Neotropic Founders.
I want to buy a piece of land to keep the forest standing and to have a base for my expeditions. And I can't do it alone.
The Land
This isn’t a vague dream or a generic call to “save the planet.”
Imagine arriving at night. The rocky stream murmurs softly. You turn off your flashlight for a moment and listen to the rainforest breathing. No neighbors, no engines.
Just the distant call of an owl and the frogs beginning to emerge.
That place is real. 4,000 square meters in Costa Rica’s Northern Zone.
I’m not an NGO. I’m a naturalist guide who makes a living showing birds and nocturnal creatures to people who want to see nature up close. I’ve walked this land many times. I know where the birds perch, which leafs the glass frogs appear on, and how the dawn light hits that bend in the stream.
My plan isn’t to build a resort. It’s to buy it so it stays forest, and to have a place to work and share what I know—without depending on temporary permits or a landowner who might decide to clear-cut it
I’m a naturalist guide. I don’t have that kind of money. But I know this patch of forest well, and I know that if I don’t act soon, someone else will buy it for something else. That’s not alarmism: the land has access, water, and large trees. It attracts buyers.
My plan is to buy it for two reasons:
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Keep the forest exactly as it is, with no clearing or invasive construction.
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Have my own base for birdwatching and night walks, without depending on other people’s farms or temporary permits.
That’s it. I’m not trying to build an eco-resort or a theme park. I want a place to work, and I want that place to remain a forest.
The real situation.
The land costs around 100 million colones (roughly $195,000 USD). I don’t have that money. But I do have the determination, the knowledge of every corner of the property.
I don’t have renders or a promised species list. The forest is there, and the birds and frogs will show themselves or they won’t.
The risk is straightforward: someone else buys the land first. The price goes up and becomes out of reach. This patch of forest—small, but unique in the area—disappears in a few years under a building that doesn’t need another rainforest on top of it.
How you can take part (no fluff)
If this matters to you, you can contribute money.
In return, you get nights of accommodation in the future ecological cabin I’ll build once the land is secured. No memberships, no pompous titles.
A simple trade: your money now, your stay later.
$25 USD contribution
One night’s lodging for one person, once the cabin is operational. No expiration date.
$100 USD contribution
One night for two people. Includes breakfast and a guided night walk.
$500 USD contribution
Two nights for two people. Includes meals, a night walk, and a dawn birdwatching session. Plus a 15% lifetime discount on any expedition with me.
Custom amount
If you prefer a different figure, write to me at neotropicwe@gmail.com and we’ll talk directly. You can also help with specific gear (a camera trap, trail materials, small solar panels). I don’t keep a public wish list; I’d rather sort it out person to person.
Why this can work.
Because I’m not inventing a project from scratch. I’ve spent years guiding birdwatching trips and night walks. This isn’t the dream of someone who “wants to live in the woods.” It’s the next logical step for someone who already makes a living from the forest and for the forest.
Transparency.
Every three months, I’ll post an update right here with:
The amount raised so far.
The status of the land negotiation.
Any significant progress or setbacks.
No poetic field journals or flowery newsletters. Short reports, with numbers and facts. If I have photos of the land, I’ll include them. If not, I won’t make anything up.
A few words from people who’ve been out with me:
TripAdvisor
To wrap up
I’m not trying to sell you a pretty story. I’m trying to buy a piece of land so it stays forest and so I can work there. The price is high and my financial capacity is limited. If this makes sense to you, get on board. If not, that’s fine too.
If you can’t contribute right now but care about what I’m trying to do, share this page. Every pair of eyes brings this a little closer.
Thanks for reading. If it makes sense, pick a contribution above. If not, I appreciate your time.