Future Projects

Spanish Creek Rainforest Reserve is growing continuously. Every development leads to additional needs and more infrastructure. The property has One lodge, a Cabana, palapa, and soon, another cabana. These structures are located in close proximity to each other on a ring of mounds that once formed the locus of a tiny Mayan farming community. These structures are served by the lodge itself and it’s array of solar panels, water storage, catch water system, pump, well, generator, etc. A group of 8 -10 people could comfortably be housed at the moment in these facilities.

The reality is however, that in the very near future, more capacity will be required. Available building sites near the existing lodge and infrastructure are used already. The future lies in building autonomous structures some distance from the lodge. Duplication of the infrastructure at the lodge in these new sites is required.

In order to solve the problem of water and water pressure, we have decided to design and build a RAM Pump and install near the base of a hill, in a nearby stream. The pump will feed water into a cistern above the roofline of the new structure. This project will require quite a few resources and volunteers interested in participating in developing a RAM Pump system in conjunction with a new building are encouraged to contact us.

In the area we are considering for this project we have a 1-2 degree slope, the land has been cleareda and is planted with 3 year old avocado, mango and jackfruit. There is a large sink which fills to 20 feet in diameter with runoff. This pond could be used as a source of flow for another RAM Pump if needed. There are tons of limestone rocks scattered in one area adjacent to the possible site which could be used for foundation, etc. All the resources to build would be harvested from the property in a sustainable way.

Here are some pictures and information about RAM Pumps:

http://www.animatedsoftware.com/pumpglos/ram_pump.htm

http://www.thefarm.org/charities/i4at/lib2/hydrpump.htm

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