Reforestation Recap: Planting Trees In the Rainforest

Here's a recap of our recent tree-planting in the rainforest of Costa Rica.

It was a great day!

We arrived at Parrita, Puntarenas where we drove in to a “finca” or big property as the locals call it. 

We began our hike through the rainforest with a handful of volunteers at around 9am. It had rained the night before so the road was muddy and slippery. The dirt in this region consists of red clay, which means it is rich in iron oxide and other minerals. We were all covered in it by the end of the day!

We planted a total of 784 Trees. 200 Roble trees, 189 Cedro Dulce de Agua trees, 193 Cortes Morado trees, 186 Malinche trees, and 16 Cedro Caoba trees. A good, diverse, native mix of species to ensure optimal growth and ecosystem integration.

The trees were planted in bio-degradable bags, which provide compost to nourish the saplings as they grow. 

We planted with a local organization called Kids Saving the Rainforest.

They began in 1999 in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, when Janine Licare and Aislin Livingstone were 9 years old.  Janine and Aislin saw the rainforest disappearing from their beloved home and the negative impact of this on the animals, particularly the mono titi monkeys. They were kids inspired to save the precious rainforest.

Since they began they have helped build monkey bridges to help grow the population of the Mono Titi Monkey, and they've also built a rehab/rescue sanctuary for animals where they teach visitors about the need to save the rainforest and wildlife who thrive there.

Special thanks to our guests who joined this tree-planting effort:

• John Williamson and family, who shared their photos taken during the tree planting.
• Jess Robertson, Eyal Eskanzi and family, who moved to Costa Rica three years ago to the area of Orotina, and have since started yoga communities in different destinations around the world. Find them at Moksha Yoga and Modo Yoga.

 And of course, BIG thanks to everyone who donated to Costa Rica!!