Islita Reserve

Located on the North Pacific Coast of the Guanacaste Peninsula, Islita Reserve is one of the most unique properties in all of Costa Rica.

This very private rainforest setting includes hundreds of varieties of trees and plants, exotic wild life, and a wonderful climate on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Half of the approximately ten-acre development is designated a permanent greenspace to preserve the animals and rainforest.

The property includes natural springs and spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding green hills.

Islita Reserve Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve

RIESTER Conservation Foundation is an American 501(C3) corporation devoted to habitat conservation.  Islita Reserve is a Costa Rica development located in the Provincia de Guanacaste, Canton de Nandeyure, Distrito de Bejuco.  Islita Reserve is registered at the Record House “Public Registry” (Registro Publico de la Proiedad Inmueble).

The RIESTER Conservation Foundation has agreed to enter into a Conservation Easement agreement with Islita Reserve to protect and conserve riparian deciduous rainforest located in the Islita Reserve property.The goal of this conservation easement project is to make the Islita Reserve Riparian area a world class model of habitat conservation while protecting native flora and fauna and providing educational opportunities.The RIESTER Conservation Foundation commits to the following projects in its conservation effort:

Islita Reserve/RIESTER Conservation Foundation Projects

Completed:

Full-time care taker
Path and concrete/rock bench to small waterfall
Path and steps to secluded beach
Decks/walkway over ravine for interesting plant and animal viewing
Additional paths to interesting plant and animal viewing
Plant nursery growing plants from seeds, cuttings and purchased seedlings
Watering hole/pond for native wildlife
Benches made of concrete and rocks throughout Reserve

Underway (to be completed in 2007):

Cataloguing and Labeling plants in the Reserve
Remove non-native flora
Reforestation of Islita Reserve and surrounding area with flowering trees and native hardwoods
Planting food sources for native fauna – from butterflies to mammals

Currently Funded Future Projects:
Reserve map and Islita style art on the water tank
Cataloguing native wildlife on the property
Reintroducing native wildlife to the Riparian area*
Plaques describing animals, butterflies, birds and plants of the Reserve
Satellite feed to web site of watering hole 24/7 (then promote internationally)**
Tree house for plant and animal viewing
Natural amphitheater for talks, presentations…
Field station/bunkhouse for guests/caretaker
Rope bridges across ravines
Collection gardens

*   Guided by scientific field study
** Technology may be unavailable in the area or cost prohibitive