2010 Student Rainforest FundEthnobotany Adventure to Costa Rica

One of our best ever!!

I am pleased to announce that the fifteenth expedition of the Student Rainforest Fund back to the beautiful Central American country of Costa Rica was an overwhelming success!   This was our third trip to this natural wonderland, and from June 23-July 2, 2010, 18 students representing seven American universities truly experienced the ‘green’ adventure of their lives. 

We stayed the initial 5 days at the enchanting gardens at Luna Nueva in the central highlands and operated by NEW CHAPTER, one of our country’s leading natural product manufacturers. The ethnobotanical gardens (also known as the ginger and turmeric farm) at Luna Nueva are some of the best in al of Central America and the students learned a great deal about medical plants and natural products from the Luna Nueva staff led by farm manager and herbalist Steve Farrell. Lua Nueva is also known as a leader in research in sustainable agriculture.  Our day-long trip to the cloud forest gardens of Nectandra provided the opportunity to visit a virgin rainforest and mediate in the a natural environment.

The team then two days at the world famous Monteverde Cloud Forest and Biological Preserve a hundred km. to the south. We hiked some the trails in the cloud forest and saw an astonishing amount of wildlife and flora. We all got wonderful pictures of Howler Monkeys, toucans and the mysterious and rare Resplendent Quetzel bird.

The last two days were spent a new location for our team, on the Nicoya Peninsula in western Costa Rica.  This area of land (50 km radius) is remote and sparsely populated with abundant flora and fauna.  We stayed two nights at the Amor de Mar resort in the ocean city of Montezuma.  The students had ample time to swim, hike, horseback ride, and visit the many quaint shops in the village.  My regards to all the students who showed such professionalism and good judgment in making this trip safe, educational and fun.  Next year, our exotic destination will either be Belize-Guatemala or Ecuador.    

Blessings of the plant spirits to all,  Dr. Dan & Dr. Steve