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Located
one mile north of the lake-side town of San Andrès is the
Parque Ecològico Nueva Juventud (The New Youth Ecological Park), a
150-acre reserve owned by the Municipal Government of San Andrès and
managed by the director of Volunteer Petèn, Matthew R. Peters.
Given the size of of the park and its proximity to San
Andres and other towns, its main purpose is education
and serves as an outdoor
classroom for local students; where they can learn about forest
management, ecological reserves, the flora and fauna of Guatemala,
best management practices, and medicinal plants. It is also a
great place to walk and feel one with nature.
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Volunteers
started rejuvenating the park in 2002, which included fencing in and
designating the park as a reserve. In 2003, trails, gardens, and
animal projects were added to the park. And in 2004, the park
now has 3 km of trails, swing bridges, botanical gardens, agricultural
areas, butterfly garden, volunteer housing, and small animal projects.
In 2005
and 2006, a
natural history museum and pond were added to the park.
Now in 2010, the park
has completely transformed into one of the nicest areas in the
region. However, it is constantly under attack and we are
doing our best to maintain a fence around the perimeter to keep out
tree robbers and poachers.
Our park
is open daily from 7:00 am till 6:00 pm, with free guided tours
provided by staff members and volunteers. Come to San Andrès directly
and head to the
park which is located
one mile north of the town center of San Andrès for
your free tour of the park,
call us at
5711-0040
or write us at
volunteerpeten@hotmail.com
Volunteer Projects include trail maintenance, reforestation, tree
nursery management, organic farming, and
ecological restoration.
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