The Children's Eternal Rainforest and Other Forests Saved by Children

Lynne Cherry spent the winter of 2023 as an artist-in-residence at the Children's Eternal Rainforest (el Bosque Eterno de los Ninos) in Monteverde, Costa Rica, writing the history of this amazing rainforest that was saved by the world's children. Cherry will tell the story of how, in 1987, a biologist visited Sweden and shared wondrous photos of indigenous Monteverde rainforest animals--monkeys, toucans, coatis--with a classroom of Swedish school children. When she told the students about how the trees were being cut down to make way for farms and houses, they were concerned. These third graders went on to raise $100,000 in funds to buy 54,000 acres. It is now called the Children's Eternal Rainforest and is the largest private rainforest reserve in Costa Rica.

Lynne will show her photos of the magnificent birds and other wildlife that she experienced in the cloud forests and rainforests of Monteverde. She will also share the stories of other young people who have saved forests in other parts of the world. You will leave feeling hopeful and inspired! Lynne will also have copies of her books for purchase and signing.

This Ted Exford Climate Stewards lecture is supported by Dave & Loretta (Exford) Hoglund.

About the Presenter

For 40 years, Lynne Cherry has shared her love of rainforests, rivers, animals and the whole living world through her vibrantly illustrated and scientifically accurate children's books. In her talks, she inspires young and old alike with hopeful success stories. When children excitedly tell Lynne about how they’ve saved a natural place such as a forest or a cypress swamp, she includes their stories in her presentations. These exciting success stories empower everyone.

Lynne spent this past winter in the rainforests and cloud forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica. After finding a fruiting avocado tree filled with quetzals, she visited it daily, sitting for hours and watching the quetzals feeding on the fruit.