You can help conserve the Sierra Gorda by purchasing lands that will be administered for conservation by the Sierra Gorda Ecology Group. "I think we have a chance to rescue the sancturaries," Ruiz said. "Land is so cheap, you may buy a beautiful cloud forest for $250 per hectare. It's a shame that we are losing our treasure."

The precedent for this habitat rescue was established by a local NGO called "Joya del Hielo," the namesake of a cloud forest ("Jewel of Ice") that is one of the eleven core protected areas in the Biosphere Reserve. This organization has already purchased 600 valuable hectares for preservation, and also provides surveillance and forestry management.

By purchasing land, you can ensure that old-growth forests will survive and deforested land will have a chance to regenerate. Here are some examples of the opportunities:

Tropical evergreen forest and cloud forest
617.5 acres (250 hectares) of tropical evergreen forest and cloud forest in the community of Neblinas, in the municipal county of Landa de Matamoros, near the Tancuilin River. This terrain is made up of various private lands which can be acquired collectively. Significantly, this area comprises the little that remains of the original vegetation pertaining to this zone, and is in particular danger of habitat destruction if bought by prospecting coffee growers, an industry that destroys the forest undergrowth in order to plant coffee without felling the larger trees. This land is priced at M$2,000 (US$213) per hectare, with a total cost of M$500,000 (US$53,250).

Pine Forest
148.2 acres (60 hectares) of steep terrain of pines and alders in the Agua Fria community, municipal county of Pinal de Amoles. Part of the land was dismantled and corn is raised on the slopes, causing more soil erosion every year. By simply discontinuing cultivation, this area would regenerate naturally and rapidly. This land is priced at M$3,000 (US$320) per hectare, with a total cost of M$180,000 (US$19,170).

Cloud Forest
247 acres (100 hectares) of cloud forest with tree species such as the white cedar, oak, magnolia, valuable bird and mammal species, all within the Core Protected Area of the Biosphere Reserve called "Joya del Hielo" in the community La Florida, municipal county of Landa de Matamoros. This site is especially valuable, as it constitutes part of the Core Area. This land is priced at M$3,000 (US$320) per hectare, with a total cost of M$300,000 (US$32,000).

Tropical Deciduous Forest
345.8 acres (140 hectares) of subtropical deciduous forest, oak forest and palms located in Carrera de Tancama community, Jalpan de Serra. These 140 hectares form part of a terrain of 5,928 acres (2,400) hectares that is the property of an integrated society of 40 partners that raise livestock. A large part of this land is located within the zoning of the Core Area "Cañon de Moctezuma." Mammal species such as puma, javelina, margay, and jaguarundi, etc., are found here. By buying shares of this partnership society, the cattle can be removed. This land is priced at M$1,000 (US$106) per hectare, with a total cost of M$140,000 (US$14,900).

Another 5,558 acres (2,250 hectares) of tropical deciduous forest is available in the middle of the Reserve, bordering the town of Jalpan de Serra and the freeway. The lands are extensively dedicated to agriculture and livestock. This habitat hosts white tail deer and wildcats like the puma, mountain cat, margay and jaguarundi. It is located along the central ridges that cross the Reserve in a southeastern-northwestern orientation, serving as a natural biological corridor between the Core Areas of "Cañon del Santa María" and "Cañon del Moctezuma." This area will regenerate quickly once the cattle are removed. This land is priced at M$5,000 (US$532) per hectare, with a total cost of M$11,250,000 (US$1.2 million).

Pine-Oak and Cloud Forest
1,235 acres (500 hectares) of pine-oak and cloud forest next to the Core Area called "Cañada de las Avispas" and the community Valle Verde, Jalpan de Serra. Serving as a biological corridor between the "Cañada de las Avispas" and the Core Areas located along the Santa María River. This area provides habitat to the bearded-wood partridge, brocket deer, puma, black bear, and spider monkey. Currently used and threatened by cattle and forest exploitation, this land will regenerate naturally once these activities are ceased. This land is priced at M$6,000 (US$639) per hectare, with a total cost of M$3,000,000 (US$320,000).

Tropical Deciduous Forest and Oak Forests (Santa Maria River Canyon)
4,940 acres (2,000 hectares) of tropical deciduous forest and oak forests near the Santa Maria River within the Core Areas along its border. This area is habitat to jaguar, white tail deer, great curassow and the bearded-wood partridge. Currently dedicated to heavy livestock exploitation, and in danger of falling into the hands of ranchers with greater initiative and funding. This land is priced at M$3,000 (US$320) per hectare, with a total cost of M$6,000,000 (US$639,000).

Pine and Mixed Pine-Oak Forests
1,235 acres (500 hectares) of pine and mixed pine-oak forests outside the town of Pinal de Amoles, the principal watershed zone of coniferous forests in the Reserve. This habitat of primary importance is threatened by loggers and livestock ranchers. This land is priced at M$10,000 (US$1,065) per hectare, with a total cost of M$5,000,000 (US$532,480).

Oak-Juniper Forests
247 acres (100 hectares) of oak-juniper forests in El Madroño, Landa de Matamoros in the area of the Core Area "Joya del Hielo." This land is priced at M$3,000 (US$320) per hectare, with a total cost of M$300,000 (US$32,000).

Deforested areas
Deforested areas already set aside for natural regeneration include 1,235 acres (500 hectares) priced at M$3,000 (US$320) per hectare (including regeneration and protection activities).