Facilities
The Robert and Connie Braddy Research Station features sleeping and dining accommodations for 28 people and a large laboratory for studies in botany, zoology, entomology, etc.
Lovett's cloudforest facility is available for use by all schools, public and independent, as well as college and university groups.
In the summer of 2008, Lovett completed an inventory of the lodge supplies and facilities, and developed a list of repairs and renovations that could improve the visitor experience at Siempre Verde. A two-phase plan was developed to implement these improvements using existing funds from the Siempre Verde endowment.
Phase I (FY08-09) involved long overdue repairs and reinforcement of the existing structure. The first project was replacing the stone chimney with a more open design, which could provide central heat and light for the lodge. At the same time, various repairs were done to improve the structural integrity of the lodge and improve its ability to withstand the high humidity of the surrounding environment.
Phase II (FY09-10) focused on building the new bathrooms and expansion of the kitchen and dining room. The bathrooms are now open and Mari Ruiz’s award-winning cooking team has really enjoyed the updated kitchen and preparation area! This work has been a significant investment, but it will be well worth it, especially considering the increased functionality and added lifespan it will provide to our existing visitor facilities.
Location & Climate
Ecuador straddles the equator between Colombia and Peru. Blessed with four geographic ranges, including the Galapagos Islands, tourism is welcomed.
The capital, Quito, at 9,200 ft. is the starting point of any journey to Siempre Verde. From Quito one travels north to Otavalo, the picturesque weaving village and Indian Market, and then west to the village of Santa Rosa in the Imbabura Province.
Situated at an elevation range of 6,500-11,000 feet, Siempre Verde lies south of the River Taobunchi and west of the Volcano Cotacachi, and is contiguous with the Cotacachi Cayapas Preserve, the largest in Ecuador.
Though located only a few kilometers from the equator, the annual temperature range is 12-14 degrees celsius at night and up to 27 degrees celsius during the day (55-80 degrees fahrenheit). Rainy season usually begins late October through early May, and the dry season June through September/October. Even in the rainy season, mornings are often free of rain and very pleasant.
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