Pacuare Reserve hosts visitors from across the globe seeking an opportunity to experience bountiful wildlife and play an active role in research and conservation projects that protect the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This biodiverse corridor provides a protected nesting area for the largest marine turtle in the world, the leatherback sea turtle, and nearly 2,000 acres of tropical lowland forest – a haven for rare animals such as jaguars and the beautiful agami heron. Ecology Project International (EPI), the non-profit organization that stewards Pacuare Reserve, is committed to protecting this key sanctuary, involving local communities, and generating lasting and meaningful nature-based experiences for each visitor.
Life at the Reserve
Visitors to The Reserve enjoy accommodations constructed in the style of typical Caribbean Costa Rican bungalows. Casa Grande, Pacuare Reserve’s most prominent EcoLodge, is a timber structure sourced with local materials, containing four comfortable guest rooms, private bathrooms, and unmatched access to the surrounding forest, historic canals, and breathtaking beachfront.
Construction in the Tropics
In addition to student groups and volunteers, reliable Casa Grande occupancy is critical to funding the annual research and conservation operations at Pacuare Reserve. In late summer 2022, what began as routine repairs and upgrades to Casa Grande quickly and unexpectedly became a major renovation project. Significant damage was found in the walls, ceiling, and floors, requiring a sudden urgency to fix the damage and the use of higher-quality materials to prevent future damage. Because of this unforeseen restoration, Pacuare Reserve needs your help to complete the repairs on time so we can continue doing the important conservation work at The Reserve!
Hoisting Hope for Casa Grande
As work continues on Casa Grande, the estimated cost to rebuild the structure has grown to $60,000. Thanks to a generous match from EPI's Board of Directors and support from valued donors, we've closed the gap needed to reopen on time and we have just $15,000 left to go for our goal.
While construction needs may not be very inspiring, these repairs are crucial for The Reserve to function and for our team to continue doing in 2023 what we know to do best: protecting the vulnerable species that call Pacuare Reserve home and sharing the magic of the site with all of our visitors.
