Blogger Day 4

Today we started off the morning with delicious breakfast of fresh eggs and fruit produced on the farm. Afterwards, we went on a tour visiting key places in Rancho Margot. Our group, led by an naturalist working at a ranch named Melanie, looked at how the farm functioned self-sustainably. Rancho Margot was established in 2004 by Juan Sostheim, who purchased 400 acres of pasture to transform into a permaculture environment with the help of ecologists. Permaculture is an approach to land management that tries to mimic nature, as well as being as eco-friendly as possible. This means that Rancho Margot makes use of natural methods to self-sustain itself. As an example, Rancho Margot uses solar and hydroelectric energy to supply all their energy needs. This includes water heating, lighting, laundry, and more. All the water comes from the nearby mountain streams, and is completely drinkable. Rancho Margot also does not use any chemicals, but rather uses plant-based pesticides and microorganisms to make their own soap. Melanie also showed us the farmyard animals, including cows, pigs, and chickens; most of which are used to sustain the ranch’s food supply. All the animals’ manure is used for composting and fertilizing the garden, which includes a variety of plants ranging from crops to flowers. The garden included three types of basil, tomato and mint plants, and much more. Towards the end of the tour, we were introduced to the beautiful manmade lakes and fresh spring pools to swim in. After the first tour, we went on another to learn more about the study of Agroecology; meaning more focus on how the environment and agriculture of Rancho Margot interact with each other. 

After a satisfactory lunch, the group travelled to a nearby active volcano called Arenal 1968. It got its name from the massive eruption it had in the year 1968, killing 80 people and burying over nine miles in rock, lava and ash. The place offered both ziplining and hikes, however we were only able to due the latter due to time restraints. So our group went on a long hike through the rainforest, over long bridges suspended hundreds of feet above the treeline. The height and stability of the bridges terrified a lot of us, including me, however the forest below was breathtaking. The tour guide for this walk was named Jonathan; who also works at Rancho Margot. He pointed out many aspects of the rainforest, such as trees that grow back after eruption quickly and ones that are vital to sloth survival. We saw many streams and waterfalls, as well as colorful wildlife. 

After the volcano visit, we returned to Rancho Margot and had some free time which students used to either swim in the natural pools or get a quick nap. Then we enjoyed another appetizing mealtime, journaled, had a community meeting and promptly went to sleep at 10:00.