One of the pillars of our project is community engagement. For over two decades, Las Nubes Project has worked hard to create a space in which local concerns and initiatives are heard and addressed when possible. Our presence in the area was key to the creation of the Alexander Skutch Biological Corridor (ASBC) in 2006. This collective initiative involving local communities, NGOs, universities (including York), and other groups has provided an identity and pride to the communities.
Our EcoCampus, the Lillian Meighen Wright Centre, located across the Las Nubes Biological Reserve serves as a local, national, and international hub dedicated to promoting Neotropical conservation and livelihood improvement, and is open to all visitors. Access to all the conservation areas is free of charge. Visitors must contact Las Nubes to book a visit.
La Casita Azul is an education and learning resource centre that supports York’s increasing socio-environmental research, education and community outreach within Costa Rica. Situated in the midst of the local communities in Costa Rica, La Casita Azul supports and enhances York’s Eco-Campus in Costa Rica while playing an important role in research intensification, knowledge mobilization, community engagement, citizen science, research dissemination, engagement and outreach. Working closely with local community members and organizations, Diandra Arias-Vasquez oversees the day-to-day operations of the centre and plays many other roles such as organizing patron-driven courses.
La Casita Azul offers access to the internet, online and print resources, printing and a place to study. It will continue to grow and develop relevant print and online resources in English and Spanish as well as continue to provide equitable access to relevant resources. Updates and weekly schedules are available on their Facebook page.
Please contact York librarians, Dana Craig and Tom Scott, with your questions and suggestions as well as to plan your visit.
ExpoCOBAS
Every year we celebrate the Alexander Skutch Festival on the weekend closest to his birthday, May 20th. This date coincides with the Summer Abroad program, and so the Festival serves as a space that gathers together York students and local communities.
The Festival began in 2013 and was started by Professor Felipe Montoya as a space that would showcase the wealth of the Corridor, in terms of agricultural production, scientific and academic production, artistic and cultural production, as well as the natural ecological wealth that the corridor embraces. The two-day festival provides a space for local artisans to show and sell their wares, and for local artists, musicians and dancers to perform. It is a space for environmental education, and above all, an opportunity to consolidate identity around the Alexander Skutch Biological Corridor, and around the legacy of Alexander Skutch, a renowned naturalist and ornithologist who made his home in what is now known as the Alexander Skutch Biological Corridor. The Festival is now being organized by local stakeholders who have continued to add new elements, such as a mountain bike race around the corridor, traditional horse races, inter-community soccer matches, and much more. The sale of food and beverages is a source of funding for the local school. This Festival has now become a tradition within the Corridor.
Las Nubes Student Association (LNSA)
The Las Nubes Student Association (LNSA) is an organized student group at York University that was initiated to promote sustainable ecological conservation and social sustainability practices in the biological corridor of the Las Nubes region of Costa Rica.
At the LNSA, we aim to create awareness about the Las Nubes project, and to get students excited and involved in our various activities and events! Keep your eyes out for our general meetings and emails, as there are plenty of upcoming opportunities to get involved!
LNSA President(s)
James Bockner
My name is James and I'm 27 years old. My educational path has been very circuitous; I started in aquatic rescue, moved into therapeutic recreation, and now find myself in environmental studies. I am also training to be a commercial pilot, so it goes without saying that I have a passion for travelling and experiencing other cultures. In the summer of 2022, I had the privilege of participating in York's Las Nubes program. I stayed with a host family that treated me as one of their own, and I was lucky enough to participate in the Alexander Skutch Festival (ExpoCobas). I had such a wonderful time that I decided to return the favour by helping to spread awareness about the Las Nubes program. It is the experience of a lifetime!
Past Events
Las Nubes Alumni Network and Las Nubes Student Association Virtual Silent Auction
Friday, May 28, 2021, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. EST
We hope you'll join us virtually for the annual Las Nubes Students Association (LNSA) Silent Auction hosted in partnership with the Las Nubes Alumni Network (LNAN) to celebrate the progress of the Las Nubes Project. On May 28th at 5:30 p.m. ET, you'll hear from from current students, alumni, faculty and community members who will share updates, developments and new projects that are emerging through the project.
You won't want to miss the live virtual performance by the multidisciplinary Costa Rican artist Guadalupe Urbina, whose music explores social issues, the environment and the cultural identity of Costa Rica. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to participate in the annual LNSA Silent Auction which raises funds for various community-based initiatives for the York University affiliated communities and initiatives in Costa Rica!
Anyone who would like to donate additional auction items such as artwork, hand-made items, gift baskets, gift cards etc., please contact the Las Nubes Students Association at lnsa.president@gmail.com.
Get in Touch
Thank you for your interest in the Las Nubes Project!
For information concerning the Las Nubes Project or the Fisher Fund for Neotropical Conservation, please contact us at lasnubes@yorku.ca
Las Nubes EcoCampus
Santa Elena, Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica