In partnership with the University of Oklahoma and Parque Nacionanl Los Quetzales (P.N.L.Q.), QERC is in the process of adding the newest addition to our weather monitoring program.  In this park is located a very unique space of biodiversity known as the Paramo.  This section of the park, often referred to as Las Vueltas, is a part of the neotropical zone and is characterized by the formation of high-mountain plants, hetergenous, and generally speaking, treeless or with open canopies of dense trees (Kappelle; Horn, Paramos de Costa Rica, 2005). 

The weather station will be located in this area of Las Vueltas, located at approximately 10,000ft (3050m) above sea level.  The station will be a vital source of in data for supporting research of the area and as a means toward long-term conservation efforts and policy. 

Parque Nacional Los Quetzales, formally La Reserva Los Santos, was officially inaugurated in 2005.  Historically, the area was one of the first locations charged with the protection of the oak forests of Costa Rica (1945).  The park covers 5,000 hectares (12,355 acres) of cloud forest on the upper reaches of the Río Savegre in the center of the Cordillera de Talmanca, bordering the Pan-American Highway between Kilometer 70 and Kilometer 80.  The park is home to the andine paramos, located the farthest north on the planet and is of special significance for its convergence of the Parrita River, Naranjo River, and Savegre River. 

QERC wants to give a special thank you to Bruce Hoagland (University of Oklahoma) and Arsenio Aguero Arias (P.N.L.Q. Administrator), and the Area de Conservacion Pacifico Central (ACOPAC) for their collaboration, resources, and support.