Confessions of a Long Term Volunteer

My first month in Los Cedros Reserve was an awesome shock to my senses. Finding my way around the web of trails, figuring out which plants were weeds of the greenhouses, discovering delicious jungle fruits, and participating in interesting projects while getting to know the people around me filled the first few weeks with adventure and amazement.

Coming from my native Redwood habitat through the cloud forest was at first overwhelmingly incredible, and I'll admit I was a bit nervous. Every plant, tree, flower, bird, insect, smell, and sound was completely new and intriguing. I could easily put myself into a blissful whirlwind while attempting to absorb it all.

Now that I've been here for almost three months, I have a much different, better in most ways, understanding of the area. I recognize birds and insects in the trees easier now that my eyes and ears have adjusted to the leaf patterns and noises. I can identify birds by their calls and know which trees not to grab because of their disguised spikes. I've followed many streams and hiked several ridges, allowing me to familiarize myself with the geography of the land and watersheds within. I've been able to follow up on many of the projects started when I first arrived as well as seen a world of change in the greenhouses. This place has begun to feel like home as I got more and more comfortable and aware of my surroundings. I still can't spot the tree snakes. Maybe next month.