Ecotourism programs provide alternative, sustainable livelihoods for communities thus reducing activities leading to land degradation and provide a source of income for conservation and environmental programs through community development projects. The SCLC is off to a jumping start in 2009 with over 30 successful service projects completed so far including painting a community center, interacting with a home for abandoned seniors, painting a fence surrounding a school, as well as 13 school visits, 6 different charlas from local community members, a farm visit, and a field ecology class among others.

In addition to these community development initiatives, the SCLC is dedicated to reforestation to promote conservation efforts for a greener Sarapiquí. As of April 30, 2009, with the help of many locals and tourists alike, the SCLC has planted over 2000 trees so far in local communities! One enthusiastic ecotourism group from Key Preparatory High School of the Key Learning Community in Indianapolis put their energetic determination to work and planted 200 trees while serenading us with their upbeat songs.  Mrs. Calwell of the group explained, “many of these kids are city kids. Actually all of these kids are city kids. They do not spend much time outdoors, this experience really opens their eyes to nature.” Hercon, the Discovery Travel Costa Rican guide accompanying the group thanking the students for their hard work added, “We are all sailing the same ship. We are not planting trees for the rainforest, nor the local farmer, but we are building a future for everyone to share.”