Anthony traina

Growing up in Florida, I took an early interest in tropical plants and gardening. Later as an adult, curiosity lead me to explore the botany of the tropical forests in Colombia and Costa Rica for 8 years. In this region, there are very similar plants to what can be found in South Florida, yet the diversity is through the roof. The colors and shapes of the flora are astounding, at times overwhelming. Getting involved with various ecologically-based projects, such as community seed banks, university herbaria, and coffee farms, I eventually found my way to the world of forestry and natural building --- two wings of a beautiful bird. Using forest resources in a sustainable way to build simple and elegant structures has become the goal, and that which has brought me to the Rancho.

 Practicing permaculture, natural building, organic food preparation, and generally living in a self-reliant way have become the vision with which I aim to direct my efforts, and am very happy to be able to learn and work side-by-side with the team at the Rancho, folks that have years and years of tropical homesteading experience.