Presents an experience in research, teaching and extension undertaken by two university lecturers from the fields of Biology and History, at the Federal Fluminense University, and systematises the principal steps, contents and results of the initiative. The initial inspiration for the experience were Charles Darwin's reports on his visit to Brazil in 1832 and, in particular, on his journey north from Niteroi to Cabo Frio during which he registered his observations in a diary which was later published. Since these reports contain references to the natural and social environment close to the present State Park of the Tiririca Mountain Range (a region on the border between the municipalities of Niteroi and Macaé), we seek to reflect on the possibilities of studying the environment with a view to developing values, chiefly those linked to creating feelings of belonging to and valorising a place. In addition to the importance of the presence of Darwin in the region, we emphasise the need to contextualise the author's ideas in the theoretical and political conflicts of his own time as well as understanding Darwin's words about the nature and social relations of slavery of that place and period, as a reflection and stimulus for the creation of feelings of belonging to the locality.
ecology; history, biology
