Strategic location, decades of preservation, forest, spring waters, waterfalls, and wild life merge in the San Francisco Biological Reserve. A unique place in the Costa Rican Caribbean coast that must be preserved and used for the benefit of current and future generations.  

In early 1980´s, the Loaiza-Montoya family started the restoration of 412 acres of the former Rancho San Francisco. Located on the hills of San Miguel de Bataan, province of Limón; between the Biological Corridor Amistad-Caribe (intended to connect Mexico to Colombia by 2020), and Barbilla National Park. Fifteen minutes away from main national roads and 40 minutes away from the beach.

Recent inventories of species unveil the presence of important markers of forest health and biological richness. More than 100 species of birds, about 20 species of fish, and least 7 species of bats have been identified. Remarkable data according to experts in amphibians, reptiles, butterflies, aquatic mollusks, plants and geologist willing to carry on research projects and higher level education programs on this land.

Just getting to the San Francisco Biological Reserve and knowing some facts about it, triggers the desire to preserve. A closer look shows the potential for actions that will benefit hundreds and calls for a sustainable development plan that involves and benefits nearby areas.

Some actions, such as educational programs in responsible development and utilization of natural resources would have an impact in the mid and long term. Some others would produce indirect positive consequences such as job generation.

Local governmental institutions are aware of our efforts and have offered their collaboration in different ways, such as improving access roads, installing electricity, or logistic advice. Meanwhile, professors from main Costa Rican universities are willing to use the land for field trips in a large variety of courses as well as performing some research activities in their areas of expertise, including geology, botanics, zoology, and others.

Satellite images soon to be available.

Contact Holly Wells for more information, or to arrange a site visit.