Paraíso Nature Preserve, located about 3 kilometers from El Fuerte center of town, is under the direction of a Mexican nonprofit corporation, “Patronato de Educación Cultural y Ecológica del Río Fuerte, A.C., in partnership with Sequoia Center for Holistic Studies, Inc., based in Springville, California. Its purpose is to celebrate the richness and diversity of the Rio Fuerte watershed, along with the cultural influence of Mayo (Yoreme), Spanish, and Mexican peoples. 

As we work to restore the land, some of which was substantially cleared and developed to create a private park by the previous owner, our intent is to slowly and carefully develop a low-impact plan for the enjoyment and education of residents and tourists alike.

The first part of that plan is the construction of a 16-ft diameter gazebo, which will be the activity center for group visits; it could also house conservation displays and serve as a stage for outdoor theater and cultural events. Other ideas proposed include a Yoreme cultural center with homes and gardens demonstrating medicinal and utilitarian plantings, and a natural history museum, perhaps combined with a conference/teaching center.

"Birth of Paraiso" by Bob Goings