By the end of 2017, construction of the first field station of the Sendero Pacifico will be completed on a one hectare patch of pasture nestled between secondary forest in the Buen Amigo sector of San Luis. This site is owned by the San Luis Development Association and it is collaborating with three land owners who own the 26 hectares of property surrounding the station. These 26 hectares encompass many parts of the Sendero's trails which provide educational and recreational activities for locals and visitors alike.
The community of San Luis has resolved certain characteristics must be incorporated into the final design of the field station to ensure it is a sustainable, clean-energy project that reflects its values.
This new station will
function not only as comfortable lodging for hikers, tourists, student groups, and researchers, but more importantly as a place where the community of San Luis can gather for group hikes, educational events, and celebrations.
How is it integrated?
Because of the many needs this station must satisfy, it will be space-efficient, multipurpose, and cause as little disruption to the surrounding environment as possible. Renewable energy, such as solar panels on the station's roof and a hydroelectric generator, will be incorporated to provide the building with electricity. Additionally, dry toilets (also called compost toilets), and grey water cleaning systems will be
implemented.
Reflecting the "integral" principle, it is the community's hope to have a tilapia fish pond and chickens to provide the station with a food supply and manure for composting in the station's vegetable and fruit garden. The topography and ecology of the mountain side have also been evaluated for future reforestation projects and the utmost effort is being expended to ensure local waterways will not be negatively affected by this development.
The San Luis community is anxiously awaiting the construction of the integrated field station and is excited to more fully take advantage of the great outdoors with this sustainable community project!
integrated Future field station