In 1950, 44 American Quakers opposed to America’s involvement in the Korean War bought a large tract of land in Costa Rica. The land lay in a mountaintop town called Monteverde, located in Costa Rica’s cloud forest, where they’d be able to continue the dairy farming that some had practiced in the United States.

But first they set aside one-third of the land to protect a local watershed. Over the years, recognizing the vast biological diversity and unique beauty of the forest, they created conservation foundations and private reserves as well.

Today, although some of those dairy farms remain, Monteverde is better known for its contributions to conservation studies. There, researchers developed “biological corridors” that help animals and plants move from one protected area to another. They have pioneered a “lattice framework” that ensures space for species requiring specific elevations to live and support themselves.

The group’s efforts started small – but today loom large. It’s not unlike what we’re seeing this week as volunteers in the US and Caribbean distribute food, rescue stray dogs, and clean up debris in the wake of hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Never underestimate the power of an unselfish act.

Now, to our five stories for today.