Conservation is full of challenges, and the hard work our team and volunteers do requires creative thinking, adaptability, and collaboration—not just within our team, but also with our local communities and conservationists who share our passion for protecting the planet and its wildlife.
Since its inauguration in 2023, our Sarapiquí Rainforest Reserve has come a long way! Our team is working tirelessly to restore the forest we once lost, ensuring a future home for the Great Green Macaw and countless other species that depend on these ancient trees. But restoring an ecosystem is no small feat—it demands every ounce of resourcefulness and resilience to overcome the many challenges of working in the field.
Thinking Outside the Box (or Saddle)
In Costa Rica, the weather can swing between torrential rains and relentless sun. The terrain is unpredictable, with thick mud, steep inclines, and dense vegetation making movement difficult. Transporting young trees across such landscapes is a daunting task, where every step can feel like a mountain to climb.
Long, hard days are not uncommon in the field, but for our Reserve team, moving trees to their planting sites became one of our toughest hurdles. The land we are restoring for the Great Green Macaw is rugged and often inaccessible by vehicle. Despite our best efforts, carrying the trees by hand was exhausting and slow. We needed a better way.
Enter a surprising idea from one of our dedicated Women Rangers, María Elena. During a visit to Colombia, she learned from fellow conservationists at Proyecto Tití, where she witnessed something unexpected: mules were being used to transport saplings across difficult terrain.
At first, the idea seemed unconventional. With all the modern technology available, why use mules? However, as she watched, she saw firsthand how effective animals can be in navigating remote and challenging landscapes where our vehicles simply couldn’t go. The mule carried the trees effortlessly through thick vegetation, rocky trails, and steep hillsides—all while making for a great trekking companion.
📸 María Elena and Pamela with the Proyecto Tití team (2023). A journey of shared conservation knowledge—plus a surprising lesson in reforestation!
Bringing the Idea Home
Back in Costa Rica, our team faced the same challenge—saplings ready for planting but no easy way to transport them. That’s when María Elena thought back to what she had seen in Colombia: Why not use a mule?
With the help of the local community, we found the perfect four-legged partner for the job. Strong, sure-footed, and unfazed by the rugged landscape, the mule carried the young trees with ease. What once seemed impossible became manageable, thanks to this traditional yet highly effective method.
But while the mule had no trouble with the rugged landscape, María Elena faced a different challenge—she had never worked with a mule before. At first, she was nervous about guiding it through such rough terrain. Would she be able to handle it? Would the mule cooperate?
“I had never ridden a mule before, and I was so nervous working with one—especially on such a difficult path. But with my team’s support, I went for it. Looking back, even though it was one of the moments I felt the most anxious restoring the Reserve, it was also the best part of my day.”
With the support of her team (and their new mule companion), she quickly gained confidence. By the end of the day, she found herself laughing at how worried she had been at first. The mule, as it turned out, was incredibly patient—taking its time, adjusting to the load, and carefully stepping through the dense forest. In the end, it wasn’t just the trees that arrived at their destination—it was also a moment of growth for María Elena.
📸 María Elena guiding our new trusty teammate. A little help goes a long way when reforesting tough terrain!
Conservation Is a Team Effort
This experience reinforced a vital lesson: conservation doesn’t happen in isolation. It thrives on shared knowledge, local wisdom, and a willingness to work with and learn from others. Restoring the habitat of the Great Green Macaw isn’t just about planting trees or releasing birds—it’s about fostering a network of people and ideas that make the seemingly impossible, possible.
Conservation is full of unexpected hurdles, but solutions often come from the most unconventional places. Whether it’s harnessing the power of a mule, leaning on the experience of fellow conservationists, or embracing the knowledge of local communities, every challenge presents an opportunity to innovate and grow.
“She’s gentle—most of the time. Sometimes she gets stubborn and doesn’t want to walk, but overall, she’s a good girl and an incredible help in the field.”
So, the next time you’re faced with an obstacle, remember that we’re not meant to do everything alone, sometimes we need to ask for help. Whether that help come from a friend, a colleague, or a trusty mule, we are stronger together. And with perseverance, creativity, and collaboration, we can continue restoring and protecting the incredible wildlife of Costa Rica—one tree at a time.
