Bosque de la Juventud

The Bosque de la Juventud is an arboretum located within the Parque Ambiental Municipal Río Tiribí in the Canton of La Unión, Cartago, Costa Rica. This project, adopted by the municipality of La Unión, is a key space for ecological conservation and environmental education. Its natural beauty set in tranquil mountain forests and proximity to a large urban center are some of its most outstanding features.

The Arboretum was created in 2018 as a result of a community initiative led by the Asociación Movimiento Tiribí Limpio (AMOTILI). The land, which was previously a pasture used for livestock, covers approximately 6,000 square meters and has been reforested with native species and species with little presence in the region.

The design of the arboretum simulates a park with a low-density forest that enables accessibility to the site, healthy tree-growth and panoramic vistas. Plants and shrubs have been strategically incorporated to attract pollinating fauna, such as butterflies, hummingbirds and bats, for both educational and ornamental purposes.

From the outset, when the first trees were planted, on July 28, 2018, the arboretum has counted with the support of the Municipality of La Unión, volunteers from the Asociación Movimiento Tiribí Limpio, students and private companies, all of which help with its maintenance. Over the years, various activities have been carried out, including workshops, guided tours, bird counting activities, wildlife monitoring and reforestation. By doing so, the arboretum has consolidated itself as a space for learning and recreation, as well as an example of ecological restoration for the inhabitants of La Unión.

The Bosque de la Juventud Arboretum is also a model of conservation and environmental education for the Greater Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica. By walking through the Arboretum, visitors can easily appreciate the site with its variety of trees and ornamental and pollinator-attracting plant species.