Mashpi Lodge, a 3,200 acre cloudforest retreat in Ecuador, is offering a new Forest Steward Program for guests ages six years and older.  Mashpi’s team of native rangers, who are from local communities in the area and make an enormous contribution to the preservation of the reserve, lead the program.  The hands-on program and activities are experienced through day hikes to waterfalls and swimming holes, night walks, visits to the butterfly farm and Sky Bike rides through the lush forest canopy.  At the lodge, the Kids’ Corner in the Lab is a space for your young naturalists to make their own personal discoveries. Mashpi Lodge is located about 3 ½ hours drive from Quito, although just under 40 miles from the city! Opened in 2012, the lodge hosts up to 47 guests.  Rates include shared transfer from many hotels in Quito, all meals, all guided activities and excursions within the reserve (walks, bird watching and nature encounters, Sky Bike, Life Center, waterfalls and Hummingbird Garden), internet, soft drinks and the use of rubber boots and rain ponchos.