Costa Rica
Located in Central America, Costa Rica is a hot spot for both tourism and biodiversity. Travel is easy, with flights from many places arriving in San Jose, and loads of tour companies offering trips. Some of the best parts of the country are mountainous, with very steep trails rugged hiking. But there is something for everyone, and it can be visited by almost anyone wishing for a tropical experience.
Firestone Center for Restoration Ecology
The Firestone Center for Restoration Ecology is a scientific and educational field station located in Barú, Costa Rica. It consists of 60 hectares of mixed habitats from prior land use (reverting pasture, introduced bamboo forest, banana plantation, etc.) in what was originally Pacific lowland rainforest. Fortuitously, it is located adjacent to the 330 hectare forest reserve, Hacienda Barú.
The FCRE was founded in 2005 with a generous donation of the land by Diane Firestone to the Pitzer College in California, USA. FCRE provides a variety of research and study abroad opportunities for undergraduate college students, organized through Pitzer College.
SKIP THE PAGE ABOUT THE FIRESTONE CENTER, GO STRAIGHT TO THE GALLERIES
The FCRE was founded in 2005 with a generous donation of the land by Diane Firestone to the Pitzer College in California, USA. FCRE provides a variety of research and study abroad opportunities for undergraduate college students, organized through Pitzer College.
SKIP THE PAGE ABOUT THE FIRESTONE CENTER, GO STRAIGHT TO THE GALLERIES
Hacienda Baru
In the southwest, there is a truly remarkable lodge known as Hacienda Baru. This is a 700 hectare reserve that goes from the beach (think sea turtle egg-laying) to 400 year old forest on the hill (think 300m high ridge). The reserve is totally protected, with armed guards and plans to keep the wildlife and flora intact. There is a remarkably comfortable lodge, with a swimming pool and environmentally sound solar water heaters for showers. One of the best "green" resorts in all of Costa Rica. Lots of trails, and guides who know the wildlife. Their website can be found HERE.
SHOW ME THE PICTURES HERE ARE THE BAT PICS
SHOW ME THE PICTURES HERE ARE THE BAT PICS
General area around Dominical
The FCRE and Hacienda Barú are located very close to Dominical, a well-known tourist destination (mostly of the surfer variety). But places like Guapiles and Rio Guabo are also nearby, and it is worth having a look at some photos from this general area.
SMALL GALLERY OF THE AREA
SMALL GALLERY OF THE AREA
Poas Volcano
The Poas Volcano is located just outside of San Jose, and easily visited. There are three depressions at the top, and each one has different characteristics. At just over 2,700 meters high, it is a fair-sized volcano for Central America, and on top there are plant and animal communities adapted to such places. A very nice one-page site on Poas Volcano using correct terminology and all is at http://www.costaricainternetdirectory.com/vpoas.htm
SHOW ME THE PICTURES
SHOW ME THE PICTURES
Costa Rica Caves
There are a couple hundred caves known from Costa Rica, and many yet to be found and explored. I have only been to a few, and include my trips here (still working to get all on this site). For more information from the folks who are doing the real work and exploring and mapping Costa Rica caves, go to http://www.anthros.org/english/index.html and read all about it.
THE CAVES
THE CAVES