"The forest is a peculiar organism of unlimited kindness and benevolence that makes no demands for its sustenance and extends generously the products of its life and activity; it affords protection to all beings."
Buddhist Sutra

Blue morpho butterflyThe blue morph butterfly is a frequent visitor to the virgin rainforest near Debbie and Steve's resort in Monterrey, San Carlos, Costa Rica.

Announcing Leaves and Lizards Reforestation project field study!

"We were fortunate to have a group of students, lead by Dr. Marcy Brown Marsden, chairman of University of Dallas Biology Department visit us in May 2008 to conduct a biodiversity study. The EcoMap Costa Rica Study is being performed by University of Dallas students as a part of their Field Ecology class. Our guide, Geovani Bogarin, worked along side the students.  The study includes panoramic photographs and interactive maps of field data. Future field seasons, conducted yearly,  will produce similar data, allowing comparisons to be made. The reforestation project started in 2007, this study allows students a rare opportunity to chart rainforest recovery from the very beginning." Leaves and Lizards website

CR Field Study
 University of Dallas Reforestation in Costa Rica Field Study June 2008 at Leaves and Lizards Resort.

 


Leaves and Lizards Resort

Florida couple opens a tiny retreat near Arenal volcano
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

A new hillside cabin retreat that overlooks the Arenal volcano opened for business at the start of the new year. 

Steve and Debbie Legg began building the Leaves and Lizards retreat last February 2007.  The retreat is now complete with three private cabins on a 26-acre property in the small town of Alto Monterrey.  The town is located about four miles from Arenal, and the secluded property provides an excellent northern view of the volcano, said Mrs. Legg. 

Leaves and Lizards has a number of tours that are available from the resort, including canopy zip line, fishing Lake Arenal, a nightime horseback ride, rafting, rappelling, and volcano viewing. 

There are packages available that include meals, lodging and tours, and the company is open to customizing guest packages such as honeymoons or business trips, said Mrs. Legg. The couple has been trying to promote local entrepreneurship by contracting some of the resort's work to residents of their community. 

The cabin was built with local labor and materials. The cooking, landscaping, floral arrangements, sewing and cleaning services are provided by local workers.
SteveandDebbie 		LeavesandLizards
Steve and Chebaca, a sloth that Leaves and Lizards rescued June 2008.

 

Before moving to Costa Rica, the couple were living in Sarasota, Florida, where Mrs. Legg worked as a nurse and her husband, who previously served in the Air Force for 12 years, was working as a mechanic for a grocery store chain.  Besides working at their retreat, the couple enjoy spending time with family and friends and take an interest in environment conservation.

Contact Debbie and Steve Legg at LeavesandLizards.com


   
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