Secrets of the Land in Puriscal

Nature trail in Puriscal, Costa Rica
Nature trail through our property.

Spencer and I took a long walk through the property this week. I found a few things to photograph and Spencer discovered a lot to smell. The trails are in great shape and easy to navigate. During the dry season there is less grass to cut and more dry leaves to rake. I found myself reflecting on features of the land and realized how much I have learned since we moved onto the property in October 2009.

Forest in Puriscal, Costa Rica
First tour of the property in 2009.

I remember the condition the trails were in when we first toured the property. At that time nothing had been maintained for years. We had to walk through thick growth and go over and under fallen trees and branches. Today it is so different and a much better experience to take in the nature of Puriscal. 

Dry forest in Puriscal, Costa Rica
Tree life on our property.

I always enjoy visiting some of my favorite old trees on the property. I have lived here long enough to observe the cycles of the forest. I now understand why the workers want to cut certain types of young trees growing near the trails. Many of them are "pioneer species" that grow fast and die in a few years and become a hazard near the trails. 

Dry forest in Puriscal, Costa Rica
The forest on our property.

I learned more about the deep layer of dark, rich soil in the flat pastures of the property. In the past, we dug up some of this soil and transported it to the house for the vegetable garden. Pieces of pottery were found during the excavation. It appears to be a type of fertile artificial soil known as terra preta. I daydream about what life may have been like, long ago, when indigenous people lived on our property. The soil suggests there was extensive cultivation of plants. I imagine there must have been a lot of hunting and fishing as well. They probably drank out of the same spring as we do today. I feel blessed to have lived here long enough to learn some of the secrets of the land.