In 2017, Rafa from Los Naranjos initiated Madreselva Biocultural Center, an organic garden near Los Naranjos focused on experimentation as well as being a space for the divulging and exchange of knowledge and seeds within the community.

He has used the 1.5 acres to experiment with over 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables. After years of trial and error, up to 70% of the ingredients used for retreats at Los Naranjos have been harvested from Madreselva along with Los Naranjos.

Various workshops are held at Madreselva to bring the community together through education in environmentalism as well as the arts, music and skill-sharing. Rafa teaches workshops in areas such as water and organic waste management as well as garden design and management.

-Seed production and improvement of local varieties

-Composting methods

-Native plant walks

-Homemade grease traps and biofilters

-Crop interactions and association

-Production of biofertilizers and biopesticides

-Reproduction of micorrhizal organisims

Madreselva is an ongoing project to increase awareness around the importance of community and environmental

impact—throughout Yelapa and beyond. We are happy to arrange a workshop with your retreat group to learn about the environment of Yelapa, and how to take environmental skills home with them, through this special place.