From Brush to Lush in Puerto Seco

In 2005, the Robinson Family set out on a journey that would not only reshape a landscape but also profoundly reshape their lives. Initially on an exploratory trip to Costa Rica in search of tropical hardwoods for import to the United States, the journey took an unexpected turn when they purchased a neglected 75-acre former dairy and beef farm. Covered in thorny vines, brush, and weeds, the property was ripe for transformation.

At first, the project was seen as a business opportunity—a win-win scenario promising financial returns and environmental benefits. However, a pivotal moment eight years into the project changed everything. During a maintenance visit, the family witnessed their young forest that included almond trees, or "Almendros de Montaña," in full bloom. The forest was a flurry of activity, with hundreds of birds including Red-Lored Parrots, Orange-Chinned Parakeets, Chestnut-Mandibled Toucans and many other birds and animals thriving in the young forest. This celebration of life marked a turning point, evolving their business venture into a mission-driven project to restore the property into a thriving ecosystem.

The Challenge:

From the outset, the challenges were immense. The land was severely degraded due to the cattle farming activities, with dried up natural springs, depleted soil and severe erosion along the riverbanks. All of these were consequences of deforestation and cattle farming activities. The local wildlife was almost non-existent due to their habitat destruction, and illegal hunting and fishing activities. Although there are existing laws against illegal hunting, destructive fishing practices, and unregulated deforestation, enforcement was poor due to lack of governmental funding.

The Transformation:

in the initial phase, the Robinsons planted over 12,000 trees, a combination of various indigenous species and the commercially viable species, Teak and Melina. The native tees were selected to ensure an ecologically balanced forest which provided habitat for a wide variety of animals. One of the main trees planted was the Mountain Almond (Almendro) which is an essential tree for the preservation of the Great Green Macaw. The Great Green Macaw is a critically endangered species and considered a flagship species. A flagship species indicates the overall health of the environment. Ultimately, if that species is doing well, the health of the overall environment is to. Fencing and signage were erected to deter hunters, and regular patrols were instituted, though challenges still persist.

As the forest grew, so did the wildlife. With the return of the forest, came the sounds of birds, insects and mammals. This included the Great Green Macaw that has been a regular visitor for the past ten years and has been increasing in numbers since then.

The Impact:

Today, the transformed land stands as a lush, biodiverse forest, a sanctuary for wildlife like the Great Green Macaw and a beacon for ecological restoration. This revitalization has not only restored the local habitat but will inspire community members to adopt similar conservation efforts. The project's influence extends into local education, with programs teaching young people the value of conservation and sustainable practices. Our hope is to serve as a model for reforestation and sustainable practices that will have a positive effect on the climate crisis that exist in the world today.

The Future:

The Puerto Seco project exemplifies how even the most degraded landscapes can be revived through human effort and ecological intelligence. More than just a reforestation initiative, it offers a blueprint for future restoration projects, demonstrating the actionable steps and significant impacts of committed environmental stewardship.

The story of Puerto Seco is a testament to possibility and hope. It demonstrates that meaningful change is achievable, that nature can recover, and that today's efforts sow the seeds for tomorrow's forests.