Two days after the full moon two hunters were identified entering the Tigra section of the Forest armed with a .22 calbre Springfield rifle, 7 rounds of ammunition and 2 knives. They spent the night in a police cell. One of the men was prosecuted and ordered to surrender the weapons as they didn’t have permits.

The operation was conducted with local law enforcement authorities.

Patrolling the protected area is part of the daily work of the Children’s Eternal Rainforest. These patrols are necesary to prevent hunting and collecting plants and other materials from the reserve. Trails are monitored and also off-trail areas where hunters with dogs are sometimes removed from the forest. This is especially a problem on summer days and on full moon.

We are also constantly monitoring areas where there is conflict with neighbouring farms. In Costa Rica squatters can gain rights to land they occupy but do not own and several neighbouring families have been trying for years to take over properties which are now part of the Forest. We are working together with a neighbouring reserve to gain evidence of a similar occupation by one of these families in order to press charges against them.

There is also conflict with a family which is building a house next to The Forest and where there is a court order preventing them from constructing trails, but constant monitoring is needed to ensure they are not maintaining their trails in our Forest.

On the other hand, in the Chachagua catchment the community is working together to make sure a possible hydro-electric project does not damage The Forest, as has happened in other nearby rivers. Engineers have been conducting studies in the area with the possibility of caputuring or diverting both the Chachagua and the Burro River.

Keel-billed toucan in a secropia

I’ve been trying to figure out how I can become better connected to the Children’s Eternal Rainforest so as to be able to bring you stories regularly for the blog. I thought at least I can go there and experience The Forest. So my Spanish teacher and I went for a walk in Bajo del Tigre. Learning Spanish, nature and exercise – how’s that for multi-tasking?!

We had just entered the forest below the reception building when there was a Keel-billed Toucan. I explained in my broken Spanish why seeing toucans here is significant to the ecosystems and that made think I should tell you.

Laurie Waller, president of the Monteverde Conservation League - U.S., is shown planting a tree in the Children's Eternal Rainforest in Costa Rica.

Laurie Waller was featured in an interview by STLToday.com, discussing the upcoming change in name for the organization.

The Monteverde Conservation League–U.S. will soon rename itself the Friends of the Children’s Eternal Rainforest.

The name change won’t change the purpose of the group. It will remain dedicated to raising funds, buying land and educating people in efforts to preserve the Children’s Eternal Rainforest near Monteverde, Costa Rica. The preserve is the biggest private conservation reserve in Central America, said Laurie Waller, president of the non-profit organization.

Dear Friends of the Forest,

Our national day of Thanksgiving was a time to reflect on progress and blessings. We are grateful for the support of each one who has given time, money or other resources to help this year. Progress includes a new and energetic board of directors, who will travel in February for meetings with members of MCL and to see the forest. You can read more about the visit to St. Louis from MCL’s leadership in this issue.

Integrity and dedication continue to be MCL’s forte. Many organizations have a short life span. But MCL and MCLUS are committed for the long haul, because this amazing forest needs long term protection. You can also read about corporate commitment and reforestation work by New Chapter and Whole Foods Market, and the strong support of NBO Shoes with the summer “It’s All One” campaign for the Children’s Eternal Rainforest (CER).

In our efforts to safeguard the CER, we know that apathy has no place. Please share news of the Children’s Eternal Rainforest with your family and friends. And join us for a fascinating eco-trip in 2012! Read about the Costa Rica trips and see more information on our early bird specials in this issue.

We continue to give gratitude for support as we move forward!

For the forest,

Laurie Waller
President
Monteverde Conservation League U.S.
laurie.waller@mclus.org

SAVE THE DATE!

On April 26, 2011, MCLUS will hold its first annual fundraising and awareness-building event. The keynote speaker will be internationally renowned botanist and conservationist Dr. Peter Raven, President Emeritus of the Missouri Botanical Garden and MCLUS board member. Dr. Raven will discuss global conservation issues, rainforest ecology, and the connection between that ecosystem and our lives outside of the rainforest. It will be an informative and exciting evening (6:00 – 8:00 pm). If you would like to become an event sponsor and be acknowledged as a supporter of this event, please contact Laurie Waller at 636-751-0916.

A Rare Sighting! Ornate Hawk Eagle Seen

A recent sighting of a rare ornate hawk eagle in the Children’s Eternal Rainforest was cause for elation. For many species it is their only safe place, as habitat continues to shrink around the forest. Enjoy more information about this sighting and other animals in the forest at the MCLUS’ blog.

The Children’s Eternal Rainforest is on a new Costa Rican stamp!

The 24th of August was quite a day for MCL! A series of four national stamps were issued showcasing the Children’s Eternal Rainforest. Being featured on the national postage stamps is a great honor and usually reserved for 100 year anniversaries and for national parks, but MCL was chosen in celebration of their 25 years of contribution to conservation.

Click here for more information on this exciting new development.

Green-eyed frog more secure

The green-eyed frog took one more step away from extinction recently when a new population was discovered in the Children’s Eternal Rainforest. Still critically endangered, the second population is reassuring that the species has managed to survive and increases its resilience for the future. So the population distribution maps will have to be redrawn. MCL will keep you informed of this important discovery.

By Rowan Eisner in Monteverde, CR

New Chapter and Whole Foods Market Show Strong Support – AGAIN!

MCLUS is happy to report that the “cause marketing” campaign on behalf of the rainforest through New Chapter and Whole Foods raised almost $100,000 in 2011. We want to thank Tom Newmark president of New Chapter, for continuing his support of MCLUS and the rainforest by donating a percentage of the sales of New Chapter products through several Whole Foods stores nation-wide. And we want to thank all the people at Whole Foods for their enthusiastic support and creative displays.

Click here to read more…

“IT’S ALL ONE” NBO Shoes Gives to the Forest

“Health, wellness, — our well being and quality of life — all depend on our taking care of the planet, because it is all one. The Children’s Eternal Rainforest is an amazing resource and a place that needs our help. I felt we (NBO Shoes) could make a difference.” This quote from Kipp Keller, president of NBO Shoes, set the stage for a successful promotion this past summer.

Click to read more on this great promotion

Travel with us to the Children’s Eternal Rainforest and Costa Rica in 2012

San Gerardo Field Station and Monteverde – March 17-25
Price: $1,850 (not including airfare)
Early Bird Discount of $100 if you sign up by December 15, 2011

Join us for a special San Gerardo itinerary designed to fit into one week of your vacation time and scheduled for spring break instead of summer! Enjoy nine adventure-filled days with rainforest hikes, waterfalls, mist-netting for bats and birds.

Click here to read more about this exciting trip!

Pocosol Field Station and Sarapiqui River – June 29-July 8
Price: $2,095 (not including airfare)
Early Bird Discount of $100 if you sign up by February 1, 2012

Embark on a tropical adventure filled with conservation, biodiversity, and Costa Rican culture. Stay at the brand new field station at Pocosol and hike the fascinating trails to the bubbling mudpots or the waterfall. Watch for the tracks of margay, ocelot, jaguar or tapir. Join your fellow travelers mist-netting for birds and bats – a harmless way to see fascinating species up close.

Click here to read more about this exciting trip!

September Board Retreat Strengthening Partnerships!

MCL Board President, Mark Wainwright and MCL and MCLUS Board member Dr. Julia Matamoros traveled to St. Louis from Costa Rica to take part in MCLUS’ September board retreat. One focus of their 5 day stay was to deepen the strong partnership that exists between MCL and MCLUS. Both Mark and Julia spent full days meeting with local donors, corporate sponsors and volunteers who have been so generous in their support of the Children’s Eternal Rainforest. It also gave them an insight of how the MCLUS organization is run.

Click here to read about the retreat and see photos of the MCLUS board

San Gerardo Field Station and Monteverde – March 17-25
Price: $1,850 (not including airfare)
Early Bird Discount of $100 if you sign up by December 15, 2011

Join us for a special San Gerardo itinerary designed to fit into one week of your vacation time and scheduled for spring break instead of summer! Enjoy nine adventure-filled days with rainforest hikes, waterfalls, mist-netting for bats and birds.

Experience wonderful wildlife encounters. Watch hummingbirds and butterflies dance through the air. Smell the fragrance of tropical flowers. Observe and photograph birds, amphibians and mammals on nature hikes. Hear the calls of the howler monkeys as they eat and cavort in trees overhead. Experience all this and more during your adventure in the misty cloud forest and montane rainforest of the Tilaran Mountains around the Costa Rican continental divide. Learn and see why the 55,000 acres that make up the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, the largest private reserve in Central America, hosts unimaginably high biodiversity and is so important to conservation. Do your part by participating in a service activity, which might be tree-planting or trail maintenance, whatever is needed when we get there. Enjoy a visit to a women’s craft cooperative for unique souvenir shopping. Savor the flavors at the Cheese Factory and get a taste of the best ice cream in the world – mora, guanabana, or other tropical fruits, or the most heavenly vanilla on earth. Stay longer with an arranged extension to suit your preference. Check out MCLUS website at: mclus.org/eco-tourism to see more information and complete itineraries or contact MCLUS’ Science/Travel Coordinator, Maggie Eisenberger at: maggie.eisenberger@mclus.org.

Pocosol Field Station and Sarapiqui River – June 29-July 8
Price: $2,095 (not including airfare)
Early Bird Discount of $100 if you sign up by February 1, 2012

Embark on a tropical adventure filled with conservation, biodiversity, and Costa Rican culture. Stay at the brand new field station at Pocosol and hike the fascinating trails to the bubbling mudpots or the waterfall. Watch for the tracks of margay, ocelot, jaguar or tapir. Join your fellow travelers mist-netting for birds and bats – a harmless way to see fascinating species up close.

Bird-watchers will love the view of the forest from a hammock on the deck or enjoy being on the trails. Climb the base of the Arenal Volcano to the lava fields. Float down the Sarapiqui River with its terrific views of wildlife – howler monkeys, iguanas and basilisks, herons, kingfishers, sloths and more! View the forest canopy from an aerial tram. See how chocolate is made and get a delicious taste at the Tirimbina Rainforest Center. Explore Luna Nueva, a model organic farm. Investigate an archaeological site for a glimpse into the Costa Rican past. Enjoy a whole new culture and ecosystem. Be amazed at how much the Caribbean slope of the forest differs from the Pacific side, one of the many reasons for the exceedingly high biodiversity of the Children’s Eternal Rainforest. Stay longer on an arranged extension to suit your preference. Check out the MCLUS website at: mclus.org/eco-tourism to see more information and complete itineraries or contact MCLUS’ Science/Travel Coordinator, Maggie Eisenberger at: maggie.eisenberger@mclus.org.

By Maggie Eisenberger, Travel Coordinator

Merrell store display and sales team

“Health, wellness, — our well being and quality of life — all depend on our taking care of the planet, because it is all one. The Children’s Eternal Rainforest is an amazing resource and a place that needs our help. I felt we (NBO Shoes) could make a difference.” This quote from Kipp Keller, president of NBO Shoes, set the stage for a successful promotion this past summer.

Window display from New Balance - Tulsa

Large colorful posters of creatures from the Children’s Eternal Rainforest greeted customers at six New Balance and Merrell stores during a back-to-school promotion that raised funds for the rainforest. To raise awareness and support the forest, Kipp chose the theme, “It’s All One” as a way to share the interconnectedness of life and the value that rainforests have for the planet.

The promotion was a wonderful success with Kipp’s employees sharing 3,000 of Rachel Crandell’s award winning book, “Forever Forest” – a story of a boy who visits the rainforest. Each store visitor was also given a green “Save the Rainforest” bracelet, and employees answered many questions about the forest.

Kipp Keller (middle) with Dr. Julia Matamoros and Mark Wainwright

As Kipp said, “This has been a terrific cause to work for. Preserving the land, the plants, and the animals is needed to benefit all of us. We all share the same water and air – and we have to give back because it is all connected. I wanted the promotion to focus on education and it was a way for my employees and our customers to get a bigger perspective on a problem [forest destruction] that they can help solve.”

The Children’s Eternal Rainforest is the beneficiary of Kipp’s generosity and a large corporate gift from NBO Shoes to benefit the forest. In addition, four managers from Kipp’s management team will be given a week trip to Costa Rica in January 2012.

They will hike on Arenal Volcano, zipline, enjoy the hot springs, and explore the Children’s Eternal Rainforest. MCLUS is grateful to Kipp, his employees, and everyone who participated in this promotion.

Mark Wainwright and Dr. Julia Matamoros

MCL Board President, Mark Wainwright and MCL and MCLUS Board member Dr. Julia Matamoros traveled to St. Louis from Costa Rica to take part in MCLUS’ September board retreat. One focus of their 5 day stay was to deepen the strong partnership that exists between MCL and MCLUS. Both Mark and Julia spent full days meeting with local donors, corporate sponsors and volunteers who have been so generous in their support of the Children’s Eternal Rainforest. It also gave them an insight of how the MCLUS organization is run.

MCLUS board members met on September 10th for a day long business meeting and retreat to do strategic planning with Michael Waller and Carol Weisman. Eleven of our fourteen board members participated in a very productive day. A delicious rainforest carrot cake, made by MCLUS friend, Lynn DeLearie, was shared after the meeting.

The prior evening many of the board and potential board members met at a local restaurant for refreshments. It was a great opportunity for new board members to get to know one another better.

By Cindy Waller, Administrative Assistant

Tom Newmark, Whole Foods staff, and folks from Luna Nueva and New Chapter planted trees along the Chachagua River

MCLUS is happy to report that the “cause marketing” campaign on behalf of the rainforest through New Chapter and Whole Foods raised almost $100,000 in 2011. We want to thank Tom Newmark president of New Chapter, for continuing his support of MCLUS and the rainforest by donating a percentage of the sales of New Chapter products through several Whole Foods stores nation-wide. And we want to thank all the people at Whole Foods for their enthusiastic support and creative displays.

In August, Whole Foods sent several staff who had been involved with the New Chapter campaign down to Costa Rica to visit Luna Nueva, Tom Newmark’s organic farm and eco-lodge. They planted trees along a corridor which connects the Children’s Eternal Rainforest with Luna Nueva.

By Cindy Waller, Administrative Assistant

New Chapter display in Whole Foods Market, Brentwood, MO

New Chapter display in Whole Foods Market in Town & Country, MO

Costa Rican stamp honors Children's Eternal Rainforest

The 24th of August was quite a day for MCL! A series of four national stamps were issued showcasing the Children’s Eternal Rainforest. Being featured on the national postage stamps is a great honor and usually reserved for 100 year anniversaries and for national parks, but MCL was chosen in celebration of their 25 years of contribution to conservation.

The date of the issue was Costa Rica’s National Parks Day, and was also intended to mark International Year of the Forests to highlight MCL’s contribution to conservation. The launch of the new stamp was well attended in the village hall in Santa Elena. The national director of the post office gave the post office’s perspective for choosing the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, Monteverde’s mayor talked about the significance for the region and MCL’s director, Yuber Rodriguez, spoke of MCL’s role in conservation. A traditional dance group performed and we could buy copies of the stamps.

In January, when we knew that the Children’s Eternal Rainforest had been chosen for the stamps, the search went out to find pictures that represented it the best. The images that were chosen were of the iconic green-eyed frog, rediscovered in the Children’s Eternal Rainforest when thought to be extinct (see the story here); the world’s tiniest orchid, emblematic of the cloud forest; the margay, a stunning native jungle cat; and a photo of the forest viewed from across the lake at Poco Sol. Board Director, Dr. Julia Matamoros took the pictures of the lake and the margay, Dr. Bill Haber, a botanist, entomologist and MCL associate, took the photo of the orchid and Luis Solano, a member of MCL staff, took the photo of the frog.

Now the Children’s Eternal Rainforest is making its way out across the world on letters, parcels and postcards. Stamp collectors worldwide will be able to include them in their collections. It is nice to think of children around the world putting the stamps in their albums and learning the story of the Children’s Eternal Rainforest.

By Rowan Eisner and Giselle Rodriguez In Monteverde, CR