LA GRAN VISTA 2016

With views of El Valle de General and Costa Rica's tallest mountains, including Mount Chirripó, La Gran Vista Agricultural Ecological Farm is located in the area of Pérez Zeledón, three hours south of San José (the capital of Costa Rica). Protected forests, beaches, and waterfalls can all be found nearby. Finca La Gran Vista was established on January 16th, 2001 as a non-profit project with the aim of spreading awareness about environmentally sustainable agricultural methods to other farmers in the region. It is intended to provide an example for other farms of how the following practices can be used successfully: Soil conservation measures (construction of terraces, planting of soil-binding grasses); Pasture rehabilitation and fence construction; Vegetable cultivation in raised beds; Treatment of structural wood in the farm buildings for protection against termites; Construction and subsequent maintenance of greenhouses; Planting of fruit-bearing trees; Reforestation of trees native to the area; Sharing of ideas with visiting local farmers; Sharing of ideas with visiting local children and foreign students on ecological school tours; Managing free-range poultry; Cultivation of the Californian Red Worm for the enrichment of organic fertilizers; Showing visitors the multiple uses that certain plants have as treatment for both human health and plant welfare; Fabrication of composts using materials grown on the farm; Involving the volunteers in activities that allow for a greater appreciation of Costa Rican culture.