The Nica Dev Reserve
Preserve * Protect * Rejuvenate * Educate
Nica Dev, through our various projects such as Las Fincas and
The Haciendas at Las Fincas, has dedicated over 450 acres of
pristine forest as a private reserve. We are currently applying for
recognition as one of Nicaragua's National Private Reserves.

This area will have open access to all Las Fincas land owners
and guests as an ecological sanctuary. Public access will be
limited to terms and conditions of the reserve as we feel this is the
best way maintain the beauty and cleanliness of the area and
insure the rehabilitation of migratory paths for animals.

Dedicated to reforestation, preservation and rejuvenation, the
Nica Dev Reserve will be a living tribute to the majesty of
Nicaragua and the critically endangered tropical dry forest
ecosystem of western Central America.

In addition to the estimated 100 acres of green area intertwined
within the parcels at Las Fincas, the reserve area is planned to
be utilized as a tool to educate tourists and locals on the
preservation of the forests, protection of animals and rejuvenation.
.

To date, we have planted over 75,000 precious wood trees in our reserve.

The trees were broken down into three categories; 1) They had to be indigenous 2) We selected from this
list, those that were significant in the rejuvenation of animals in the area. 3) We broke that list down into
planting areas (hills, ravines, riparian or river areas).

We began the process in April of 2006. Our trees were raised in our own vivero in two locations both on and
off location yet still in the immediate area. Seeds were collected, germinated and nurtured until the time for
planting which began in September of 2006. We got a jump start for 2007 and have recently completed the
planting with a total of just over 35,000 trees.



Paso Pacifico is playing a key role in design and on going consultation as well as training for our crews to
become better care takers through their network of foresters.

We encourage you to spread the word about this project as preservation is an obligation of us all.

Your support either through donations, in spirit or in works is greatly appreciated.
Small beginnings
in the vivero.
(April 2006)
This was our first
seedling to reach
up and say "hey"!

Once they
reached 40 cm,
we were ready to
plant.

        Strong results

By September 2006, we had
over 32,000 trees ready to
plant. Now comes the hard part.

The key component that took us by surprise is transportation of the trees. Over about 3 weeks, 6 days per week we moved
these guys from the vivero to the planting location. Using both old world and new world transport, this was a difficult,
dangerous (snakes, spiders, centipedes, etc.) process.

From here, trees were put into milk crates and carried down hills, into creeks, ravines and river areas. One team chopped a
path, another dug the holes and a final team set the trees into the ground. An amazing amount of work but well  worth the effort.
Above the vivero's humble beginnings.
To the right, Antonia watches over her
"ninos".
Of course the effort is shared by all and I would be remiss to not mention the dedication and
effort put in by our team. Special thanks to Sarah Otterstrom from Paso Pacifico and
Nicaraguan Project Manager (left) Liza Gonzales, Las Fincas' hard working "Mandador", Juan
Mejia (center), and Javier Mejia (right).

2007 has a goal of another 10,000 indigenous trees that we weren't able to raise this year.
We could use your help either in person or financially.
Liza taking an elote break
Juan and Liza reviewing the trees
before planting.
Javier. Tree maven turned
General Contractor soon after
this project.