LRFF under the compassionate and dedicated leadership of Roberta Ward Smiley and Daniel Wilson, along with their many amazing volunteers, are bringing about necessary and measurable results. Not only do they positively impact the reforestation in Costa Rica, they are educating and inspiring countless others around the world to embark on similar efforts to help restore our precious planet.
Awesome people doing awesome things. A great experience to be a part of the organization and surrounded by positive energy and influential people.
La Reserva Forest Foundation (LRFF) in Tilaran/Costa Rica.... founded by Roberta Ward Smiley and Daniel Spreen Wilson and helped by their local VolunteerTeam and many Volunteers from all over The Globe to restore and preserve the Rainforest in Costa Rica. Roberta, Daniel and their volunteers show us a passionate care & love for Mother Earth and their grand enthusiasm in planting young trees to create this brandnew Rainforest and adding their contribution for the " Good " of Planet Earth! Not only having Heart for Mother Nature but also for their inhabitants in many ways! Connected with LRFF and their great Mission some years ago via The Love Foundationgroup and wishing to them lots of more young trees from People all over the Globe to keep the lungs of Planet Earth clean and all its good effects!
Like all those people who came and vanished through the passing of time You Roberta with your love of nature ...hands and greasy elbows .... commit in doing what many don't .....You make deserts bloom ......
Good planets are hard to find keep up the good work with La Riserva..................................
me ha ayudado a hacer algo importe y bueno para el planeta y que ay que ayudarlo siempre porque es lo mas hermoso que dios nos ha dado :)
As a retiree living in Costa Rica, I found myself looking for a volunteer opportunity. Happily, I went to La Reserva!! I found inspiration, friendship and a small group of dedicated folks determined to reforest and restore the natural world - while endlessly and creatively seeking funding. If our planet can be saved from the ravages of humanity, La Reserva will be among the most influential! Micaela
A real grass-roots organization, LRFF puts all its efforts into planting trees and protecting existing forested areas. We have planted over 100,000 trees in the 6 years we've been in existence and have plans in the works to plant another 70,000! We are helping combat global climate change, protecting water sheds, providing biological corridors for migratory animals, and educating people about the critical role tropical forests play in the health of our planet.
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I first experienced the work of La Reserva Forest Foundation 6 years ago on a tour through their preserve with Roberta Ward Smiley, founder, as my guide. What she helped me see was that small changes in the environment have a huge impact on all surrounding life. The growth of LRFF over the past few years has been impressive, the most recent project put 38,000 trees in the ground in an area that will improve the lives of flora & fauna and the indigenous people living there. I appreciate being able to work for a non-profit where I know monies raised are NOT being used for advertising or fund-raising but are going directly to reforestation efforts.
Working at La Reserva was the best experience of my life and I feel privileged to have been apart of the wonderful work they do every single day. During my time there I got to see first hand the importance of La Reservas work and work with the people, like the Maleku, whom the charity helps support. I learnt about forest regeneration at all levels and how imperative it is we support the natural regeneration of tropical forests as La Reserva does. I can't recommend this organisation, its work and members enough - if you can support it in anyway it will be one of the best things you do.
I have been working as a volunteer with La Reserva Forest Foundation for almost 3 months now. I have learned and seen alot about this great organisation. The dedication to reforest and preserve the tropical forests is amazing. The people that work here and that work with us are inspiring. La Reserva recently reforested an area near the Rio Sol, its a corridor for flora and fauna to migrate and spread to different locations. These corridors are of high importance and La Reserva is doing a great job creating these corridors. Next to creating corridors and slowly reforesting the world, La Reserva helps the local and/or indiginous people by providing jobs in helping maintaning these reforested areas. Also La Reserva helps in educating those who are involved or interested in reforestation and preservation. I have gain great insights of what I would like to work with in the future. Preserving the worlds tropical forests can be done by giving forests a higher economic value than its destructive values (timber, agriculture), in my opinion carbon sequestration is a great solution. I would highly recommend this organisation to any other future volunteer.
As a volunteer, I served as a founding member of the Board of the La Reserva Forest Foundation, watching it grow from an idea to a committed and energetic leader of reforestation efforts in the Arenal Tempisque Conservation Area, an area cited as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO as one of the most important watersheds in Central America. Inspired by what La Reserva was doing, we planted thousands of trees on our own property nearby and have been rewarded with the creation of a mini biological corridor for hundreds of species. This has been rewarding work indeed, and we applaud the persistence and dedication of La Reserva in creating a new culture of growth and conservation around Lake Arenal.
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As a former board member and "volunteer," I was helpful in many ways in the founding and organization of La Reserva. It was intense work, because Roberta and Dan are intensely involved in this project, with a passion for living trees and creating forests to preserve the aquifers and offer opportunities for animal populations to migrate. Costa Rica is one of the most bio-diverse countries on the planet, and we are losing that diversity at an alarming rate. Just one example: the howler monkey population has dropped by 50% in just the last 15 years -- mostly due to loss of habitat, as well as the forest "bridges" that connect one habitat with another. Working with Dan and Roberta is an education -- not just about forests, but about what it means to be so dedicated and energetic in the pursuit of one's dream. Their trajectory over the past few years has been electrifying. They are now known everywhere, including among all the environmental institutions, both public and non-profit. They participate in some of these organizations and carry their message wherever they go -- especially in the local schools. They give tours of the forest they've created, collect seedlings, sell indigenous trees from their nursery, maintain the thousands of trees they've planted, and manage a thorough-going communications program. This is truly an organization worthy of support!
From my father, with whom i had a more than lifelong sore contact, i inherited money, during his life and after he eventually passed with 86 yrs of age. I was never an example of gratitude, and could have spent it wiser. - The repeating thoughts were, i want your love, and not your money - Slowly though forgiveness and acceptance did seep through, and somehow early this year i needed to do something again. Trees and planting trees, has a place in my heart. Unfortunately I don't have land of my own to plant on. Roberta's dedication and enthusiasm in this had already touched me over the years. In the name of my father i made quite a big donation to LRFF, and now a grove is planted there, with his name. Their response, and the effect it had on me was overwhelming, beyond words. I cried and cried....... Something good happened on various levels.
La Reserva Forest Foundation is amazing. This foundation has a team of dedicated people who work endlessly to try to make a better world for the rest of us.
The work of La Reserva Forest Foundation is so precious, that all words would be not enough. La Reserva is saving our Earth, in fact is saving us, our civilization.
I began working with La Reserva Forest Foundation during college for a Service Leadership class where I consulted a non-profit. I had the privilege of being paired up with LRFF. I noticed from the first second I talked to Roberta that this was truly something special. Her passion was unmatched and her goals were out of this world. I realized that this rubbed off on everyone involved with this organization, which eventually rubbed off on me. Everyone involved has such a strong desire to make the world a better place environmentally, socially, and even economically. Their goals of restoring forest habitats, helping the people of the earth, and helping the economies of poor indigenous people in Costa Rica really spoke to me. It seemed as this non-profit really hit all the bases and did not focus on one issue, but somehow fit a bunch of them even though it was not very big. I have now worked with La Reserva on their board of directors for a year, and it has been a wonderful experience. I highly recommend anyone at all get involved with this non-profit since it is something that everyone can relate. It is a non-profit that you get immediate satisfaction knowing you are making a difference on earth.
La Reserva Forest Foundation is a truly magical place with a tremendous social mission and the staff capable of seeing it to fruition. Roberta and her team are a blessing. To date, they have helped our organization educate over 200+ university students who have taken the positive values and principles of LRFF to heart. The work being done at LRFF is extraordinary and the impact has been clear over the past 3 years of visiting the project sites. Best of luck for continued success.
My reforestation project was one of the first and has been an enormous success. We put in at least 50 different types of trees. The new forest has now a new family of monkeys and untold bird nests. There are now naturally appearing tree sprouts filling in under the larger trees as the forest growth ages. The whole project has been great fun to watch and we get many comments on how fast things can change for the betterment of all. Roger
I did an internship at La Reserva for 5 months last year working as Executive Assistant to the CEO, Roberta. As a student of Modern Languages (French and Spanish) in England, I am currently undertaking the 'year abroad' aspect of my degree for which I spent my Spanish half in Costa Rica. Roberta was extremely helpful and welcoming from the start, and after a very friendly Skype interview, found me a host family nearby who are friends of hers and Dan's. At La Reserva I was given a wide range of tasks ranging from translations, letter writing and blogging to video making, calendar design, production and promotion and accompanying them on day trips to Maleku tribal villages! Roberta, Dan (Roberta's partner), Suzy (the very friendly Chihuahua cross who greeted me every day with excitable muddy paws), Gino (the Great Dane who greeted me every day with a very large not-overly-pleasant slobbery kiss), the La Reserva parrot and Squeak the loudest snoring cat I have ever met, really have something special at La Reserva. Even the walk up is pretty surreal, with captivating views out over Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano looming in the distance, quite often a rainbow or two framing the idyllic scene following the afternoon rains in wet season. The work that La Reserva does is innovative, wide ranging and essential to the survival of the rainforest and its inhabitants both human and animal. The unconditional love that Roberta and Dan have for the earth and its inhabitants is really rather inspiring and it is their enthusiasm and passion that keep LRFF going through thick and thin. I had a fantastic time in Costa Rica working at La Reserva, and I am hoping this summer to return or to volunteer in some way from England, possibly to help set up an LRFF UK!
I am so amazed by the dedication and progress of La Reserva Forest Foundation. They have planted over 70,000 trees in the past four years. I feel grateful to be able to help my planet by donating to people who are willing to go out in to the jungle, trudge through the rivers and dig in the dirt to lovingly plant trees. I like to help physically plant the trees as well but I donate as much as I can to support this very important work. Trees produce oxygen and clean our air what could be more important?
We have been to La Reserva and had a wonderful experience there. These people care so very much and work so very hard. We saw some of the trees they had planted and how much they had changed the environment. Great Job!!
ECO-Action can not extend enough praise to this wonderful organization! We have rated them as EXCELLENT in all the following categories: Educational, Hands-On Effectiveness, Community Awareness, Local and Global Actual Benefit, Virtual Presence, Enthusiastic Leadership, and Sustained Commitment! These are the kind of people and organization that can take one's breath away - and, in this case, produce enough oxygen for several more! The variety of projects and areas of effectiveness are especially impressive when considered vis a vis so many bloated and one-dimensional non-profit organizations popular today - and La Reserva operates on a criminally low budget for the time, sustained effort, and effectiveness obtained. Others in the field would do well to visit and assist this organization with time or money, and leave with renewed hope and vigor. Their enthusiasm and dedication are contagious! We are proud to know them and aspire to La Reserva's accomplishments. For more information: Beth Hollenbeck, Executive Director, ECO-Action, USA, www.eco-action.net, 407-695-5050
La Reserva Forest Foundation (LRFF) is an incredible organization working towards restoring the Costa Rican rainforest. As a college student in California, I haven't had the pleasure of returning to Costa Rica to directly volunteer with LRFF, but I plan to in the future. They are so smart with what they do, considering all aspects on life in Costa Rica from the trees and vegetation to the monkeys and other wildlife, and the farmers and people trying to make a living. I've throughly enjoyed giving some of my very little income as a monthly donation, and have loved reading the periodic emails sent to me about their diverse and focused projects. LRFF is an awesome non-profit that I'm thrilled to continue to be intimately affiliated with.
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I had the opportunity to fund raise for any organization in the world and chose to donate my funds to LRFF. This organization is run by intelligent, driven leaders that I've had the pleasure of meeting personally. Roberta and her staff are truly inspirational. I hope one day to return to Costa Rica to visit their neck of the woods and plant one of their countless trees that are helping to restore our precious rain forest. Thank you LRFF for your extremely hard work and amazing accomplishments!
I have nothing positive to say at this date. Sorry.
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I moved to Costa Rica hoping to be able to engage in reforestation and wildlife preservation efforts. I met Roberta and Daniel of La Reserva Forest Foundation at their first ever fundraiser. Despite having virtually no funding or support at that time, they were planting trees anywhere they could get an agreement from landowners. I was moved by their dedication and commitment to reforestation and habitat restoration. I am proud to work with La Reserva regularly and have seen the foundation take on bigger challenges and become better organized and more effective in our efforts. Community outreach, educational programs, nursery creation projects, animal rehabilitation and reintroduction and biological corridor program, and ongoing forest docent programs along with cultural restoration projects are among the expanding efforts being made at La Reserva. In 2009 we planted 10,000 trees and more still in 2010. Other lands we have reforested are showing signs of returning fauna and diversification of flora in the few short years since being planted! This makes me even more excited about the work we do with La Reserva Forest Foundation. Roberta Ward Smiley and Daniel Spreen are a true inspiration and deserve to be supported and encouraged in their work at La Reserva Forest Foundation.
La Reserva was a fantastic experience and should be highly recommended to anyone interested in biodiversity, jungle hikes, or just nature in general. Roberta is a fantastic guide and she really knows her wildlife and plants. Thanks for the tour and alowing me to partake in the ecological restoration efforts at La Reserva!
Zack
Review from Guidestar
We visited La Reserva last winter, being ourselves plant nursery owners. We were touched by Roberta and Daniel's authenticity and great respect of nature. These leaders understand the fragility of life and their responsability in contributing to a better world. Let's give them our support!
Besides having a wonderful tour and learning experience not only about trees and plants but also about the animals that depend on preserving our natural resources such as our native plants. It is really an amazing work of art what Roberta and her husband have done to help Costa Rica, and mother earth. Therefore, they are really helping humanity. She has stimulated my wife, Jennifer, and me to do the same with. our land and taught us how to do it. It is amazing that within a year how our land has reforested and hopefully soon all the natural wildlife will be back.
Alan J. Sault MD, ABHM
The team that runs and supports La Rerserva is a dedicated group of people. They work hard and are committed to changing the environment for all of us around the world.
Giving to this organization is a no-brainer. They do good work that benefits not only the area, the people, and animals but the globe.
I met Dan and Roberta thru a mutual friend who lives in Costa Rica. We had the pleasure of Roberta taking us on a tour of the reserve and showing us the diversity of flora and fauna in her backyard. Thru their hard work and dedication to the cause, their grass roots efforts are helping to restore the vital oxigen producing and carbon capturing abilities of tropical rain forests.
Hat's off to them and continued sucess in their future endeavors.
Charles
La Reserva Forest Foundation is a special project non only committed with nature but also people and their local economy.
They are working hard to restore native tropical forests by planting trees, educating people, inspiring donors and partnering with private and public landowners, giving to many the opportunity to contribute to the positive change for our planet.
Review from Guidestar
I've been happy to help support the work of LRFF. Roberta and Dan have dedicated themselves to reforestation and to the preservation of disappearing species, not for personal gain (in fact, they have put their own needs second to their work,) but for the greater good.
After one walk through the restored tropical forest with Roberta as guide, we were transformed and have committed ourselves to helping La Reserva grow and mature, just like the trees they plant. If a dozen people in powerful positions would take that walk, the world would be a different place.
I have known Roberta and Dan since I moved here over six years ago. They are tireless, selfless, organized, amazing people with so much to offer our world. Keep up the great work, Roberta and Dan!
I am the CEO, founder and owner of OLIVAfilms, a nature documentary production company from Costa Rica (www.OLIVAfilms.com). I've known the founders of LA RESERVA FOREST FOUNDATION since I am kid. But it wasn't until the recent years that I have been able to see their work, their enthusiasm, their "ant-like attitude" of always working hard no matter what. I TRULY believe these are the type of people and organizations we need, those that stay during the years...'cause you know what, just like the ant has no choice but to bring food to the colony, us humans have no choice but save the planet and save ourselves. - - Roy Prendas Ãlvarez
My husband and I helped to plant trees last fall with other industrious volunteers. Roberta and Dan are extremely dedicated to reforestation and their enthusiasm is highly contagious. I now am involved in the monthly meetings and in a small way assisted with fundraising. It has been a very rewarding and positive experience.
While there are various organizations that are involved in planting or re-planting in deforested areas, La Reserva also makes an impact with education. Yes, they have planed over 10,000 trees, they have also "planted" the idea that the disaster of deforestation can be reversed. They have talked with, and educated local land owners, and school children regarding the importance of this project and the positive impact that it can have for all of us. Additionally, with the tours of the already re-forested land that Dan and Roberta have converted from pasture to jungle, they have been able to educate people from all over the world. Without exception, those who experience the tours come away with a completely different outlook as to the possibilities of reversing the damage that humans have inflicted on our environment. They deserve all of the credit for accomplishing this and with proper funding there is no limit as to what further could be accomplished.
I was a volunteer at La Reserva Forest Foundation for a month last year. It was an amazing experience doing hands on work to restore native tropical forest. During my time I was also exposed to some great literature provided by Dan and Roberta on restoration and environmental conservation in Costa Rica. While volunteering I worked on biological corridors as living fences, planted over a thousand seeds in the native plant nursery, and learned about tropical forest ecology. I liked the reserve and the work they are doing so much that I returned again this year and volunteered for a few days helping plant trees, repair living fences, and enjoying nature hikes through the reserve. This place has opened a new passion in me and I have the highest regard for the work that Roberta and Dan are doing for the environment. I hope that through the various ways they are conducting outreach that the foundation will be able to do more good for the local community and also for the global community who either knowing it or not, relies on these forests for a better Earth.
My husband and I took a tour of LaRserva alittle over a year ago. We were so impressed with what Dan & Roberta were doing we went back to the states, sold our house, and moved here to be a part of this special nonprofit.We're not the only ones who are here to volunteer.Everyone envoled with LRFF has the same passion. They don't just plant trees.It's very important to LRFF that the Ticos[Costa Ricans] are payed for their work.They plant the native trees and maintain them for two years. The forest, once planted, grows back to its thick, lush, green beauty.This is the natural habit of the sloth, birds,butterflies,puma, and our beloved monkeys to name a few animal species. Just last week at LRFf a pair of white face monkeys were spotted. Roberta last saw them here 15 years ago. They are coming back because they have the corridors now.LRFF plants to connect the forest areas to become large corridors so the animal habitat can travel and multiply in thier natural eco system.The indigenous people look to the forest for their food and natural medicines. This just touches the surface of what LRFF is all about.Please go to webb site WWW.LRFF.ORG. Come to La Reserva ,meet Roberta &Dan;,take a tour and see for yourself.The tour starts at thier house. There is no ticket office or snack bar. After the tour you go back to the house and have a cold drink. LaReserva is truely a "grass root" organization. That's why we're here and we're loving every minute of it. We just need the money to plant. Come experience the feeling of planting a native tree in the forest.LET'S GET PLANTING! That's our motto.
My husband and I went on a forest tour at La Reserva Forest Foundation and were astonished at how quickly the native tropical forest has regenerated from cleared cattle pasture in just 10-15 years. We were also amazed at how much this dedicated group of volunteers has been able to accomplish with very few resources. They create miracles from nothing!
My husband and I met the founder of La Reserva within 6 months of moving to Costa Rica and I knew immediately that Roberta was the “real deal”, as a mutual admirer so aptly once described her. The dedication of both Roberta Ward Smiley and Daniel Spreen Wilson to the native forests and its inhabitants is refreshingly sincere and their energy astounding. What they have accomplished on a shoestring budget is, by itself, a testament to their devotion to their cause. The ramifications of their accomplishments will not only restore habitat for the rainforest and its flaura/fauna, but provide desperately needed carbon absorption for the world’s floundering atmosphere. LRFF’s focus is remarkable; I just wish enough funding was available to make more of their dreams come true.
LRFF was founded in 2005 with a very simple but innovative idea. Let's get planting the world's native tropical forests to not only help increase wildlife habitat but to help with the even larger more urgent problem of climate change. I am the founder and president of LRFF (don't know if my review will be eligible) and have watched this organization grow from this win/win idea to actually planting over 10,000 native trees in 2009. We are already on our way to planting at least 100% more in 2010.