Kids as Forest Guardians in Rural Drake Bay

Over the past months, our Environmental Education Program in Bahía Drake has continued to grow, creating meaningful impact among children, youth, and communities committed to the conservation of the Osa Peninsula.

In local schools, we surpassed all expectations: we completed 54 educational sessions and expanded our reach from 7 to 11 schools, a significant achievement that reflects both community trust and the need to strengthen environmental education in the region. More than 200 children took part consistently, with a total participation count of nearly 900 student engagements.

Through hands-on activities, art, games, and guided reflections, students learned about local wildlife, the illegal pet trade, and best practices for coexisting with nature.

A major highlight was a workshop on Costa Rica’s wild cats, led by biologist Gianfranco Gómez, which inspired deep interest and admiration for these emblematic species.

With the environmental groups, we held 60 sessions, strengthening the connection of 86 children with birds, mammals, and local ecosystems. Field walks, citizen-science activities, community service, and participation in local festivals transformed conservation into a lived experience. We also organized two educational field trips to the Yaguará Wildlife Rescue Center, where children learned directly about wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release.

Our educational play, “Nico the Parakeet,” created and performed by local students, was presented at three festivals, carrying a powerful message about the illegal wildlife trade to both school and community audiences. With costumes and sets made from 100% recycled materials, the play beautifully combined creativity and conservation.

Thanks to your support, we also completed additional goals, including the production of 87 educational t-shirts and the creation of the program’s official mascot: Nico the parakeet.

Environmental education continues to be a powerful tool for planting seeds of awareness, empathy, and leadership in the next generation. Every workshop, every walk, and every shared learning moment contributes to building a community that understands and protects its natural heritage.

Thank you for walking with us.

Your support makes it possible for more children to become the future guardians of the forest.
We invite you to continue supporting this work and helping us inspire a lasting culture of conservation.