers unparalleled vistas of a truly wild coastline. Towering cliffs drop hundreds of feet into the sea. See vast stretches of pristine "empty" beaches, rich inter-tidal ecosystems, geomorphology exposed like a petrified textbook, and rare plants and animals. This trip is a paradise for bird watchers, nature lovers, artists, photographers and soul searchers. For all the world-class discoveries credited to Portuguese explorers through the centuries, thankfully a stunning part of Portugal was left for us to discover.  Includes a light lunch.

FIELD TRIP # 2: Parque Natural da Serra de S. Mamede (S. Mamede Mountains Natural Park)
Aug 3 (7:00 AM — 1:00 PM) N of Évora

Tracing the border of Spain, this mountainous natural park embraces both ancient villages and castles as well as rugged wild landscapes. The environment has a rich diversity of both plant and animal life. It is composed of both Atlantic forests and Mediterranean bush ecosystems. So step back in time to a medieval world and experience Portugal's wilderness frontier with Spain at its best.

FIELD TRIP # 3: The Évora Countryside
Aug 3 (3:00 PM — 7:00 PM)

Cultural, historic, and pre-historic sites in the surrounding countryside.

FIELD TRIP # 4: Reserva Natrural do Estuário do Sado (Sado Estuary Natural Reservation)
Aug 4 (6:30 AM — 7:00 PM) W of Évora

Explore the Sado Estuary ecosystems, and discover quaint traditional fishing villages, salt pans, and riparian habitats. An abundance of birds including: the flamingo, a variety of herons and egrets, white storks and eagles. One might also see dolphins and sea otters. The beauty of this area comes in its tranquil simplicity. Includes a light lunch.

FIELD TRIP # 5: Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana (Guadiana Valley Natural Park)
Aug 4 (6:30 AM — 7:00 PM) SE  of Évora

The Guadiana River creates the border between Portugal and Spain as it winds its way south to the Golfo de Cádiz. Centered on the ancient village of Mértola with its historic castle, Guadiana Natural Park offers a uniquely rugged landscape with interesting geologic formations, waterfalls, and a variety of plant and animal life. Includes a light lunch.

FIELD TRIP # 6: The City of Évora Walking Tour
Aug 4 (5:00 PM — 8:00 PM)
FREE FOR EVERYONE

Touring the historic and cultural sites inside the city walls including a Roman temple, the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Francisco, the intriguing Chapel of Bones, and many other places of interest.

Lisbon

FIELD TRIP #7 & # 8: Guided Tour of Lisbon
Aug 6 (morning and afternoon)

Touring the historic and cultural sites in Lisbon. A local individual who is well versed in history, art and architecture will guide this field trip.

FIELD TRIP # 9: Reserva Natural do Estuário do Tejo (Tejo Estuary Natural Reservation)
Aug 6 (8:00 AM — 7:00 PM) E  of Lisbon

Just east of Lisbon is a tidal estuary preserved as a natural park, a year-round gathering place for many shore and wading birds. The area is also attractive to those who enjoy the scenic quality of traditional fishing villages and farms. Includes a light lunch.

FIELD TRIP # 10: Parque Natural da Arrábida (Arrábida Natural Park)
Aug 6 (8:00 AM — 7:00 PM) S of Lisbon

Along the north shore of the Setúbal Bay lays a unique natural park with nearly 1000 species of plants, butterflies, beetles and birds normally found only in the Mediterranean but living here due to the special climate and geography. Just an hour south of Lisbon, palm trees sway in the breeze, lush forests, and a rugged coast awaits you. Texugo, a Portuguese badger-like animal, several birds of prey including the Peneireiro-falcon may be found here. For those who like to spice-up their nature walks with a touch of culture, you will find beautiful white washed windmills, villages, churches, and shrines. If you head farther west to Espichel Cape you will find a wonderful lighthouse and a very enchanting church, monastery, and small Moorish temple all perched on the edge of a five hundred-foot cliff.  Includes a light lunch.

FIELD TRIP # 11: Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais (Sintra Cascais Natural Park)
Aug 6 (8:00 AM — 7:00 PM) W of Lisbon

The westernmost point of Europe, Roca Cape resides in fine mix of nature, culture, and history. Perhaps one of Portugal's oldest and most beloved regions, this compact yet diverse area has something for everyone. From the tiny resort town of Cascais at the mouth of the Tejo River, to the castle-topped mountains in Sintra, you will be using up your quota of "ooo"s and "ahhh"s. Long a favored resort of kings and the wealthy, the countryside is dotted with fine homes and palaces. However, the natural splendor and charm has not been lost to development. There is plenty of open wild coasts with fine beaches and tide pools to explore. Consider too a hike through the ruins of the Moorish castle overlooking Sintra. The romance of the place may overwhelm you.  Includes a light lunch.

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Copyright © 2000 GNSI - Guild of Natural Science Illustrators - All rights reserved.
Last Updated: April 23, 2000.

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