Costa Rica Adventures
Here we are entering the Yoga Farm property. Behind us you can see some remediation techniques where there was a past mud slide.
Permaculture in Costa Rica
About a year ago, I had the great opportunity to travel to the Yoga Farm in Costa Rica to teach a Permaculture Design Course. It was an incredible experience, to say the least. And perhaps one of the greatest benefits of this course is that they also accommodated my daughter and two dear friends. It has been a busy year since then, so in these cold winter days, I can finally share some of those experiences with you.
The Yoga Farm, Punta Banco, Costa Rica
During our tropical edible tour, we learned about propagating pineapples.
The Yoga Farm is a working permaculture site located in Punta Banco, one of the most biologically diverse places in the world. I woke up almost every day to the sound of howler monkeys cruising the tree tops and at night heard the rummaging of anteaters (amongst other critters). We started the course off with a tour of the site. We learned about their annual and medicinal gardens and how to maintain them in a tropical environment. We visited the pineapple patch and tasted delicious bananas and plantains. We, of course, took a break by the wonderful star fruit tree. Oh how I would love to have one of these near my home. We also harvested cacao pods that we later processed and enjoyed. Delicious!
Beach Time
Using mounds of sand, preferably on a beach, is a great tool for teaching contour and aspect.
A few days into the course, we ventured to the beach. Playing with sand is a great way to learn about slope, aspect and contour of a potential site. I realized this teaching opportunity when teaching a course in Jamaica a few years back. Many students had not been to the beach in a while, even though it was only a few miles away. I wanted to think of a way to get us to the beach to learn and play. Bingo! Here students no only learn about slope, contour and aspect, but also can get creative and make their own permaculture paradise.We also met with a local man who is working to help protect the nesting sites and eggs of sea turtles. Each year, mama turtles return to their birth place near Punta Banco to lay eggs. Unfortunately, many of the eggs are poached by humans. Proyecto Conservacion Tortugas works with volunteers to relocate some of these nests to safer nesting incubation sites.
Farm Tours
Drinking this amazingly delicious and nutritious smoothie overlooking the forest and ocean.
In a permaculture design course, it is important to visit multiple sites. Students can view and analyze these sites through their permaculture lens. We visited some friends who had a lovely goat farm where they process and sell goat milk and cheese. We also visited a gorgeous site on a mountain overlooking the ocean. This site was full of mature fruit trees and medicinal plants, as well as a plant nursery. I think I had the best smoothie of my entire life at this spot!
Osa Peninsula Field Trip
While visiting the Oso Peninsula, we went on a river hike that landed us at this glorious water fall swimming hole with mineral rich clay.
We took some time off from teaching to ride horses on the beach...why not?!
Towards the end of the course, we had a day off where we hopped on a boat and ventured to the Oso peninsula. This was such a treat! We played on the beach, went on a river hike, jumped through waterfalls, gave ourselves a healing mud bath and ended at a sweet resort where monkeys played above our heads as we dipped in the pool.For their design project, students worked on new designs for the outdoor kitchen. A few years back, the original kitchen was washed away in a mud slide. The kitchen they started using was designed for single family use. Since many people use this new kitchen, multiple design suggestions would be helpful. The students applied what they learned about the permaculture design principles and ethics and came up with beautiful designs.Before signing off, I must mention one more magical field trip...riding horses on the beach and the jungle. Oh, and our friend got to take surfing lessons! Overall, this entire trip was an incredible treat. Everyone we met was incredibly nice and wonderful. I am grateful that what I love to do takes me to such amazing places with amazing people.