Thirty years ago Arroyo del Toro was a thriving community surviving on a robust coffee crop. That all changed as Brazilian coffee began to dominate the market and leaf rust destroyed the crops on this once-was-a-rainforest mountain top.   A community of three hundred families dwindled to one hundred. 

Now the people of el campo work to reforest their hills and preserve the rich communal spirit in which those who lack are supplemented by those who have.  While they have abundant produce, they have no way to take their goods over the rocky limestone road to market. They are rich in compassion and mutual aid but without, at present, a sustainable economy.

Gabi Berlin and Mark Ziolkowski arrived in Arroyo del Toro in March of 2016 in order to facilitate bridge work with partners around the developed world who are concerned with preserving and strengthening bio-diverse, sustainable eco-villages.   

The goal is to develop an earth friendly eco-tourism economy that will preserve the spectacular beauty of Arroyo del Toro while allowing the community to prosper in education, health and culture.

Primary Issues include:

·Building solar powered, fresh water cabins for visitors   to experience the community of Arroy del Toro  firsthand.  In the planning stage is a set of cottages  with a central kitchen. All to be staffed by community  members.  Approximate cost for materials $3000

· The purchase of a van or large truck that would v  enable   the farmers of el campo to take their produce    to market. The vehicle would also be used to bring  tourists from the airport in Santiago and weekend  visitors from nearby cities. Approximate cost $2000

Education- The school here has been handicapped by the lack of  internet access and wifi capable computers. So far we  have been able to rehabilitate two old Dells as well as  receiving a used Toshiba laptop.  Presently we have a barebones computer lab but to offer the children here a competitive edge we will need to add at least four more computers with educational software. 
Approximate cost, $1600

Small business- Two residents here have decades of experience in baking.  Bread is central to need and culture in the Dominican lifestyle.  We have a building ready to use but we need an oven and kitchen utensils. We also need  restaurant supplies to open the small bakery cafe that can both provide fresh bread to the community and a place for visitors to dine.  Approximate cost for startup $1000

In the meantime, health issues are always a concern. Seven people have died in Arroyo del Toro since we arrived in February. While there is a cost free clinic open three days a week, the cost of medicines is not covered.  We are always in need of:

·Pain relief medicines such as ibuprofen, benadryl
 Topical analgesics like Biofreeze

·Help with funeral expenses (the dead are buried  within 24 hours and caskets are the greatest  expense). 

The people of  Arroy del Toro  invite you to visit . Nothing would please them more than for you to be stunned by the beauty of the forest; the mystery of the caves; the power of the waterfalls. They want you to stay in their homes, eat at their tables and soak in the magic of the land and community. Throw a couple bottles of ibuprofen or Benadryl in your suitcase, book a flight and live for a week or two on a mountaintop. If that´s not an option for you now, of course they value your donations. But you are always a welcomed guest in el campo.

Read more on Facebook at Lo Que esta Pasando en Arroyo del Toro