Costa Rican National Park Volunteers - Northern Region

Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal

Location:

In the northwest region of Costa Rica, between the foothills of Tilaran mountain range and the plains of San Carlos.

Area Information:

Created on September 26, 1994, this park is characterized for the high level of biodiversity; 25 species of fish have been identified on the Arenal reservoir and the rivers that feed it. On July 29, 1968, the Arenal Volcano started its active period, opening three craters towards the west side. This crater remains active to this day, and is characterized by constant lava flows of basaltic composition, explosions of pyroclastic material, and constant gas emissions.

Volunteer Projects:

Refugio de Vida Silvestre Caño Negro

Location:
In the province of Alajuele, between the counties of Los Chiles and Upala.

Area Information:
Created on March 4, 1984, the area that comprises the Caño Negro lagoon (900 hectares) and its surroundings constitute one of the most humid and diverse areas of the country. It is of vital importance to the upkeep of the environmental quality of the country's northwestern Atlantic region, especially its role of regulating floods and maintaning the flow of important rivers for navigating the zone. This park was recently declared an internationally important wetland, specifically as a habitat for water birds, and is now part of RAMSAR.

Volunteer Projects: