Participate in Arte Accion! Education through art.
We are using art as a medium to teach social, cultural and environmental values through free art classes, crafts and workshops for kids 5-15 years old every Saturday from 9am-11am. Through free classes of painting, drama, and other disciplines, we can teach our students about self-estime, the environment, health issues, children's rights, and how they can play an active role in the improvement of their community. During this privileged time we practice basic English skills with the students. Volunteers needed (infoloscardones@yahoo.com). School, dental, and art supplies as donations and awareness in your community are greatly appreciated!!
In an area that used to depend solely on sugar cane farming, Los Cardones generates income and employment. Los Cardones and our companion project Finca Del Mar employ 36 local men and women, providing fair wages, social security and stability to their families.
We are committed to generating income around us by buying local products: fresh fish, local cheese, fruits and vegetables, locally made art, jewelry, clothing. We support local entrepreneurs in their initiatives, such as transportation, furniture making, masonry, horseback-riding tours.
We sponsor local sports teams. Donations at the lodge resource the local schools of California, San Diego, San Bartolo and Zapote with supplies and projects.
Low-environmental Impact
Several acres of the property are reserved for wildlife observation, providing a precious habitat to local and migratory species.
Los Cardones is built in a spirit of conservation and minimal impact. Its forest is beautifully wild and we intend to preserve it and its wildlife.
All construction is designed to blend in with the existing vegetation and adapt to the sites. Native materials and construction techniques are used: local timber, driftwood, thatched palm roofs, straw walls, The designs reflect the principles of environmental architecture and take advantage of sun, rain and wind patterns for cooling and water
drainage.
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Composting
Refuse is recycled by thermophillic composting, a simple technique that ensures sanitary conditions while benefiting the environment without contamination.
This pile was recently filled up and is now closed while the composting process takes place. Made of alternate layers of saw dust, kitchen scraps and leaves, the compost pile is designed to provide the right balance of air, moisture, nitrogen and carbon to the microorganisms that digest the organic matter. This process is
anaerobic and does not emit odors. The main bacteria responsible for composting generate heat, as high as 60°C. These bacteria are known to efficiently destroy pathogens within hours when the temperature reaches 60°C. The pile temperature is regularly monitored to verify the operation of the pile. In the tropical climate of Los Cardones, it takes between 6 to 12 months to transform the whole pile into rich, pathogen-free humus.
Humus is then used for gardening as it increases the fertility of the soil. It supplies many of the nutrients necessary for plant growth, improves the water-absorption capacity of soil, and binds our very sandy soil. Our first pile of humus was used in January 2003 to plant 12 palm trees. The palms are very healthy and the watering needs are much lower than that of other trees planted without humus.
Ecotourism
Los Cardones aims to have a minimal impact on the environment and local culture it operates in, whilst at the same time helping to generate income, employment and the conservation of local ecosystems.
Here are some interesting links on eco-tourism:
