The Global Classroom
Around the World • For the World
Home
About Us
Get Involved
Projects
Journal
News
Links

The GCR in...

Make a Donation
in support of The GCR

The Global Classroom
39 Glasheen Rd.
Petersham, MA 01366
(978) 724-3530
www.globalclassroom.net

About the newly purchased land

The property that we have purchased is a 311 acre tract, ($1000 per acre) containing approximately 90% old growth forest. Resting along Aula Global's northern and western boundaries, the neighboring forest to be protected starts at an elevation of approximately 1250 meters and rises steeply as it stretches north-east towards the Santa Elena reserve and the Children's Eternal Forest, which are located along the continental divide at an average of 1750 meters. This property straddles a transitional zone between lower montane wet and lower montane rain forests, with Bryophytes covering 50-70% of tree trunks.

"Picture the rich Nile valley crossing the Saharan sands, and you will understand the fecundity of this place. Picture the air hose connecting a diver's lips to the oxygen tank, and you will begin to grasp the urgency. A Riparian woodland, if it remains unbroken, provides a corridor through which a horde of fierce or delicate creatures may prowl, flutter, swim, or hop from the mountains down through the desert and back again. Many that follow this path can live no where else on earth. An ill placed dam, a well, ranch or subdivision could permanently end the existence of their kind."

Barbara Kingsolver
Small Wonders

This area contains many species of fruiting and flowering trees, including high numbers of Myrtaceae, Saptaceae and Lauraceae, the latter being a major food source for migrating Frugivores such as the endangered resplendent Quetzal and the Three-wattled bellbird. Some of the largest trees in the area are located here, including many massive Ficus tuerckheimii, Ficus crassiuscula, Persea americana and Citharexylum, many reaching heights of thirty to forty meters. Due to high exposure to wind driven mists, Orhidaceae, Bromeliaceae and epiphytic ferns are found in high numbers. Bird species witnessed throughout this forest include the Resplendent Quetzal, Orange-bellied trogon, parrots, several tanager species, Three-wattled bellbird, Toucan, White Hawk, and a pair of nesting Ornate Hawk Eagles. Mammals include Howler and White-faced monkeys, Tayra, Nine-Banded Armadillo, and Collared Peccary. Tracks and sign from Bairds Tapir, Mountain lion, Ocelot and Marguay have been observed within as well. Multiple tracks, believed to be Jaguar have also been documented within this corridor. The original Aula Global Biological Reserve is located at the terminus of this old growth forest corridor.

 

Home ~ About Us ~ Get Involved ~ Projects ~ Journal ~ News ~ Links
Costa Rica ~ Baja

©2006 The Global Classroom
Updated 12/30/04 -JE