Finca Isla : The Island Farm Costa Rica : Rainforest and tropical wildlife preserve.

Toucano, Photo (c) 2004 Ingrid Greenwood

The Island Farm, Aguas Zarcas, AL, Costa Rica

Rainforest conservation, tropical wildlife preserve, and pioneer eco-reforestation project. Located between two rivers at the base of the mountains in Aguas Zarcas, San Carlos, in the heart of the Northern Zone of Costa Rica.

Finca Isla, like an island, is effectively surrounded by water. Two rivers cascade down from the dark green mountains just above through thick corridors of primary rainforest for a mile of both sides of the farm, and then converge at the northern entrance. Vehicles must cross the river to enter the farm over a low bridge. In high water or for the fun of it one enters by foot over the river on our hanging bridge.

THE PARK OF PURE WATER

The volcanic mountains are part of the Juan Castro Blanco National Park, which was recently renamed the Park of water for its abundant clean water. Above and beside the farm are forest reserves, sheltering the springs that provide the farm and the entire community with 100% pure, untreated drinking water. The San Carlos region is known for heavy rainfall, and year round lush green foliage. .

North slopes of Volcano Platanar as seen from the Finca.

The finca is situated between two rivers with steep banks covered with primary rain forest. The rivers join at the foot of the property making the finca a virtual island.

RAINFOREST CORRIDORS

The corridors of virgin rain forest along both sides of the farm are habitat for a wide variety of mammals, reptiles and birds. Monkeys, sloths, poison dart frogs, and toucans are common. Workers on the farm see coatis, anteaters, and jungle cats.

THE IDEAL CLIMATE FOR INTENSE BIODIVERSITY

The farm is between 550 to 650 meters above sea level, with temperature hovering between high 60's to low 80's.This narrow temperate zone accommodates vegetation and attracts wildlife from both the hot lowlands and the cooler highlands, making it the most Biodiverse sector of Costa Rica, and possibly in the world. We are so spoiled that we jokingly complain about it being a little cool in the mornings and a little warm in the afternoon. The average temperature at 75 degrees Fahrenheit with an almost constant refreshing breeze is exactly in the middle of the human comfort zone.

AGRICULTURE AND UNRANIZATION PRESSURE

Most of the rainforest in this zone was timbered to make pasture for cows, and other intense agricultural use. Now, virtually everybody would like to live in this zone, and this urbanization pressure threatens both the water supply and the few remaining patches of original functional rainforest habitat.

THE MISSION AT FINCA ISLA

Our goal at Finca Isla is to preserve the existing Primary rainforest and enhance it with our reforestation addition.

More coming soon. Meanwhile, enjoy our photo tour and maps. Now Testing our Monkey Cam