Rancho Margot: A Sustainable Living Immersion.
Descriptive Reflection
El Castillo, Costa Rica
After spending 40 days in large and hectic Latin American cities on our study abroad experience, Libby Nawalaniec, Laura Mersmann, and I decided we would like to spend our final ten days immersed in the nature of Costa Rica. After much research, we discovered Rancho Margot, a 400-acre eco-lodge nestled in the heart of the rainforest near the Arenal Volcano. This ranch is considerably different from typical vacation destinations, as it practices organic and sustainable living and is on its way to operating at 100% self-sufficiency after only 12 years of operation.
Rancho Margot is home to a number of animals, from pigs, horses, cows, and chickens to owls, water buffalo, dogs, and natural wildlife. In its infancy, the ranch was nothing more than a barren landscape with no vegetation or biodiversity. Today, the eco-lodge manages its own aqueducts, hydroelectric generators, dairy production, organic farm, artisan shop, and composting and recycling processes to create a closed economic system. They employ 45 full-time staff and welcome volunteers to keep their operations up and running.
While there was an option to simply relax on the grounds and do a plethora of activities such as kayaking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and zip lining, we wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the ranch’s sustainable practices. Therefore, we registered for Rancho Margot’s Sustainable Living Immersion. This week-long program included both morning and afternoon workshops where we were given hands-on experience planting and harvesting produce, composting and fermenting waste, caring for animals, and making soap and dairy products. Having no prior experience with gardening or extensive knowledge of organic farming, this week was extremely beneficial and opened my eyes to the plausibility of sustainable living with closed ecosystems.
All meals were prepared from farm to table. We were offered buffet-style meals that included dishes sourced straight from the ranch’s garden or a local producer. It was clear that the breakfast eggs were laid and collected that morning, the cheese was freshly made the day before, and the vegetables were recently picked and chopped. In one of the workshops, we actually harvested crops and brought them to the kitchen to help prepare the dinner buffet. I was amazed to see how easy it is to prepare simple yet hearty and high-quality dishes with a few fresh ingredients. Dare I say I’ve been persuaded to live the organic lifestyle permanently?
Outside of the program, there were a mindful meditation and yoga sessions offered twice daily to anyone on the ranch, in the early mornings and late afternoons. The morning sessions warmed up and challenged our minds and bodies while the afternoon sessions relaxed our muscles from the hard work of the day. In addition to the yoga sessions, we also had two natural pools available to us during leisure time. Fortunately, we visited during the rain forest’s dry season, so there was plenty of sun to enjoy! Apart from these two activities, we also hiked in the area’s deep forests and hills on narrow and challenging trails. It was sensational to see and hear the wildlife around me, knowing that few people were within the proximity of my location.
Our practice in the yoga studio, time at the pools, solo hikes in the hills and forest, and exploration of the ranch and river fostered a great deal of self-reflection. Combining this with the lessons learned in the program’s workshops, it was eye-opening to see the ease in which we can all contribute to a greener planet. I believe that by the conclusion of this trip, I gained a deeper understanding of myself and my role in creating a sustainable planet. I look forward to preparing my very first garden this summer for next year!
El Castillo, Costa Rica
After spending 40 days in large and hectic Latin American cities on our study abroad experience, Libby Nawalaniec, Laura Mersmann, and I decided we would like to spend our final ten days immersed in the nature of Costa Rica. After much research, we discovered Rancho Margot, a 400-acre eco-lodge nestled in the heart of the rainforest near the Arenal Volcano. This ranch is considerably different from typical vacation destinations, as it practices organic and sustainable living and is on its way to operating at 100% self-sufficiency after only 12 years of operation.
Rancho Margot is home to a number of animals, from pigs, horses, cows, and chickens to owls, water buffalo, dogs, and natural wildlife. In its infancy, the ranch was nothing more than a barren landscape with no vegetation or biodiversity. Today, the eco-lodge manages its own aqueducts, hydroelectric generators, dairy production, organic farm, artisan shop, and composting and recycling processes to create a closed economic system. They employ 45 full-time staff and welcome volunteers to keep their operations up and running.
While there was an option to simply relax on the grounds and do a plethora of activities such as kayaking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and zip lining, we wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the ranch’s sustainable practices. Therefore, we registered for Rancho Margot’s Sustainable Living Immersion. This week-long program included both morning and afternoon workshops where we were given hands-on experience planting and harvesting produce, composting and fermenting waste, caring for animals, and making soap and dairy products. Having no prior experience with gardening or extensive knowledge of organic farming, this week was extremely beneficial and opened my eyes to the plausibility of sustainable living with closed ecosystems.
All meals were prepared from farm to table. We were offered buffet-style meals that included dishes sourced straight from the ranch’s garden or a local producer. It was clear that the breakfast eggs were laid and collected that morning, the cheese was freshly made the day before, and the vegetables were recently picked and chopped. In one of the workshops, we actually harvested crops and brought them to the kitchen to help prepare the dinner buffet. I was amazed to see how easy it is to prepare simple yet hearty and high-quality dishes with a few fresh ingredients. Dare I say I’ve been persuaded to live the organic lifestyle permanently?
Outside of the program, there were a mindful meditation and yoga sessions offered twice daily to anyone on the ranch, in the early mornings and late afternoons. The morning sessions warmed up and challenged our minds and bodies while the afternoon sessions relaxed our muscles from the hard work of the day. In addition to the yoga sessions, we also had two natural pools available to us during leisure time. Fortunately, we visited during the rain forest’s dry season, so there was plenty of sun to enjoy! Apart from these two activities, we also hiked in the area’s deep forests and hills on narrow and challenging trails. It was sensational to see and hear the wildlife around me, knowing that few people were within the proximity of my location.
Our practice in the yoga studio, time at the pools, solo hikes in the hills and forest, and exploration of the ranch and river fostered a great deal of self-reflection. Combining this with the lessons learned in the program’s workshops, it was eye-opening to see the ease in which we can all contribute to a greener planet. I believe that by the conclusion of this trip, I gained a deeper understanding of myself and my role in creating a sustainable planet. I look forward to preparing my very first garden this summer for next year!
The Ranch
Farm to Table Meals
Experiential Learning Artifact.
The best way to learn and discover lessons about yourself and the world around you is through reflection. Since this experience was intended to help me gain better awareness of myself, my health, and my relationship with food and nature, I thought it best to record a journal of my yoga experiences. Through this journal, I can reflect on my practices and identify lessons learned on the mat that I can apply to my life long past my time on the ranch. Below are my thoughts and reflections of my practices and experience on the ranch. I plan to go beyond this simple reflection and actively promote an immersion experience at Rancho Margot to my organizations on campus this fall.