The Reserva Ecológica Bijagual de Sarapiquí was created in March 2001. The Reserve is operated by a Costa Rican - U.S. non-profit organization, the Bijagual Center for Environmental Education and Conservation. The mission of the Reserve is to further the understanding of tropical rain forest in the Sarapiquí region of Costa Rica by promoting conservation; educating and training students and local residents; and facilitating research. The Reserve has accommodations for up to 30 researchers and students, including ample lecture and work space. Electricity and potable water are available 24-hours/ day. An 18 km trail system provides easy access to the Reserve's various habitats. Coordinates for the Reserve are: 10° 21' 46.8" N; 84° 6' 12.4" W.

The Reserve totals 286 hectares in area. There are six hectares of old growth forest while about 180 hectares were selectively logged. The remaining area is secondary forest and abandoned pasture, including 30 hectares that have been reforested with native species. An arboretum with about 100 native tree, shrub, and vine species is available as a learning resource. The topography is very irregular resulting in many micro-watersheds. There are seven springs and 15 streams that drain into the río Bijagual and río Tirimbina. Other habitats include swamp, regenerating old pasture, tree plantation, and a small cave.

Customized identification guides under development Checklists with images, maps, and links Albums of site participants More information how-to video progress and technology future proposal

Contacts

• Paul Foster, Director, Reserva Ecológica Bijagual -- pfoster@bijagual.org --
• Nancy Lowe, Outreach Coordinator, Discover Life -- nancy@discoverlife.org -- 404-272-4526