About Us

The Reserva Las Corrientes started with the purchase of an eight hectare plot of land in 2016 along the Bizcocho River.  As a whitewater kayaking instructor, I always had a strong connection to rivers and the desire to preserve and protect them from contamination.  I believe the Rio Bizcocho and the beautiful river valley through which it flows, deserves to remain wild and free without the degradation that comes with hydropower projects, mining projects, big hotels and other forms of development.
 

When I purchased the property, part of it was already the beneficiary of a tree reforestation project with the local environmental agency, Cornare.  Several hundred native hardwood trees were planted 12 years earlier in 2002.  That area of forest is now mature.  However, I have no intention of harvesting those trees as they are home to titi monkeys, other native flora and fauna as well as protection for the source of our drinking water.
 

Another part of the property was pasture land for cows which was suffering from erosion and compaction of the soil.  In addition there was a fish farm and home close to the river without a septic system or treatment for the fish waste polluting the river.  
 

The first phase of our project was to close the fish farm and add a properly designed septic system with a leaching field.  Then over a three year period we renovated the house with a new roof, expansion of the terraza, raising off the walls, proper ventilation and windows with screens.   The home still maintains its original country style foot print but now has added modern conveniences and a high level of comfort for our guests.
 

The ruins of a pig sty was also renovated into a comfortable living space and storage area.  This is now home to our caretaker of the property who will be on site to welcome guests to the reserve and ensure you have a comfortable stay.
 

A third building on the property close to the road was renovated into a small home for the owner.
 

After renovation of the buildings, the next phase of the project was restoration and reforestation of the land.  So far we have planted 1000 native trees (with the support of Cornare) on the reserve with the majority in a location along the river that had been cow pasture.  This area is now developing into a forest of flowering guyacon (yellow and red trumpet) and guayanday (jacaranda) trees along with 6 other native species to increase the biodiversity and attract more wildlife to the reserve.  We hope it will also provide an example for other land owners who wish to restore and preserve an area of their property.
 

The property was always intended to be protected with minimal development- trails and no roads but not necessarily as a formal reserva natural sociedad civil registered with Colombia National Parks.  This is a designation supported by the government of Colombia for private land owners who are willing to preserve their property with minimal sustainable development (eco-tourism, reforestation, environmental education, etc.).  In exchange, the land would be protected from “national projects” such as hydropower projects with transmission lines, roads and mineral rights and mining which are all current threats to the area.  We encourage anyone with private undeveloped land to join this movement and establish their property as a reserve.  It will bring us one step closer to saving our planet!