[2] The surrounding region is mostly tropical dry forests, and the park concentrates on conserving vital floodplain, marshes, limestone ridges, and seasonal pools from the encroachment of civilization which was putting the ecology of the area at risk.

[3] Birds seen regularly in the park include great curassows, scarlet macaws, white ibis, roseate spoonbills, anhingas, jabirus, and wood storks.

Parajos Island, which is located in the middle of the Tempisque River, is usually a great place to spot birds.

[citation needed] Palo Verde National Park was declared a wildlife refuge during the 1970s because over 60 species of birds used the laguna, or wetland, as a migratory stop.

The Palo Verde Biological Station is on site; it is operated by the Organization for Tropical Studies.