History
1990
On a whim, world traveler and ecologist Ray Beise purchases 100 hectares (250 acres) of cow pasture in Paraiso (Paradise), Guanacaste. The former jungle had been cut down for pastureland and was then covered in tall African desert grass, and desperately in need of transformation.
1991
Ray’s life is forever changed when he encounters a troop of Howler Monkeys in “Finca Los Coyoles” (soon to be renamed Pura Jungla) delicately balancing atop a barbed wire fence to reach the next tree, 100 meters distant. The monkeys were “walking” hand over hand slowly, cautiously, open and easy prey for any passing predator. Each howler monkey in turn looked Ray straight in the eyes as they passed him only a meter away, with a look that seemed to say “WHY?”. Ultimately, it was the tiny newborn baby monkeys trying to pick their way through the sharp rusty steel spikes of the barbed wire following their mothers that caused salty drops of water to hit the parched ground at Ray’s feet. Ray decided then and there to dedicate his life to planting trees. The dream of La Pura Jungla was born on that day.
1992
What to plant? Ray began extensive research and experimentation, voraciously devouring all available sources of information on tree and plant species native to Paraiso and Pura Jungla. Since deforestation had removed “parent” trees to provide seeds, Ray became a backwoods hiking fanatic. Hundreds of kilometers later “donator” trees were identified, seeds collected, and nurseries were created. Since deforestation had also denuded the soil, hundreds of truck loads of river sand, cow manure, rice hulls, saw dust, wood chips, and other organic matter were brought in to bring life back to Pura Jungla both above and below the future canopy. Planting of trees began in earnest and continues to this day.
1993
Pura Jungla takes shape. With much of the labor donated by volunteers from organizations including St. Paul MN based GLOBAL VOLUNTEERS, tens of thousands of trees are planted, germinate, and take root as the newly reborn jungle begins to emerge. Pura Jungla comes into existence as a nature preserve, funded through charitable donations from around the world.
1995
Sharing the Dream: After much consideration on how to fund the maintenance of newly recreated jungle, Ray partners with philanthrophist Ford Nicholson and they create the plan to offer a small number of eco-friendly homesites that would border Pura Jungla, leaving the majority of its pristeen beauty intact for all the residents, human and animal, to enjoy.
1996
Expert studies are done to determine how to create the community that offers a perfect harmony between people and nature. Monitoring of the natural rhythms of Pura Jungla, animal movements, rainfall and runoff patterns are all part of designing what shall go where. The first roads are built, infrastrcutre is put in place, and the Eco-Community’s first Nature Trail opened to the general public for all to enjoy.
1997
Lot plans for a mere 35 homesites are finalized, and the first homesite sold to a former Global Volunteer. The second nature trail is crafted, created, and opened to the public within the now verdant Pura Jungla Reserve.
1998-2003
Through word of mouth alone, half of the homesites in Pura Jungla are sold. The Welcome Center is established, and construction begins on a small number of low-impact, eco-friendly homes including the Jungla Vista “treehouse” which seems to blend into the jungle from even a short distance away. Many beautiful homesites remain – will one become yours?
2003
The 1/2 hectare (1-1/4 acre) Pura Jungla lake is deepened and enhanced by adding a small island primarily as a sanctuary for nesting water birds.
2005
Visitors to Pura Jungla marvel at the beauty and integrity of the Natural world that is Pura Jungla. Planning begins for an expanded visitors center, recreational area, and restaurant/store at the border between Pura Jungla and the ‘civlizled’ world.