From Brush to Lush in Puerto Seco

In 2006, the Robinson Family set out on a path that would not only reshape a landscape but also profoundly affect countless lives and species. Initially 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 about eight years in changed everything. During a maintenance visit, the family witnessed their mountain almond trees, or "Almendros de Montaña," in full bloom. The site was a flurry of activity, with hundreds of birds including Red-Lored Parrots, Orange-Chinned Parakeets, Keel-Billed Toucans, and Chestnut-Mandibled Toucans thronging the young grove. This celebration of life marked a turning point, evolving their business venture into a mission-driven project to restore and expand degraded lands into thriving ecosystems.

The Challenge:

From the outset, the challenges were immense. The land was arid and the soil depleted, with natural springs dried up and severe erosion along the riverbanks, all consequences of deforestation. The local wildlife, including tepezcuintle ( Lowland Paca), wild pigs, and deer, faced constant threats from hunting and poaching. Despite existing laws against destructive fishing practices like netting and spearfishing, enforcement was lax, exacerbating the effects of climate change and previous mismanagement.

The Transformation:

Undaunted, the Robinsons planted over 12,000 native trees, including mountain almond trees essential not just for the macaws but for restoring ecological balance. They added resilient commercially viable teak and melina, along with native species like Ceiba and Sota Caballo to stabilize the environment and soil. Fencing and signage were erected to deter hunters, and regular patrols were instituted, though challenges persist.

As the forest grew, so did the wildlife. The once silent land buzzed with the sounds of birds, insects, and rustling mammals. Each tree served as a vital carbon sink, combating the global warming that threatens their existence.

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 has also inspired 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.

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 global 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.