Rio Sol Bio Corridor, Maleku Reserve, Costa Rica

LRFF/CR received a very generous donation (thank you dear friend) in February for the Rio Sol Biological Corridor and this has enabled the crew to continue the maintenance on the project. I’ve been going to Guatuso every other week to pay the crew and see the progress of maintenance and tree growth. The photos tell the story…

The trees were much less than a meter tall when they were planted, June 2011. Most are medium fast growers so take a look at the photo of Chavo and Deibys next to a fast growing tree at Chino’s property, planted in June as well……..

See the photos of why the maintenance cleaning is so important. Without maintenance the trees would drown in vines and weeds.

When the crew does the maintenance on each area they always replace trees that didn’t survive since the last time they passed by. Because of this LRFF’s reforestation projects have a very low mortality rate.

Steven Sukh from London came to visit us in March. He walked the Rio Sol Biological Corridor with Jimmy, Jorn, Chavo, Oto and me. He was amazed at the same things you see in the photos but very tired from the walk in the hot sun. You’re all lucky that I don’t have to walk your asses off to give these update blogs, eh?!

Links:

• Nothing But Progress

I have great news to report here in the first part of 2012 as well as a concern to share with you.
 
The great news is that on December 20th LRFF/CR and the Maleku planting team finished planting more than 31,000 of the 35,000 trees that is the Rio Sol Biological Corridor project. All of the trees were purchased from the participating families the week before planting began November 28th. Just after the first of the year the planting team went to work to plant the last 4000 trees of this project. They completed their work on January 27th.  Kudos to all involved!
 
Over the next two years it will be necessary to perform supportive maintenance for all 35,000 trees to keep the invasive, non-native pasture grasses from over-whelming them. My concern is funding for this part of the project, which will require a little over $1,000 a month for the next two years.
 
We have worked hard to raise funds as this project has moved forward. We have received donations from many of you specifically for this project. Our organization has used undesignated prize money to contribute more than $10,000. From a budget of $60,500 we now need just $25,000 more; this says much for our tenacity. 
 
A further positive note is that we have created an enormous amount of positive energy with the Maleku people, they believe in us. We have shown them that when we say something we do it. This is a new experience for them and we deeply want to keep such positive energy going.

I am writing for your help. We are committed to keeping these trees alive and thriving but we need your help to do so. Please help us spread the word by sharing the link with friends, family and co-workers. Together we’ve planted 35,000 trees, together we will ensure they thrive.

Thank you from Mother Earth and all of us here at LRFF.

Links:

• Maleku motif iPhone speakers