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Globalworks Team 25th July 2023

Globalworks June-Aug 2023

Globalworks Team 22nd June 2023
Globalworks June-Aug 2023
Globalworks Team 22nd June 2023

Globalworks Team 13th July 2023
Globalworks Team 13th July 2023
Globalworks Team 25th July 2023
Globalworks Team 25th July 2023
Globalworks Team 3rd August 2023
Globalworks Team 3rd August 2023

We have partnered with Globalworks since 2003, and many projects have been touched by hundreds of teenagers over the years.

Global Works is committed to meaningful service, focusing on collaboration with communities rather than merely working on their behalf. Their mission is rooted in sustainable community development, involving student volunteers in genuine, grassroots projects. Global Works prioritizes establishing deep connections with local communities, ensuring their work is both impactful and respectful.

The organization is powered by a team of passionate and experienced leaders, forming the heart of Global Works. With an impressive retention rate of 80% among staff, Global Works prides itself on delivering high-quality, safe, and enjoyable experiences. Leaders are chosen for their expertise, adaptability, and dedication to fostering global citizenship among students.

Global Works adopts a unique approach to travel, embodying the principle of traveling with purpose. This involves immersing in local cultures, supporting local economies, and forging lasting connections across the globe. Global Works offers more than just a trip; it presents an opportunity to become a global citizen.

San Jose State University June 2023

San Jose State University 7/8/9th June 2023

In early June 2023, a lively group of students from San Jose State University took a break from their usual academic environment to embark on an unforgettable journey to the heart of Puerto Rico’s rainforest. Staying from the 7th to the 9th, these young conservationists turned their hands to vital work at Las Casas de la Selva, focusing on the crucial task of landslide mitigation.

The lush, vibrant landscape of the rainforest is as beautiful as it is fragile. Recent landslides had left scars on this verdant canvas, posing threats to the forest’s rich biodiversity and to the trail system that allows us humans to witness its wonders. To help counter this threat, the San Jose State University students prepared berms for a special guest – Vetiver, or Chrysopogon zizanioides, a plant with extraordinary soil-stabilizing properties.

With shears in hands and determination in hearts, the students trimmed slips of vetiver, and planted the slips 6” apart. The task was labor-intensive, but there was an underlying excitement – a sense of being part of something larger, something impactful. As they worked, they learned about the fascinating characteristics of this humble grass that make it an unsung hero in the fight against soil erosion.

The vetiver plant is a marvel of nature, with a root system that is finely structured and robust. Despite its seemingly delicate appearance, the plant’s roots can penetrate 3–4 meters deep within just the first year of growth, forming a strong subterranean network that safeguards the soil above. Vetiver is unique, as it neither develops stolons nor rhizomes, making it incredibly drought-tolerant.

But perhaps the most significant characteristic of vetiver is its ability to protect soil against erosion. Where other plants might succumb to the onslaught of wind and water, vetiver stands tall, its deep roots acting as a living barrier against the destructive forces. In the event of sediment deposition, new roots can sprout from buried nodes, demonstrating an incredible resilience that further underscores its value in conservation efforts.

Watching the San Jose State University students planting vetiver, it was clear that this was not just a hands-on learning experience, but a meaningful contribution to the preservation of the rainforest. Their time at Las Casas de la Selva was a testament to the critical role that we, as individuals and communities, play in safeguarding our planet’s natural resources. It was a demonstration of how knowledge, action, and passion can come together to create lasting, positive change.

Thank you to Kirky (Kristine Kirkendale) who led the team, and to Globalworks International who organized the expedition. Karaya Diaz provided excellent cuisine for the team.

See this link for more photos of this great trip: https://photos.app.goo.gl/JH5Y9x9sfJNZvm7y8

Icaco Valley Frog Survey, 11th June 2023

Icaco Valley Frog Survey, 11th June 2023

A cooperative agreement between the Caribbean USFWS and the University of Florida (UF) just completed the last coquí guajón (E. cooki) survey for this project at one of the populations within Las Casas de la Selva property.

Last time this population was surveyed was back in 2013, with Norman Greenhawk. Despite the recent heat wave, the team led by Dr. Ana Longo and her graduate students (https://thelongolab.com/), was able to catch and release 30 coquí guajón frogs.

Coquí guajón, Eleutherodactylus cooki, juvenile in Icaco Valley, Patillas, Photo by JP Zegarra

Survey effort included general frog counts, genetic samples, chytrid fungus swabs and tick prevalence. This population is quite unique since it is one of the few known coquí guajón populations to co-occur with both the coquí caoba (E. richmondi) and the coquí melodioso (E. wightmanae), among other species.

Another peculiarity is that this coquí guajón population lacks ticks, perhaps because of its protected habitat and farther distance from human disturbance. In general, this coquí guajón population seems in good condition, but there are concerns with the potential effects of climate change on all coquí frog species. Ultimately, the consequences of these anomalies in demographic responses might not be immediately apparent, and can potentially affect reproduction and recruitment in the coquí guajón populations and other species as well.

Thanks to Jan P. Zegarra (Fish & Wildlife Biologist) for the info and these great photos from this recent survey, care of USFWS-Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office.

Coquí caoba, Eleutherodactylus richmondi, Icaco Valley, Patillas, Photo by JP Zegarra
Taking chytrid fungus swabs

Montessori-Guillermo Riefkohl, Patillas, 25-26 May 2023

A Magical Night in the Rainforest : Endangered Species & An Unforgettable Experience for Students of Montessori-Guillermo Riefkohl, Patillas, 25th – 26th May 2023.

Deep in the heart of Patillas, located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, sits a Montessori school, Escuela Guillermo Riefkohl. Steeped in rich traditions, the school is not just an educational institution, but a place where kids are nurtured and encouraged to explore the world beyond the textbook. Education is not confined within the four walls of a classroom; it’s about fostering a love for learning, teaching an appreciation for our surroundings, and nurturing an inquisitive spirit. The opportunity to spend a night in the rainforest is just one example of the extraordinary experiences that this local school offers its students, ensuring they grow not just academically, but also emotionally and with an environmental consciousness.

Recently, they embarked on an adventure that will forever be etched in their memories: a night under the canopy of the rainforest at Las Casas de la Selva.

Las Casas de la Selva, located in the forested mountains of Carite in Patillas, is a 40 year old sustainable forestry and rainforest enrichment project, a sanctuary of Puerto Rico’s native flora and fauna. The spectacular location brims with life, from the humble coquis – the island’s charming, melodious frogs – to anoles, stick insects, and an array of beetles, painting a vivid picture of the island’s biodiversity.

Escuela Guillermo Riefkohl students, aged 11 and 12, were lucky enough to spend a night amidst this thriving wilderness. This venture was more than just a school trip. For many, it represented their first journey away from the comforting confines of their homes and the warm, familiar embrace of their parents. For some, this was their first voyage into the rainforest, an ecosystem so different from their urban surroundings, filled with the thrill of uncharted territory and the promise of discovery.

A million thanks to the great teachers behind this project, Ilianexcis Pérez and Teresa Sabtiago. Their dedication and passion for education went beyond the standard curriculum, opening up a world of natural wonders for the young learners. They understood the immeasurable value in letting kids breathe the wild air, touch the damp earth, and listen to the soothing symphony of the rainforest – experiences that kindle a lifelong fascination with nature. Dedicated staff team also included Angela, Caesar, and Alexis, with their expertise and unwavering commitment, played a pivotal role in making this expedition safe, educational, and immensely enjoyable for the kids. Monique Nieves, chef, provided nutritious & delicious meals.

The students were there to spend time with 3t (Thrity Vakil, director), to discover and learn about the rare and endangered plant species that 3t and her botanical team are working with, in collaboration with The Botanical Gardens Conservation International. Namely Palo de Cruz (Garcinia portoricensis), and Tortuga Prieto (Ravenia urbanii), as well as several other critically endangered species such as Palo de Nigua (Cornutia obovata), and Palo de Jazmin (Styrax portoricensis).

From the dense canopy overhead to the rich soil underfoot, every inch of the rainforest is teeming with life, and much of this life is a mystery, just waiting to be unraveled. It was under the guidance 3t, that the students of Escuela Guillermo Riefkohl ventured into this unexplored wilderness. As the director of Las Casas de la Selva, 3t and her botanical team are spearheading efforts to understand and conserve some of the rainforest’s most precious inhabitants.

An integral part of their visit was the chance to delve deep into the world of two incredibly rare and endangered plant species – Palo de Cruz (Garcinia portoricensis) and Tortuga Prieto (Ravenia urbanii). These are not just plants, but living fragments of Puerto Rico’s unique biological heritage, struggling for survival in an increasingly threatened ecosystem.

Guided by 3t’s passion and expertise, the students embarked on an exciting journey of discovery. They learned about these plants, the role of diversity inthe complex web of rainforest life, and the urgent need for their conservation. Through hands-on experience, they saw, touched, and understood the critical work 3t and her team are doing to preserve these species for future generations.

Imagine their wide-eyed awe as they beheld the seedlings of Palo de Cruz, a species as enigmatic as it is rare, with its glossy leaves and sharp point, or the Tortuga Prieto, trees found nowhere else in the world but Puerto Rico. They discussed the challenges faced by these plants, felt the urgency of their plight, and hopefully understood the profound importance of conservation work.

By inviting the students into this world, 3t opened their eyes to the miracles of the rainforest and the dire need to protect it. With every leaf they turned, every question they asked, and every answer they discovered, the students were not only learning about the world around them but also their role in it. And who knows, perhaps among those students, inspired by 3t’s work, is a future botanist or conservationist, ready to take up the torch and continue the fight for Puerto Rico’s incredible natural heritage.

The children of Escuela Guillermo Riefkohl were not merely visitors, but rather explorers for the night, embarking on an unforgettable journey of discovery. Imagine the laughter echoing through the forest as the kids played games, their wide-eyed wonder at the sight of anole lizards disappearing into the foliage, the joy of spotting a stick insect camouflaged on a branch, and the awestruck silence as they listened to the nocturnal serenade of coquis under the starlit sky.

This enchanting encounter with the rainforest was more than just a night of fun. It was a vital, transformative educational experience that has, undoubtedly, shaped these children’s perception of the natural world. As they walked away from Las Casas de la Selva, they carried with them not just memories of a thrilling adventure, but a newfound respect for nature, understanding of biodiversity, and a spark of curiosity that will hopefully fuel their quest for knowledge for years to come.

Guided Walk-Talk Tour of Las Casas de la Selva

Come on a Guided Walk Talk tour!! Celebrate 40 years with us

Friday 29th July 2023
Time: 9.30am – 2.00pm

Cost: $45per head, includes a delicious home-cooked lunch, salad, & beverages
Discover the captivating forest of Las Casas de la Selva, Patillas, Puerto Rico, with passionate hosts, Thrity 3t Vakil and Raquel Torres, in English and Spanish.

For 20 people only.
Limited availability, reserve now to avoid disappointment.

Come on this extraordinary journey and celebrate 40 years of sustainable forestry at Las Casas de la Selva! Don’t miss out on this special occasion to explore nature’s wonders on a guided walk, have a delicious lunch, & conversations in the company of fellow nature enthusiasts. Wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate outdoor attire: long-trousers & long-sleeved shirt.

Join us for an exclusive guided walk through this remarkable sustainable forestry project, celebrating its 40th anniversary. Commemorate 40 years of conservation and responsible forestry.

Immerse and yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the reforested land and timber plantation.
Witness the rich biodiversity of native flora and fauna.
See the devastating landslides caused by Hurricane Fiona.
See the nursery of endangered endemic species and learn about our collaborations with the Botanical Gardens Conservation International.

RSVP by 25th July 2023 to pay & secure your spot & tell us your dietary preference and allergy issues. We accept Paypal (3t@eyeontherainforesty.org) and ATH Movil (787 329 7761)
Email: raqueltorresarzola@gmail.com 


Location: https://goo.gl/maps/f7CtG85daJ3RNceL7

If you have a group of 20 and would like a tour, please contact us for alternative dates.
We look forward to seeing you here!!

This event is part of an ongoing series of events to celebrate our 40th Anniversary.
Please consider making a donation to wards the project if you would like to support our work.
https://eyeontherainforest.org/donate/

Thank you!

Globalworks & University of Delaware, 24 May 2023

A Day of Joyful Volunteering in the Puerto Rican Rainforest- Globalworks & University of Delaware, 24 May 2023

(In case English is not your first language, you can translate this website. Click the TRANSLATE button at top right.)

In a heartwarming convergence of cultures and a shared passion for environmental conservation, a group of bright young adults from Saudi Arabia embarked on a life-changing journey to the rainforest project, Las Casas de la Selva, in Patillas, Puerto Rico. Brought together by Globalworks International, an organization dedicated to facilitating service holidays for teenagers, these enthusiastic students spent a day immersing themselves in the rainforest’s beauty. The day was filled with awe-inspiring moments, meaningful discussions, and unforgettable memories.

Exploring the Rainforest’s Resilience: The day began with a guided hike led by Thrity Vakil (3t) at Las Casas de la Selva. As the group ventured deeper into the rainforest, they witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of Hurricane Fiona, which struck Puerto Rico in September 2022. The trail revealed landslides and fallen trees, reminding everyone of the immense power of nature. However, amidst the destruction, there was a sense of hope as new life emerged, highlighting the rainforest’s remarkable resilience.

After the enlightening hike, and some time looking at critically endangered plants in the nursery, it was time for the Saudi Arabian students to roll up their sleeves and contribute their labor! Their task involved carrying buckets of gravel to complete the construction of a new front garden area near the open-air dining room. With determination and a sense of purpose, they worked together, displaying teamwork and a strong work ethic. Among the leaders of the garden task were Alfredo and Potin, who shared their knowledge and expertise, ensuring that the project proceeded smoothly.

The Saudi Arabian students, with their unique perspectives and backgrounds, engaged in enlightening conversations and the students’ genuine curiosity and eagerness to learn left a lasting impression on everyone, fostering an atmosphere of intellectual growth and cultural exchange.

As the morning’s activities drew to a close, the students’ hard work and dedication were rewarded with a mouthwatering lunch prepared by Monique Nieves, chef at Las Casas de la Selva. The tantalizing aromas filled the air, and with gratitude and satisfaction, the group savored the delicious meal, knowing that it was well-earned after their efforts.

The day spent by the students from the University of Delaware, (ELI-SABIC 22),volunteering at Las Casas de la Selva, Patillas, Puerto Rico, was a beautiful testament to the power of unity and collaboration. Through their participation in Globalworks International’s service holiday program, these young adults not only experienced the wonders of the Puerto Rican rainforest but also contributed to the project. This joyous experience serves as a reminder that by working together, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for our planet.

Thank you everyone!!

New School of the Anthropocene, London, 5th May 2023

On the 5th of May 2023, an exciting event took place at the transvangard October Gallery’s library clubroom in Bloomsbury, London. The students of The New School of the Anthropocene (NSOTA) were in for a treat as they gathered, both in person and virtually via Zoom, to listen to a captivating talk by Thrity (3t) Vakil.

(In case English is not your first language, you can translate this website. Click the TRANSLATE button at top right.)

3t shared her incredible 23-year journey and experiences in sustainable forestry and rainforest enrichment. The focus of her talk was the remarkable Las Casas de la Selva project in Patillas, Puerto Rico, which has been flourishing for over four decades. Founded in 1983 by the visionary elders of the Institute of Ecotechnics, www.ecotechnics.org , Las Casas de la Selva has been at the forefront of sustainable forestry in the Caribbean. She told the story of the Institute’s Research Vessel Heraclitus, that sailed up the Amazon on an ethnobotanical expedition, where the crew came away having experienced first-hand the effects of deforestation and illegal logging. On arrival to Puerto Rico, 3t elaborated on the early days of the project, emphasizing the crew’s urgent need to “do something necessary that was not being done.” After many meetings and discussions the idea to start a sustainable forestry project in Puerto Rico was conceived.

3t spoke passionately about her life in the rainforest, including the many years of scientific studies, wood-harvesting, tree-growing, endangered tree conservation, nurserywork, and her own artwork that became an integral part of the initiative.

Despite facing numerous challenges over the years, including hurricanes, earthquakes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and most recently, calamitous landslides from Hurricane Fiona, Las Casas de la Selva has persisted. 3t shared stories of resilience and adaptation, highlighting how Puerto Rico Hardwoods, an essential outcome of the project, has thrived, and pioneered efforts to rescue wood destined for landfill after the devastating Hurricane Maria in 2017.

The talk provided a platform for NSOTA students to engage with 3t directly. Questions and answers flowed, creating an informative and thought-provoking afternoon. The students, both present in the clubroom and joining from various locations worldwide, gained valuable insights into sustainable forestry and the importance of environmental stewardship. The event left the audience inspired and motivated to make a positive impact on the planet. 3t Vakil’s engaging storytelling and profound experiences at Las Casas de la Selva served as a reminder of the power of vision, determination, and collaboration in creating sustainable solutions.

The New School of the Anthropocene is an experiment. But it is also an act of repair. In partnership with October Gallery in London, we seek to reinstate the intellectual adventure and creative risk that formerly characterised arts education before the university system capitulated to market principles and managerial bureaucracy.

The pause enforced by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 afforded a unique opportunity to rethink the wider basis of our educational practices, against a context of unimaginable climate catastrophe and irreversible species extinction; of economic depression and sanctioned inequality.  

The New School was the response: founded by an ensemble of experienced academics from the higher educational world alongside artists and practitioners, none of whom regard education as a business and their students as customers.  

We recognise the pitiless financialisation of the university world and the dismal situation of the student-consumer, for whom vast debt is a passport for crossing the threshold to adulthood and social participation. We observe the demoralisation of exploited teachers within a casualised workforce whose energies are drained by a technocratic culture of audit and administration. We witness the purposeful and systematic dismantling of adult education, the crude instrumentalisation of learning and a joyless culture of accreditation.

Collectively we can do better. We see that higher educational institutions in their current form are ill-placed to foster the new critical and creative ways of working collaboratively that are necessary for social renewal and ecological recovery. 

The New School explores radical new possibilities – affordable, flexible, transparent – for non-residential degree-level education. We wish to explore how higher education can shift away from reproducing the destructive practices of the present and preparing students for what David Graeber termed “bullshit jobs,” and instead forge a viable future for the generations to come. “

https://www.nsota.org/curriculum

Thanks to Michael Hrebeniak (R), and Gessie Houghton (L) of https://www.nsota.org/home for the invitation.

Puerto Rico Has Wood! 2023

Andres Rua has made an incredible documentary about wood in Puerto Rico. What a cast of characters!!
Dedicated to Frank H. Wadsworth



Movie with English subtitles: https://youtu.be/nYVenNN6VgU?si=SWDyebeq9cYE7_Iw

Este proyecto ha sido realizado gracias a:

Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueño y el National Endowment for the Arts

Puerto Rico Tiene Madera’, Un proyecto de Andrés Rúa

Videos y fotos de archivo:

Andrés Rúa, Thrity Vakil, Thomas Marvel Fuller, Ariza Torres

Asesoría técnica:

Thomas Marvel Fuller, Raquel Torres Arzola, y Paula Arzola

Música:

Andrés Rúa González

Partiparon:

Juan Luis Villalobos – Artesano, Ciales

Javier Otero – Aserraderos Otero, Ciales

Javier Fernando Otero Sastre – De tal Palo, Ciales

Rafael Joglar Ph.D. – Catedrático UPR, Rio Piedras

Ariel Lugo Ph.D. – Instituto Internacional de Dasonomía Tropical

Jorge Nieves – Historiador

Dania Rivera Ocasio Ph.D. – Servicio de Extención Agrícola, Corozal

George Félix Ph.D.- Ingeniero Forestal

Carmen Eloisa González – Artesana

Mark Nelson Ph.D. – Institute of Ecotechnics – Nuevo México

Saul (Guatú) Pérez Soler – Aserradero ArteGuatú, Quebradillas

Edgardo González – Director, Centro para la Conservación del Paisaje

William Gould Ph.D. – Centro para el Cambio Climático del Caribe, USDA

Magaly Figueroa – Instituto Internacional de Dasonomía Tropical

Yariliz Quiles Martínez – Instituto Internacional de Dasonomía Tropical

Humfredo Marcano Vega Ph.D. – USDA, Análisis de Inventario Forestal

Scott Landis – Fundador y P residente Greenwood Global

Sheila Emily Ward – Sociedad Internacional de Forestales Tropicales

Evelyn Vázquez – Artesana

Jan Rivera Lugo – Arquitecto, SiempreNunca, Carolina

Daniel Franco Rodríguez – Luthier, Caguas

René Delgado – Taller Escuela, Carolina

Roberto Bello – Biólogo, Centro para la Conservación del Paisaje

José Juan González – Aserradero Rio Encantado, Florida

Thrity Vakil – Tropic Ventures Research and Education Foundation, Patillas

William González – Arbolista Certificado ISA, Econet, Caguas

Sally González -Catedrática UPR, Mayagüez

Hector Rodríguez – Programa Fomento Artesanal, PRIDCO

Oscar Abelleira Ph.D. – Catedrático Asociado UPR, Mayagüez

Enrique (Quique) Casanova – DRNA, Utuado

Gerardo Hernández – DRNA, Orocovis

Yivaldo Juan Morales – Estudiante graduado, UPR Mayagüez

Anthony Pérez Méndez – Auxiliar de Investigaciones, UPR Mayagüez

Oscar Marecelo Suárez Ph.d. – Profesor UPR Mayagüez

Elvin Roman Aponte – Estudiante graduado, UPR Mayagüez

Jonathan Luquis Ramos – Estudiante subgraduado, UPR Mayagüez

Norman Greenhawk

Eva Holupchiski

Carlos Narváez

Karim González

Jairo González

Agradecimientos a:

Programa Apoyo a las Artes y al personal del Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueño  y del National Endowment for the Arts

Raquel, Paula, Jairo y Karim

Juanita, Andrés, Ramón, Vanessa, Axel, a toda mi familia y al pueblo de Patillas PR.

Thrity, Tom, Ariza, Eduardo y José, de Puerto Rico Hardwoods

A todo el personal del Instituto Internacional de Dasonomía Tropical del USFS

Al personal del Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales

Institute of Ecotechnics

Logía Derecho , Libertad y Dignidad de los Valles de Patillas #73

Centro de Innovación Educativa del Museo de Arte de PR

Gorilla Lawn  Care & Property Maintenance

Isabelita Colorado y a toda  la familia del Dr. Wadsworth

Dedico este trabajo a la memoria del Dr. Frank Wadsworth.

(3t’s tribute to Frank: https://designrr.page/?id=252059&token=1021058104&type=FP&h=6612&fbclid=IwAR0VPJnnRZNRnnpGYNoLDSmo5hpySNmYszWAn955Fd_t92v4syJLZncsoaQ)

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