Project Report
| Apr 4, 2011
Summer in the Forest
By Mary Blizzard | Founding member of LRFF
![Only Grandpa left to give shade. Dry and parched]()
Only Grandpa left to give shade. Dry and parched
It’s summer right now in Costa Rica, the dry season. It’s a great time to witness the difference between forested areas and areas that have been cleared of trees. Forested areas stay cool under the shade of the tall trees, underneath the leaf cover on the forest floor there is still a dampness to the ground. Out in the cleared areas the summer sun beats down on the ground mercilessly. Hillsides are brown and desolate looking, pasture grasses have dried out and the land is parched. Watersheds protected by forest continue to feed streams unlike cleared areas in which water is scarce, if available at all.
Right now the 48 hectares of the El Fallaron project demonstrate the life-giving, water conserving properties of forested areas. Numerous species of amphibians, birds, and mammals thrive in there. It contains a wide diversity of both flora and fauna, undoubtedly some species that are yet to be discovered. It is a treasure chest that you can help preserve by your donation. We’ve already raised over two-thirds of the funds required for this project. We need your help to complete it and save this forest for all the life it supports.
![Deep, cool shade in the primary forest]()
Deep, cool shade in the primary forest
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Mar 2, 2011
Indigenous Memories
By Mary Blizzard | Founding member of LRFF
![Preying Mantis]()
Preying Mantis
January brought us exciting news, a large donation of $1900 was made to this project leaving only $1373 for its completion. It’s my sincere hope that we will reach that goal in the next few months. I’ve promised my grand-nieces and nephews a trip to this site when they come visit me in Costa Rica. I want to show them this very specific example of what their gift donations make possible. For while the Lopez family takes seriously their role of being guardians both of the forest around them and of the ancient petroglyphs on the cliffs along the stream bed, what’s also true is that currently the road into their property has become nearly impassable. The Lopez family’s Payments for Environmental Services (PES) associated with this project will make it possible for them to repair their road. This in turn will give more people the opportunity to visit the beautiful petroglyphs here as well as the chance to become aware of the many benefits arising out of preserving native forested areas. Won’t you help us complete this project? We can’t do it without you.
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Jan 14, 2011
THIS IS MONUMENTAL
By Roberta Ward Smiley | Founder and President
![Spiral petroglyph behind rancho Maleku]()
Spiral petroglyph behind rancho Maleku
El Farallon National Monument preservation project ties in with the work we are doing with the Maleku Indian tribe because of the petroglyphic images displayed on the high bluff alongside the river within the Lopez brothers farm where the national monument is contained.
Please see the accompanying photo of a petroglyph outside the old “rancho” where the Maleku Tribal Council convene. This same spiral image is seen many times on the bluff at El Farallon.
The indigenous people from this northern area of Costa Rica were Chibchan. They traveled long distances on foot trading with other tribes, throughout Central America and Mexico. I believe that the El Farallon site was a stop along the road for the Maleku, just one tribe of the Chibchan people from so long ago.
By supporting this project you will preserve 48 hectares (110+ acres) of tropical dry forest and help the Lopez family maintain the national monument’s access so that more people can be inspired by the indigenous wisdom. We only have $1500 left to see this project funded. LET’S GET PLANTING!
![Faces petroglyph at El Farallon Natl. Monument]()
Faces petroglyph at El Farallon Natl. Monument
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