Lucas Medina ~ Middle Aged

Lucas Medina is owner and manager of Lucas Organic Farms in Bullet Tree Falls.  Although Lucas ended his formal education just short of high school graduation, his love of learning was perpetuated in his interest in farming.

“…the saying says, whatsoever you plant, that is what you will reap. That’s why I try to be a good farmer, you know and try to learn new things. Because as long as I live, I will never get to know everything. Always a student.”

When he realized his dream of becoming a forest gardener he withdrew his enrollment in college and became an apprentice to his father Marcelo Medina. Lucas flourished under his father’s guidance and became interested in the cultivation of forest and fruit trees.

Over the past twenty years, Lucas has turned the 12.5 acres of land his father gave him into his very own reforestation project.  On his farm he grows both forest and fruit trees such as mahogany, cedar, orange, pineapple, and coconut. He hopes to impart his knowledge and work to the next generation.

“Lots of young people don’t know their culture anymore. They just depend on television, watch movies. They don’t want to be by the riverside, listening to the waterfalls flows. They see this as not worth anything.”

Aside from his work on the farm, Lucas is also an avid painter.  Although he was never professionally trained, Lucas depicts his dreams and aspirations for his reforestation project in his paintings. When asked what inspires him to paint, Lucas answered, “I close my eyes and imagine myself in a secluded place.  There, Mother-Nature takes hold of my hands and guides every movement of my brush…” It is in the spirit of this simplicity that Lucas conducts his everyday life. As he sits on the log, which he refers to as his “sofa set,” Lucas looks around with satisfaction and a wide smile slowly stretches across his face. “I started my farm for the love of the rainforest,” he reflects, “I have always been fond of Mother-Nature and I now am realizing my goal.  Although I have not nearly met half my goal, I am determined to complete it before I leave this world.”