Developing Projects

Archeology at EcoEra Reserve | EcoEra Rainforest Reserve as a study site | Short and Long-term Projects | Suggested Research Topics | Accomplishments

Archeology at EcoEra Reserve

The land protected by EcoEra Rainforest Reserve is of significant historical and archeological interest. The Quepo Indians, a subgroup of the Boruca Indians, flourished from 2000 BC until the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century, when the introduction of European diseases decimated their population.

Originally from the Amazon Basin of Columbia, they migrated to the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the 1st century AD. They wintered on the coastal strand of what is now Manuel Antonio Park and made their summer encampments along the Naranjo River six miles to the north. The town of Quepos is named after these original inhabitants of the region. Their artifacts and burial sites on the reserve land have only recently been discovered and most have yet to be unearthed.

EcoEra Foundation is working to establish a Quepo Indian Natural History Museum in the nearby town of Londres, where the artifacts extracted from the sites will be displayed and the culture of the Indians will be honored.

EcoEra Rainforest Reserve as a study site

EcoEra Rainforest Reserve is an ideal study site for all of the following subjects: Tropical Botany, Mycology, Tropical Ecology, Field Biology, Wildlife Conservation, Archaeology, Entomology, Ornithology, Mammalogy, Herpetology, Invertebrate Biology, Aquatic Biology, Ichthyology, Soil Science, Environmental Education, Conservation Biology and Sustainable Land Management (Analog Forestry, Organic Gardening, Permaculture).

The facilities are suitable for short or long-term internships, directed research, work-exchange programs, practicums, or conducting intercession or semester-long college level field biology classes.

EcoEra Reserve also welcomes short-term visits from primary, secondary or highschool age classes.

Visiting scientists and upper-division students conducting research are allowed unlimited access to all facilities.

In case of emergency, our CPR-trained staff can administer first aid; full medical care is available at the hospital in Quepos, located 30 minutes from the reserve.

Short and Long-term Projects

It takes between 8 to 10 years before a decimated forest can recover sufficiently through Analog Forestry methods to produce marketable products. It?s a long-term project that requires capital. Investors are needed to support this effort.

The construction of an improved Analog Forestry Center that could house a nursery large enough to provide the growing number of local farmers with an ample supply of the AF seedlings they need for planting.

The construction of a lab for studying tropical plant diseases and identifying fungal pathogens.

The construction of an Education Center with a reference library where year-round classes could be held.

The creation of a Visitor Center.

The creation of a Butterfly Farm

The manufacture of weather-resistant botanical signs and mounting posts to be placed along a nature trail for self-guided rainforest walks.

Development of an Environmental Education teaching packet for use in conducting environmental education in the local schools.

The establishment of a Quepo Indian Natural History Museum in the town of Londres that will house the archeological artifacts found on the EcoEra Reserve.

Suggested Research Topics

Ecological and Cultural Benefits of Analog Forestry Practices

Census of bird abundance: contrast between dry and wet season. -Study the seasonal movements of local and migratory avifauna - Study the structure and organization of the neotropical bird community of Cerro Nara

Inventory the diversity of fungus

Research fungal pathogens that target tropical plants and trees, with particular focus on vegetation established by Analog Forestry.

Mammalian species diversity and abundance. -Distribution relative to altitudinal gradation of life zones. - Study the return of native fauna over time following restoration of habitat.

Microfauna - Inventory invertebrates in the duff , humus and soil.

Botanical Inventory: - 1,000 species of orchid have been documented so far (including carnivorous orchid!) - Others?

Symbiotic relationships in a tropical rainforest ecosystem Examples: - lichen - epiphytes - dart-poison frog and its diet source for toxin - ants as protectors of certain trees etc. - mycrorhyzzal fungi - frogs and cup fungi

Study tropical plant/insect interrelationships (Determine orchid pollinators etc.)

Inventory reptile and amphibian species populations

Plant succession on a river island. A hurricane occured in 1998 and virtually stripped all the vegetation off the island that sits in the Rio Naranjo. Primary colonization has already given way to secondary growth, but study of subsequent succession would be valuable.

Water monitoring: Monitoring the diversity and abundance of aquatic macroinvertebrates in the creek and river systems to assess water quality. Compare species composition in sections of streams unaffected by human activities with those that are affected.

Study fluctuation of indicator groups abundance that occurs with water level changes due to seasonal variation in rainfall

Study the effect of water level changes on indicator species abundance due to seasonal variation in rainfall

Evaluate changes in the integrity of the ecosystem due to water diversion practices. Develop viable alternatives.

Determine what rainforest floor invertebrates in the diet of dart-poison frogs gives them their toxicity in. In captivity, because their natural rainforest diet has not been duplicated, their skin secretions lose their toxicity as do the skin secretions of their offspring. (contact: Neotropical treefrog expert Andrew Gray) (Toxinologists and bio-medical researchers are interested in skin secretions with an eye to the production of new, potentially live-saving drugs.)

Long-term monitoring of Analog Forestry?s remedial effect on coral reef recovery. The coral reef, located near the mouth of the Rio Naranjo, has been suffering as a result of the deposition of accumulated silt caused by accelerated erosion in the deforested watershed. Erosion along the riparian corridor continues to be mitigated by the reforestation efforts in progress. It is hoped that this will ultimately allow the coral reef to recover.

Assist in the implementation of an Environmental Education program in the local schools. - Educate the local people on the value and importance of watershed management and protection. - It is important that sufficient water be left in the creeks and aquifer to benefit the ecology at large while allotting adequate water for human consumption. -Recharge of groundwater is assisted by leaving areas where water can make its way into the ground rather than diverting it. -The presence of grasses and native trees and plants along waterways serves to slow the velocity of water which decreases sediment pollution, eases flooding, and provides important riparian habitat for waterfowl, amphibians, reptiles and fish.

Accomplishments

Over 1,000 acres of land that had been clear-cut for cattle-grazing and farming have been restored and are now functioning as productive secondary forest. Over 10,000 native trees, grown as seedlings in EcoEra?s nursery, were planted to achieve this goal.

Restoration of the Cerro Nara pond that had been filled in by erosion from logging has been completed. The debris choking the pond was removed manually and the soil redistributed. The pond once again supports a healthy diversity of native amphibians and insects, as well as functioning as a desirable water source that attracts many indigenous mammals and birds.

Accelerated erosion along the riparian corridors has been mitigated through revegetation. The river waters that run through the Cerro Nara watershed are once again clean and potable.

EcoEra has been working closely with Quebrado de Arroyo, a local community that is now oriented around sustainable land practices. EcoEra has facilitated environmenal education field-trips and classroom visits within this community.

EcoEra is providing jobs for members of the local community who formerly relied upon poaching and unsustainable land use to support themselves economically.

Local school groups have visited the reserve to learn about watershed management and rainforest biodiversity. One grade-school class actively participated in a successful creek restoration project.

Many people in the community have newly found respect and appreciation for the environment and a growing understanding of their role as stewards.