ECOLOGY

The Ecology Program contributes to sustainable local development through the conservation of the area's natural resources by incorporating reforestation, environmental education and community science programs to strengthen ecological services and counteract climate change, thus improving the quality of life of this and future generations.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS

URBAN ROOTS

The purpose of the Raíces Urbanas project is to promote participatory reforestation in the area we serve. In the Ciénaga las Cucharillas Nature Reserve, in alliance with the Yaguazo Corridor, we reforest with species native to coastal wetlands grown in our nurseries. In addition, we grow and plant flowers, plants and trees native and endemic to Puerto Rico to create pollinator gardens and small urban forests in our communities and schools to beautify them, counteract climate change and strengthen the ecosystem.

ANTILLEAN NURSERY

Our nursery produces native, endemic and endangered shrubs and trees while serving as an educational tool for students and residents of the surrounding communities. Thousands of trees are produced annually and then planted in the Las Cucharillas Reserve with the participation of hundreds of volunteers and visitors. 

COMMUNITY LABORATORY

The Community Laboratory for Scientific and Cultural Empowerment (LabCom) combines the environmental research that guides the conservation work of the Las Cucharillas Nature Reserve (RNCC) and surrounding areas with field experiences for students from the communities surrounding the reserve. Teachers and students from the area's public elementary, middle and high schools take advantage of the facilities and apply in the field the knowledge acquired in class, and the data collected by the students feed the longitudinal studies conducted by El Corredor del Yaguazo and Caras to guide the rehabilitation of the RNCC.

ORCHARDS AND GARDENS POLLINATORS

Spaces in urban areas that combine small community gardens with pollinator gardens under an agro-ecology model.

COMMUNITY MICROFORESTS

Coastal Habitat Restoration and Community Resilience - NOAA (2023-2027)

We are honored to have been the only organization in Puerto Rico to be selected as part of the Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grant for Tribes and Underserved Communities an opportunity that will allow us to continue our work for the next three years.

Our proposal focuses on integrating underserved communities in coastal habitat restoration activities, promoting local participation in the protection of natural resources. These actions are aimed at strengthening coastal resilience through initiatives that prepare communities to respond to events such as hurricanes, storms, flooding and sea level rise.

During this period, we plan to impact more than 1,200 students and residents through reforestation, environmental education, research, and conservation programs in the Ciénaga Las Cucharillas Nature Reserve. This project reinforces our commitment to sustainability, cross-sector collaboration, and community preparedness for the challenges of the natural environment.