Palo Verde Biological Station

Overview

Description

Palo Verde is one of the most important sanctuaries in Central America for migrating and resident species of waterfowl. Visitors would discover the natural beauty of the tropical dry forest and the magnificent wetlands, a rich mosaic that encompasses 15 different habitats. The seasonal Palo Verde Wetland is considered one of the most important marshes in Central America. Large numbers of aquatic birds can be seen: Grebes, Cormorants, Anhingas, Herons, Jabiru Storks, Ibises, Spoonbills , Falcons, Caracaras, Jacanas and many more. The mammal fauna is equally rich and visible, particularly during the dry season when peccaries, armadillos, jaguarundis, coatis, agoutis, deers, and monkeys are attracted to the water holes. Home of the endangered species Mexican burrowing toad, which lives underground and only comes out for mating in early wet season.

More than sixty species of bats have been reported, including the great false vampire. Isla de Pajaros in the Tempisque river, is the most important nesting colony for wading birds in northwest Costa Rica . Eleven resident bird species and some 3000 individuals altogether nest there late in the wet season. The Tempisque river is the home of the one of the largest concentration of crocodiles in Costa Rica.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 10

Percentage of local employees: 95%

At Palo Verde Biological Station, for more than 7 years, OTS has been conducting and facilitating a series of activities intended to promote the integrated management of the Tempisque Basin. The main goal of this initiate is to consolidate the conservation of key ecosystem with local participation. These activities are grouped in four working areas:

Monitoring water quality and flows, restoration of wetlands and determination of environmental flows for the Tempisque River. The restoration of Palo Verde marsh is a clear example where local stakeholders participate actively.

Training and technology transfer on more friendly and sustainable agriculture practices. So far more than 400 local farmers and technicians have been trained on the use of biological control in paddy rice and sugar cane, and the use of no tillage system and mechanized transplanted in rice.

Creating a geographical information system to integrate bio-physical and environmental information with social and economic issues. More than 550 layers of digital information on a broad field of disciplines is available to facilitate the decision making process on development and conservation for the Basin

Consolidating a regional task force integrated by individuals and organizations willing to foster the integrated management of water resources.

OTS is a non-profit consortium that includes around 65 universities and research institutions around the world. OTS was founded in 1963 to provide leadership in education, research and the responsible use of natural resources in the tropics. To address this mission, OTS conducts graduate and undergraduate education, facilitates research, actively participates in tropical forest conservation, and manages three biological stations in Costa Rica: La Selva, Las Cruces and Palo Verde.

OTS and eco-tourism,: Promoting and supporting a scientific and environmental consciousness, with more than 10,000 eco tourist visiting our three biological stations in Costa Rica through our Natural History Program (Three Paths), OTS is focusing to ensure that natural history visitors have a high quality experience and learn about the amazing natural history of the tropical forest, its flora and fauna , through activities such as: Guided Natural History Walks, Bird-watching, Night Tours, short term projects and hands-on science activities, volunteer projects, River boat tours, Lectures, etc. These activities are just part of the experiential learning that our biological stations can offer, which fulfills the mission of enhancing the appreciation of nature and ecology, the understanding of need for preservation and the support of conservation measures.

Rates

$51 – $75

Rates include lodging and three meals per day.

For more information about rates, please visit:

• www.threepaths.co.cr/paloverde_rates_reservation.shtml

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Liberia (LIR)

Travel time to nearest airport: 1.5 hours

Location: Parque Nacional Palo Verde, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Distance from San José: 4:00 hr, 230km

Additional Information

Date This Information Was Provided

June 2009.

Photo courtesy of Palo Verde Biological Station, Costa Rica, for SustainableTrip.org.