This article has been reproduced from the Restoring Our Watershed blog.

Earlier this month, Restoring Our Watershed teamed up with two local landowners to to reforest critical parts of our watershed. Though it has been a drier “green” season than normal, we took advantage of the still rainier season and planted along the headwaters of a Nandamojo tributary in the village of La Florida.

Native tree species, some of which are endangered due to heavy logging in decades past, have been planted in two sites where new forest growth will have the highest impact on the health of our river system. Species included Roble, Guanacaste, Caoba (Mahogany), and Nispero. The purchase of the saplings was made possible through generous donations and a new partnership with Costa Rica’s national park system.

One site targeted for this project was the source of a small creek, which has dried up in recent years. The other area is currently a bare zone between two seasonal creeks. Landowners and cousins Berman and Dider Zuñiga realize the importance of restoring the health of the river system on which their families, their cows, and the valley rely.

ROW's director, Matt Rosensteele, helps Dider Zuniga unload reforestation saplings for his land.

New forest in both areas will improve the amount of groundwater that is infiltrated during the rainy season, filter out sediment and contaminants in surface runoff, and create habitat for myriad plant and animal species.

Berman Zuñiga poses with trees that will help protect and rejuvenate the springs on his land.

Several other sites have been identified for reforestation efforts, where landowners have volunteered to improve their farms through replanting.

Click here to read more about Restoring Our Watershed’s work in the Nandamojo Valley.