Agroecology Center: The historic Chipoc farm, Coban

The historic Chipoc farm, in the bend of the Cahabon River at the edge of Coban, gives CCFC the perfect venue for teaching and conservation. This farm, sandwiched between two Important Bird Areas occupies the keystone position in Coban's northern greenbelt. The open space and natural areas of this farm connect Las Victorias National Park with two large properties owned by the government of Guatemala. Not far to the east of Las Victorias National Park begins the Chajbaoc nature preserve. It is hard to imagine a place near Coban with a higher conservation priority.

Young women participating in CCFC's scholarship program study on the Chipoc farm. Its proximity to two major bus routes makes it an easy gathering point for scholarship students.

John Cahill, son of Tara and Rob Cahill, monitors birds for CCFC. To date 175 species of birds have been reliably documented by John Cahill on the Chipoc farm, including sightings published in North American Birds such as the Agami Heron, Baybreasted Warbler and Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Development pressure is intense so close to the center of the city of Coban. CCFC hopes that this partnership in education and conservation will help protect this important bird area.