Osa Conservation to celebrate Álvaro Day, honoring father of Costa Rica’s national parks

On Feb. 15, Osa Conservation will host the second annual Álvaro Day, honoring the legacy of one of Costa Rica’s most influential environmental figures.

The event will remember Álvaro Ugalde, who is known as the father of Costa Rica’s national park system. Until his death in 2015, Ugalde worked tirelessly to preserve the country’s biodiversity — first by establishing national parks, and then by ensuring they remained protected.

• Related: Read more about Álvaro Ugalde in The Tico Times

Ugalde said Corcovado was his favorite national park, and National Geographic has more recently called it “the most biologically intense place on Earth.” Saturday’s event is at the Osa Verde Biological Station and hosted by one of many organizations dedicated to protecting the park.

The afternoon will feature appearances from Ministry of Environment (MINAE) representatives, including Environment Minister Carlos Manuel Rodríguez. It will also include guided trail walks, children’s activities and traditional art.

Founded in 2003, Osa Conservation is a non-profit “dedicated to protecting the globally significant biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula.”

Event details: Álvaro Day will be celebrated at Osa Verde Biological Station. The event is open to the public and runs from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 15. More information.