Las Cruces Biological Station
A research station and botanical garden in southern Costa Rica
Las Cruces Biological Station, also called Wilson Botanical Garden, is in the mountains of southern Puntarenas, Costa Rica. It combines a research station, visitor facilities, and a botanical garden, set beside a 270-hectare forest fragment surrounded by farmland and coffee plantations.
- Located at about 1,000 meters elevation in southern Costa Rica
- Includes a 270-hectare forest fragment and botanical gardens
- Focuses on research in agroecology and forest fragmentation
- Founded around gardens started by Robert and Catherine Wilson
What is Las Cruces Biological Station?
Las Cruces Biological Station is a center for scientific research and education, with a botanical garden and facilities for tourists. The site sits at about 1,000 meters above sea level in a mountainous area. It features a 270-hectare patch of forest, as well as gardens established by Robert and Catherine Wilson. The surrounding landscape is mostly agricultural, with pastures and coffee farms nearby.
The history of Las Cruces Biological Station
The station was founded around the Wilson Botanical Garden, which was started by Robert and Catherine Wilson and later given to the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS). It is the newest of three OTS research stations in Costa Rica. The garden and station were developed to support research and conservation in a region where much of the original forest has been replaced by agriculture.
What there is to see
Visitors to Las Cruces will find a combination of research facilities, tourist accommodations, and the botanical gardens. The gardens were originally created by the Wilsons and now serve both as a resource for plant study and as a place for visitors to enjoy. The forest fragment on the property is accessible for research and educational purposes.
When to go
Las Cruces is mainly used for biological research, especially studies on agroecology and the effects of forest fragmentation. It also welcomes tourists and students, offering opportunities to learn about tropical plants and ecosystems. The botanical garden is a key feature for both research and public enjoyment.
Why Las Cruces Biological Station matters
Las Cruces Biological Station plays an important role in tropical research and conservation in Costa Rica. Its botanical garden, started by the Wilsons, is now a resource for scientists, students, and visitors. The station helps study and protect the region’s unique mountain forests and supports education about tropical biodiversity.
Questions people ask about Las Cruces Biological Station
Where is Las Cruces Biological Station located?
It is in the southern part of Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica, in a mountainous region at about 1,000 meters above sea level.
What can visitors see at Las Cruces?
Visitors can explore the botanical gardens, walk in the forest fragment, and learn about tropical plants and ecosystems. The station also offers facilities for tourists and students.
What research is done at Las Cruces?
Research at Las Cruces focuses on agroecology and the effects of forest fragmentation, using the surrounding agricultural landscape and the preserved forest patch.
Who started the botanical garden at Las Cruces?
The botanical garden was started by Robert and Catherine Wilson and later became part of the Organization for Tropical Studies.
Good reading and sources
- Las Cruces Biological Station on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Las Cruces Biological Station", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Opening times, prices and bloom dates change: check with the place before you travel. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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