Exploring Carlsbad Caverns: A Botanical Journey

On February 13th, COL Atwood led her General Botany class on an educational excursion to Carlsbad Caverns, accompanied by visiting professor Dr. Andreia Marini, a visiting professor from Brazil. This trip provided students with a unique opportunity to study plant life in extreme environments.

While Carlsbad Caverns is best known for its breathtaking limestone formations and vast underground chambers, the surrounding desert ecosystem presents an equally fascinating study for botanists. The students studied the adaptations of desert plants, such as succulents and hardy shrubs, which survive in arid conditions with minimal water. The class also discussed the ecological relationships between these plants and the region’s wildlife, demonstrating how life persists in challenging environments.

The trip not only reinforced key botanical concepts but also encouraged students to appreciate the broader connections between biology, geology, and environmental science. By stepping out of the classroom and into nature, students gained a deeper understanding of plant adaptation and resilience in one of New Mexico’s most iconic landscapes.