ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This guide was prepared on a voluntary basis by Rebecca Aird and Anthony Leaning (Ottawa, Canada) during a three-month stay in Vilcabamba. The guide could not have been prepared without assistance and input from Orlando and Alicia Falco (Rumi Wilco Natural Forest Reserve) and Jorge Mendieta (Caminatas Andes Sureños). Orlando and Alicia provided a home at the Reserve, a library of source materials, and valuable knowledge and perspectives based on years of guiding experience and of living close to the land. Jorge shared his wealth of knowledge about the natural history and medicinal properties of many species. Joy Horton (Colinas Verdes) also shared perspectives on agriculture in Vilcabamba, and a poetic vision of the valley’s ecology.

Thanks is also due to the people who reviewed and commented on drafts of this guide. These include: Marnix Becking, Omar Cabrerra, Martin Carver, Orlando Falco, Harold Greeney, Joy Horton, Patrik Hunt, K. Linda Kivi, Craig Money, Charlie at Cabañas Rio Yambala, and Antonio at Arcoiris. Finally, thanks also to our daughter Brianna whose avid interest helped fuel our enthusiasm, and whose keen eye corrected some of our errors in identification. And to Rowan, for her patience in yielding us up when she would much rather have read another Arthur story.