Primary forest
Cabina de Cocos
Cabina de Mariposa
Cabina de Tucan
Poison dart frog
Bird-eating snake
Our 350-acre preserve provides a wide diversity of sites, including all stages of forest growth, from open pasture and young plantations of mixed species, through large secondary forest and primary forest stands. We are located in SW Pacific region of Costa Rica, between San Isidro de General and Dominical.
The preserve is the site of our forest restoration program, research, and college-credit courses and internships.
Facilities
The TFI field station is located in the community of Tres Piedras. The main building houses the Kenworthy Study/Library, two rooms that serve as living quarters, bathroom/shower and porch; sharing a common roof with this wing is the living quarters of the Fallas family and open-air kitchen; a large verandah serves as a dining area and meeting place for course work and discussions. The main bunkhouse is located approximately 50 m from the main house. This building will accommodate 8-10 (4-5 per room with bunk beds); a bathroom/shower is centrally located and a porch extends the length of the building. Two private cabins that each accommodate 4 are available.
Potable water is obtained from a nearby stream. All showers are cold water only. Septic tank systems service the main house and bunkhouse. Electrical power was supplied to the area in 1997. Two composting toilets are also available.
Meals are prepared by Maricel Gamboa and neighbors. Typical meals include beans and rice, squash, juca (manioc), and avocados and for dessert- rice pudding and coffee. Actually, a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, as well as chicken and fish contribute to a very healthy diet. The variety of wonderful frescos (mild fruit drinks) seem endless.
The main field station is located adjacent to the Rio Guabo. Depending on water level and velocity, the river provides an excellent place to swim, wade, explore or just bask on the large boulders.
Between the river and the field station houses, a new orchard has been planted with a dozen or more types of fruit. Within a few short years, the orchard should bear a sizable crop, however, the various fruits ripen at different times of the year. A smaller but more mature orchard should become productive sooner. Bananas, coconuts, and citrus fruits are prolific almost year-round.
A plant nursery (vivero) is located at the station. The nursery produces a variable amount of seedlings depending upon current projects and demands. The seedlings are planted on TFI grounds or sold and traded to regional buyers. Currently many are given free of charge to local campesinos.
A trail system connects the lower portion (along the Rio Guabo) of TFI's 350 acre finca to the upper portion (ridge road from Lagunas to Punta Mira). The general elevation ranges from 100 m to 500 m above sea level. The main trail is steep and often muddy and eroded by horses; a hike from bottom to top takes between 1 and 2 hours. Trails traverse tracts of primary, secondary forest plantations, open pasture, and natural secondary succession.
Communications
Public phones are available in nearby towns. Internet service and postal service
are available in Dominical and San Isidro. Several of our neighbors have cell phones which they are happy to
let us use.
Frequent bus service is available to and from Platanillo, 10 kms from Los Arboles. A vehicle is available for emergency transportation at all times. Busses also serve San Juan de Dios, ca 4 km away, several days a week.
