From Cattle to Canopy: Celebrating 50 Years of Eco-Restoration
During a 1970 trip to Costa Rica, then aspiring rancher, Jack Ewing, had a realization: he was part of the problem. Over fifty years later, the land presently known as Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge looks nothing like the cattle ranch it once was. Ewing, now 83, says his work will be complete once a jaguar finally returns to the area.
Budding Life
Decades ago, locals began to reforest the Hacienda Baru area using native trees and plants. The foundational species allowed for the return of the biodiversity seen today.
The Tenacious Tree Dweller
A white-faced capuchin monkey, one of the first mammals to return to Hacienda Baru.
Where Rainforest Meets Beach
The 330 hectares encompasses several ecosystem types, from rainforest to beachfront, allowing for incredible biodiversity.
Architects Hard at Work
Leaf cutter ants have a symbiotic relationship with fungus. They carve out leaves and bring this food back to the fungus, leaving visible trails on the forest floor. In return, the fungus shelters and feeds them.
A Splash of Color
Many bird species, like the scarlet macaw, use the rainforest's large trees for habitat, survival, meetups, and more.
Patient Mom, Playful Child
Sloths inhabit the rainforest at Hacienda Baru, slowing weaving through the canopy. Rain or shine, mothers grasp to branches as their young rest on their stomachs.
Exploring the Forest Understory
A coati follows a group of monkeys, picking up the fruits, nuts, and other nutrients their tree-dwelling companions drop from above.
A Reptilian Paradise
Whether sunbathing on a rock or climbing in a tree, iguanas, lizards, geckos, and more can be seen throughout Hacienda Baru. Trees planted decades ago provide critical resources to the forest reptiles.
A Different World at Night
When the sun goes down, critters come out. Tarantulas, frogs, and snakes can be seen scurrying around the forest. Bats, birds, and cats can be heard above in the canopy.
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