As the year turns and the forest exhales into the quiet glow of the holidays, we want to pause and send our deepest thanks to all of you—friends, collaborators, visitors, volunteers, neighbors, and fellow travelers on this long rainforest journey.
This year at Las Casas de la Selva has been one of endurance and renewal. We planted trees and ideas, held space for learning and creativity, weathered storms both literal and personal, and continued the slow, patient work of tending forest, community, and possibility. The rainforest reminded us daily that resilience is not loud—it is layered, rooted, and alive.
To everyone who walked these trails with us in person or in spirit, who supported the work, shared knowledge, lent hands, or simply kept us in their thoughts: thank you. You are part of this living system.
May the coming year bring you deep rest, renewed curiosity, good health, and moments of wonder. May your roots grow stronger, your paths stay open, and your inner forests thrive.
With gratitude and green blessings, and abundant love,
L-R: Directors of Institute of Ecotechnics, Starrlight Augustine (Synergia Ranch, Santa Fe, NM), Chili Hawes (October Gallery, London, UK), 3t Vakil (Las Casas de la Selva, PR), Dave Neita, (Poet, Education Outreach)
December 2025 Enjoy this collage of images from the year 2025.
Mushroom Foray and Fungal Bio-Blitz with Catskill Fungi, December 2025
Las Casas de la Selva welcomed Catskill Fungi for a special mushroom foray and fungal bio-blitz led by Aubrey Carter,John Michelotti, Gabriela D’Elia, mycologist Kurt Miller (of the Eye On The Rainforest Botanical Team), and supported by Erwin Karl. Participants spent an evening looking at fungi under UV light and the day exploring the fungal diversity of the subtropical wet forest, learning identification skills, ecological relationships, and the importance of fungi in forest health. This event contributed to the ongoing biodiversity documentation at Las Casas de la Selva.
Gabriela D’EliaKurt MillerErwin KarlJohn MichelottiAubrey Carter
The Experts Behind the Foray
Aubrey Carter, creator of Mushroom Monday and stand-up comedian. Aubrey brings humor, accessibility, and curiosity to the world of fungi, helping audiences feel at ease with identification, ecological awareness, and community science. His creative framing of mycology makes learning fun and approachable, especially for newcomers.
Gabriela D’Elia, creator of Fungi Talk and board member of the Fungal Diversity Survey (FUNDIS). Gabriela is a mycologist, educator, and writer whose work connects ecological understanding with emotional and philosophical depth. She previously served as executive director of FUNDIS and continues to advocate for fungal conservation. Gabriela has created statewide fungal diversity projects, led campaigns such as establishing porcini as Utah’s state mushroom, and has been featured in publications including Yes! Magazine, Atmos, and Mushroom People. She guides biodiversity surveys, imagination-based mushroom walks, and educational retreats with Catskill Fungi.
John Michelotti, Founder of Catskill Fungi. John is a respected leader in North American mycology. He is the former president of the Mid-Hudson Mycological Association, co-founder of the Catskill Regional Mycoflora Project, and founder of the Gary Lincoff Memorial Scholarship. He serves as Medicinal Mushroom Committee Chair and Poison Control Consultant for the North American Mycological Association and teaches New York’s Wild Mushroom Food Safety Certification courses. John is dedicated to empowering people to engage with fungi for personal well-being, environmental stewardship, and resilient communities.
Kurt Miller, expert mycologist of Puerto Rico and community scientist. Kurt has interned with Forest Service mycologist Dr. Jean Lodge and served as a field biologist during the 11th International Mycology Congress in San Juan. He studies tropical fungal ecology, taxonomy, and rare fungal species, particularly those forming mycorrhizae with sea grape (Coccoloba spp.). He administers Fungi of Puerto Rico, leads fungal identification walks across the island, and is a FunDiS Biodiversity Database Identifier specializing in Caribbean fungi.
Erwin Karl, Mycologist and educator. Erwin specializes in field identification, ecological interpretation, and public engagement. His clear teaching style helps participants connect fungi to broader forest processes and understand their essential roles in soil formation and ecosystem function.
About Catskill Fungi: Founded and cultivated by mycologist John Michelotti and friends, Catskill Fungi is grounded in permaculture values and environmental compassion. The organization empowers people to understand fungi as food, medicine, and ecological partners through education centered on sustainable harvesting, cultivation skills, and accessible science.
Participants explored mature tabonuco forest, regeneration zones, and enrichment areas, documenting cup fungi, polypores, mycorrhizal partners, jelly fungi, and many lesser-known species. The team emphasized sustainable practices, careful observation, and respect for the forest floor. Their combined expertise helped participants see fungi not only as identifiable species but also as active contributors to soil creation, nutrient cycling, and long-term forest recovery.
Bio-Blitz Findings
Throughout the day, the team photographed and recorded each fungal encounter, contributing several new observations to the Las Casas fungal inventory. These findings support long-term research on forest resilience, habitat complexity, and climate-related shifts in fungal communities. The bio-blitz also inspired local participants to continue studying fungi and join citizen-science initiatives that improve understanding of fungal diversity in Puerto Rico.
Strengthening Community and Ecological Insight
This mushroom foray demonstrated the power of education, curiosity, and collaboration in deepening understanding of forest systems. Catskill Fungi’s approach aligned seamlessly with the mission of Eye On The Rainforest, bringing together science, community engagement, and ecological awareness. We thank Aubrey Carter, Gabriela D’Elia, John Michelotti, Erwin Karl, and Kurt Miller for an inspiring and informative time. Their leadership strengthened our educational outreach and contributed to valuable ecological documentation for the region. Las Casas de la Selva looks forward to future forays and expanded collaboration in fungal research and conservation.
Great thanks to Monique Nieves for the wonderful food, Bam Bam for his kitchen help, Jon Warwick for help around the homestead, and Potin for maintenance, and to 3t for organizing and documenting. See 3t’s Album of this event : https://photos.app.goo.gl/N9UJ38cbA9EyAR8e9
Field Trip for Botanical Specimen Collection, Flowering Plant Taxonomy Course, UPR Río Piedras (BIOL 5495), Las Casas de la Selva, Patillas. September 27, 2025
Students from the UPR Río Piedras Flowering Plant Taxonomy course spent an afternoon collecting botanical specimens at Las Casas de la Selva under the guidance of Professors James Ackerman and Eugenio Santiago.
We were thrilled to host a Day Service group of 19 energetic teens and 4 dedicated Globalworks staff at Eye On The Rainforest! It’s a full-circle moment—Globalworks teens helped break ground on our Ethnobotanical Trail all the way back in 2003, and this visit brings that legacy back to life.
Who Was Here
Crew Leader Jon Warwick took charge with enthusiasm, guiding the teens through every step of their work on the trail.
GlobalWorks Leaders: Warm thanks to Lauren, Jorge, Sarah, and Anthony, whose presence and support uplifted the entire group.
What We Accomplished
Over several hours of steady effort, the crew strengthened sections of the trail, creating drainage ditches and pruning undergrowth away from the trail—the backbone that makes exploration safe and accessible. After working hard in the heat and humidity and with the challenge of razor grass, everyone refueled with a wholesome lunch back at the homestead. Seeing those teens come together to repair our trail was a powerful reminder of how service and nature intertwine.
The Globalworks Difference
Globalworks isn’t just a travel company—they’re a community builder. As described on their website, they make “intentionally crafted itineraries” designed to encourage resilience, leadership, confidence, self-reliance, and curiosity in teens. They’re committed to immersive community service.
See : globalworkstravel.com Their model of blending service, reflection, cultural exchange, and adventure provides an enriching backdrop for experiences like ours—and it’s clear that this isn’t just travel, but travel with purpose.
Full Circle, Full Hearts
Hosting Globalworks again on the Ethnobotanical Trail feels deeply meaningful. From 2003 to today, these partnerships help not just our environment but also the growth of young people who return home more capable, connected, and confident. We’re proud to collaborate with them, and to know that these trails, built by teamwork and care, will continue to educate and inspire. (Teenagers grow up and return to volunteer again, now with their own teenagers!!!)
Thank you to Jon, Lauren, Jorge, Sarah, Anthony, and every one of the 19 teens—and of course, a big shout-out to 3T for keeping everyone fueled with a great lunch. Here’s to many more years of partnership, growth, and active service in the rainforest!
Through the Storm: New Research Highlights Forest Vulnerability in Puerto Rico, June 2025
(a) Tracks for some of the more recent storms to impact the island of Puerto Rico; and (b) aerial photos showing Las Casas de la Selva before and after the storm. Photo credit: Thrity Vakil.
We’re proud to share the publication of a powerful new peer-reviewed article by Michael W. Caslin, co-authored with Madhusudan Katti, Stacy A. C. Nelson, and Thrity Vakil, in the MDPI journal Land (July 2024). The study—“Tabonuco and Plantation Forests at Higher Elevations Are More Vulnerable to Hurricane Damage and Slower to Recover in Southeastern Puerto Rico”—is a milestone not just in forest research, but in Michael’s personal journey as he nears completion of his PhD.
This is no armchair science. Michael has spent years on the ground at Las Casas de la Selva in Patillas, Puerto Rico, conducting fieldwork under challenging and often extreme conditions. From muddy mountain slopes to tangled understories, he painstakingly gathered data across 75 forest plots—returning again and again, rain or shine, to document how forests have responded to the brutal force of Hurricane Maria.
Using 360° photography, virtual reality analysis, and spatial modeling tools, Michael’s research paints a clear picture: higher-elevation forests, especially those dominated by native tabonuco trees or plantation species, are more vulnerable to hurricane damage and are slower to recover. These findings are essential for shaping future forest management and climate resilience strategies in Puerto Rico and beyond.
And best of all, the publication in the journal “Land” published by MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute), is open access, meaning anyone can read it, with no subscriptions or paywalls in the way.
MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute) It is a publisher of open access scientific journals, founded in 1996 and based in Basel, Switzerland.
Congratulations, Michael—for your unwavering commitment, your brilliant fieldwork, and this important scientific contribution. We’re honored to have supported your work at Las Casas de la Selva.
360◦ photography360◦ photography
Michael Caslin and Prof Madhusudan Katti in the Las Casas forest, 2023
L-R: Alfredo Lopez, George Locascio, Larry Birdflask, Michael Caslin, and Prof Madhusudan Katti, 2023
20122014
Michael Caslin first arrived at Las Casas de la Selva as a volunteer with the Earthwatch Institute’s citizen science program in 2012, returning again in 2014—two formative trips that sparked a deep and lasting passion for tropical forests. Immersed in the rhythms of the rainforest and the hands-on work of sustainable forestry, Michael quickly stood out for his curiosity, commitment, and keen observational skills. Those early experiences planted the seeds for what would grow into a decade-long journey of research, culminating in his doctoral work. What began as a volunteer project evolved into a personal mission: to understand how forests endure, adapt, and recover in the face of increasingly extreme climate events.
Update: 12 December 2025 – Michael graduated from NC State University with a PhD in Forestry and Environmental Resources. Bravo, Dr. Caslin!
Behind the Brush: A Two-Month Conversation between 3t Vakil & Gessie Houghton on The Spandrel Spaces Series (art inspired by life in the rainforest). June 2025
🎤 Interview by Gessie Houghton, October Gallery | Blog by 3t Vakil
After nearly two months of exchanging thoughts across oceans, I’m delighted to share a conversation that has left me feeling seen in ways few interviews ever have. Art writer Gessie Houghton of the October Gallery—the London space that helped shape my early journey—recently interviewed me about Spandrel Spaces, the series that has emerged, almost ferally, from the tangled aftermath of climate upheaval and personal transformation.
Gessie didn’t just ask questions—he excavated. He dug through the outer layers of paint and daily life until we were talking about the pulse beneath it all: awe, process, memory, and the liminal zones that birth something new.
“All I wanted to do was paint — as though my very life depended on it.” — 3t Vakil, on painting after Hurricane Fiona
The interview begins with Fiona. After that storm, I wasn’t just exhausted. I was altered. I describe it in the interview as an “awe-ma”—a term that emerged spontaneously, because what I felt wasn’t trauma. It was a kind of cracked-open reverence. Everything in my world—mud, roots, wreckage, sky—was vibrating with some larger, ferocious intelligence. And I just wanted to respond to it. With a brush. With color. With a hand that moved faster than my mind.
“At night… I become the willing recipient of a universal download.” — on the creative process
We talked about how these paintings come—fast, sometimes within a single night. Gessie was stunned when I told him I’d made 71 pieces between April 2024 and January 2025. But I couldn’t stop. Not when the muse was breathing down my neck and whispering secrets in the form of gestures, textures, and botanical phantoms. These aren’t tidy paintings. They’re events. Surges. They’re the visual equivalent of listening hard to the rainforest, and letting it speak through you.
“The emergent forms could exist in tension with themselves… The canvases didn’t need a center or even a fixed orientation.” — on letting go of traditional composition
What I loved most about Gessie’s approach was that he didn’t flatten my work into just one narrative. We spoke about the ways each piece evolves—not from a concept, but from a collision of sensation, intuition, and movement. Sometimes a brushstroke that was meant to be canopy becomes root. Sometimes what I think is emergence becomes descent. That’s the beauty of the Spandrel: it exists in the margin, the byproduct, the evolutionary detour. Just like me.
“Spandrel Spaces… are important arenas where the marvellous begins to manifest.” — on naming and the concept behind the series
We even talked about naming—how every title in Spandrel Spaces carries the echo of a botanical genus/species. It’s part taxonomy, part poetry. Part invented Latin, part metaphysical joke. Naming, for me, is a way to anchor mystery—not to resolve it, but to give it a place to stand.
I hope you’ll take time to read the full piece. It’s generous, layered, and full of unexpected turns—just like the series itself. Thank you, Gessie, for drawing this out of me. And to those of you who’ve been following the work from the shadows or the sidelines: here’s your backstage pass.
See you in the spandrel space.
—3t
Gerard Houghton is a writer, art-critic and videographer based in London. Graduating from Churchill College, Cambridge, he spent two years in West Africa working as an interpreter. In 1980, he moved to Japan where he taught Literature and Linguistics at two of Japan’s more prestigious universities. On his return to London, in 1994, he became Director of Special Projects at October Gallery, a central-London gallery specializing in contemporary art from around the planet. As well as writing essays, articles and catalogues he has edited a number of publications on the many international artists October Gallery represents.
This June, we had the pleasure of meeting two incredible groups of teenagers through the inspiring organization Shoulder to Shoulder—a nonprofit based in Colorado that brings students into global service learning experiences. With 14 students in each group, these visits brought a vibrant mix of energy, curiosity, and heartfelt engagement to the rainforest at Las Casas de la Selva.
On June 12th, the first group arrived, eager to dive into learning about sustainable forestry, conservation, and life in a tropical rainforest. These young people from all over the US—many of them visiting Puerto Rico for the first time—spent the day exploring the land, asking deep questions about our work, and reflecting on how our mission resonates with their own values and sense of purpose.
Then, on June 15th, a second group joined us—this time from Thayer Academy from Boston. They were guided on an immersive walk through the forest by Erid Román Rosario, who brought the ecosystem to life through stories about its flora, fauna, and the regenerative practices we’ve developed over the decades. Eric is part of a new wave of passionate young people stepping into leadership roles here.
We’re especially excited to be encouraging Erid, who is beginning to explore our forests in depth and share that knowledge through guided walks. After many years of 3t leading tours, it’s deeply rewarding to see the next generation stepping up. This not only supports our work at Las Casas de la Selva, but it also ensures that the knowledge, care, and spirit of the project continue to grow beyond a single person’s efforts.
These visits are exactly why we do what we do—because when young people step into this forest, when they stand on this land and breathe in the humid air of resilience, they begin to understand something vital about the relationship between humans and nature.
Huge thanks to the Shoulder to Shoulder team, group leaders Brian Sweeney and Adelina Valle Martinez, the teachers and leaders who accompany these students, and to the young people themselves—who showed up with open minds and generous hearts.
We hope they carry a piece of this forest with them wherever they go.
Shoulder to Shoulder’s mission is to nurture “ethical leadership” by placing students shoulder‑to‑shoulder with grassroots nonprofit leaders tackling real-world issues—like climate change, gender equality, food security, healthcare, and Spanish-language immersion. If you know a motivated middle or high schooler eager to grow through service, Shoulder‑to‑Shoulder might just be the transformative journey they need.
Great news for art enthusiasts and nature lovers! Due to popular demand, the exhibition “Spandrel Spaces: The Art of In-Between” by artist Thrity Vakil (3t) at the Museo de Arte e Historia Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos in Patillas has been extended until July 15th, 2025.
Don’t miss this captivating collection that beautifully explores vibrant intersections between ecology, botanically inspired forms, consciousness, and abstract expression. Thrity’s paintings highlight intricate patterns influenced by rainforest biodiversity and invite viewers to reflect deeply on humanity’s profound relationship with nature. Each piece engages ecological themes, drawing parallels between botanical structures, environmental sustainability, and metaphysical contemplations.
Experience this unique fusion of botanically inspired artistry, ecological awareness, philosophy, and creative vision. We warmly invite you to immerse yourself in the intricate beauty and ecological depth of “Spandrel Spaces: The Art of In-Between.“
Please let 3t know by email if you would like a personal tour of the exhibition for individuals or groups (3t@3tvakil.com). Paintings from the series can be purchased online at: 3tvakil.com/shop.
All paintings in this series: Medium: Acrylic Paint on PVC Panel, Size: 44” x 20” To learn more, visit the website: 3tvakil.com.
Houghton University Students Explore Sustainability and Science
We were delighted to welcome Dr. John M. Rowley, Professor of Chemistry and Director of Science Honors at Houghton University, NY, and his enthusiastic students to Eye on the Rainforest. Their visit featured an insightful guided walk through our lush forest led by 3t, exploring rich ecological interactions and deepening their understanding of tropical forest sustainability and conservation.
The students from Houghton University are diving into exciting research projects this May, covering important topics such as microclimate under the canopy, vegetation health near human developments, invasive plant species, and mangrove ecosystems. Our forest serves as a valuable natural laboratory, particularly for their investigations into microclimates and vegetation dynamics.
We look forward to hosting the Houghton team again in 2026 for more tailored research opportunities, continuing our meaningful collaboration and shared passion for environmental stewardship and education. Thank you, Dr. Rowley and students, for your visit—we’re inspired by your commitment to exploring and protecting tropical forests!
During their visit, the group experienced some tropical delights firsthand. The students got to open a cacao pod (Theobroma cacao) and tasted for the very first time the sweet, fruity pulp surrounding the seeds—seeds that will eventually be transformed into chocolate. Additionally, everyone enjoyed sampling the uniquely flavorful Guanabana, also known as Graviola (Annona muricata), immersing their senses further into the rich biodiversity of our rainforest.
Cathedral School for Boys: Working Through the Rain
From 17-19 April 2025, we hosted a group from Cathedral School for Boys in San Francisco, brought to us by Globalworks International. The school has a strong focus on academic and personal development, and Globalworks has been organizing service-learning trips for decades.
The group—23 students, 3 school staff, and Globalworks team leader Lauren Gette King—had steady rain during most of their stay, which limited some of the fieldwork we usually plan. Still, they got stuck into key tasks: clearing drainage channels, pruning along the roadside, clearing vines off the vetiver plantings, and spreading gravel on dips in the trail. Not easy work in wet conditions, but they stayed with it.
We’ve been working with Chris Corrigan for over ten years now, and it’s always good to have his teams onsite. It was also great to have Tyrone Moore visiting—Tyrone was a GlobalWorks leader during one of the very first programs with Las Casas de la Selva back in 2003, when we first established the ethnobotanical trail.
Cathedral school staff Staff: Chris Corrigan, Pat Alcasabas, Susan Lande, and guest Tyrone Moore.
During the visit, 3t gave a presentation on the history and ongoing work at Las Casas de la Selva, covering everything from sustainable forestry practices to the development of the ethnobotanical trail. The talk gave students and staff a deeper understanding of the long-term goals of the project and how their work fits into a broader vision of conservation, development of a wood industry, and community engagement.
Both Tyrone (left) and Chris (right) are also strong supporters of 3t’s artwork, and during the visit, they, along with Susan, each bought several prints—much appreciated. See 3t’s artwork: www.3tvakil.com
Thanks to Monique Nieves for great cuisine throughout, and to Jon Warwick for steady help with crew work and logistics. Huge thanks to Globalworks Team leaders Lauren Gette-King and Claudia Koechell. Appreciate everyone’s efforts! Thank you!
Young Hands, Big Impact: Charles H. Barrows STEM Academy at Work on the Ethnobotanical Trail
On April 14–15, 2025, we had the pleasure of hosting a remarkable group of eighteen 13–14-year-old students from Charles H. Barrows STEM Academy in Connecticut, along with their staff. With boundless energy, curiosity, and an impressive sense of responsibility, these young changemakers dove into revitalizing a heavily overgrown section of our ethnobotanical trail—and the results speak for themselves!
Over two productive days, the students tackled a variety of essential restoration tasks. They cleared thick vegetation, pruned overgrown bamboo stems, dug a much-needed drainage channel, and raked the trail to improve both safety and appearance. The transformation was nothing short of inspiring—and a powerful reminder of what a motivated group can achieve in a short time.
We are incredibly grateful to the Barrows students for their enthusiasm and hard work. A heartfelt thank you also goes out to:
School staff Nick and Bay, for their support and encouragement throughout the trip
Vámonos Travel staff Bernardo and Wendy, for their outstanding group leadership
Monique Nieves, whose incredible chef work kept everyone energized and happy
Jon Warwick and Mercury, for lending their hands, tools, and expertise to help guide the crew and keep everything moving smoothly.
Conservation in Action: Ravenia urbani and the power of persistence: US Forest Service Rare Plant Partnerships 2024-2025
Over the past year, our team at Eye on the Rainforest has made remarkable strides in the conservation of Ravenia urbani, one of Puerto Rico’s most vulnerable endemic tree species. Supported by the US Forest Service Rare Plant Partnership, our 2024–2025 project focused on safeguarding this rare plant through seed collection, nursery propagation, habitat surveys, and community engagement.
Despite the hurdles—late permit approvals, and Hurricane Ernesto sweeping across the region just as Ravenia urbani was flowering—we persevered. These challenges didn’t slow our momentum; instead, they reinforced the urgency and relevance of our work.
What We Accomplished
60 thriving seedlings from the 2023 propagation continue to grow strong in our nursery at Las Casas de la Selva. 276 endemic trees, including R. urbani, were planted across in-situ and ex-situ sites. Botanical expeditions were carried out in El Yunque, Cerro de Cabro, Patillas, Yabucoa, and Carite State Forest—some in remote, uncharted terrain. Seed collection yielded just five seeds due to the storm—but even a single viable seed carries promise. Field surveys expanded our understanding of the species’ range and informed our developing Species Recovery and Management Plan. Hands-on outreach brought students, educators, and community members into the heart of the rainforest to experience conservation firsthand.
Connecting People to Plants
Throughout 2024 and 2025, we welcomed schools and groups from across Puerto Rico and the mainland U.S.—from Susquehanna University, PA, to Urbe Apie from Caguas. Visitors planted trees, tended nursery seedlings, helped with trail work, and learned what it means to care for an endangered species. These immersive experiences didn’t just teach—they inspired. We’re laying the groundwork for a formal mentorship program to nurture young Puerto Rican botanists through training, research, and field participation. Because protecting our forests means building a future of local leadership.
Science That Grows Roots
We continue to contribute growth data to the Global Tree Assessment, working alongside partners like BGCI, El Yunque National Forest, and Para la Naturaleza. Our work with Ravenia urbani—from nursery care, to expeditions to locate plants and collect fruits for seed —feeds directly into a broader understanding of forest health and plant resilience.
A Living Legacy
In a year marked by both challenge and achievement, Ravenia urbani has become more than a species we protect. It has become a symbol of endurance, collaboration, and ecological commitment. We particularly thank BGCI, the US Forest Service, for giving us this opportunity. Sustained funding is essential to protect endangered species like Ravenia urbani and engage communities in their long-term survival. With continued support, we will keep planting, teaching, exploring—and protecting what matters most.
Thanks to Jon Warwick, Dr. Mark Nelson, Ricardo Santiago, Tom White, and the incredible botanical team.
Featured image below shows team members at the summit of Cerro del Cabro, Patillas/Yabucoa, 650m, surrounded by mountain forest. 10 Aug 2024. L-R: Kurt Miller, Ian, 3t Vakil, Angel Collazo, Sarah Plauche, Erid Roman, & Colston Collazo
Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future: A New Generation of Plant People
Field Collection & Herbarium Specimen Preparation class, March 2025
Today was a milestone moment in our ongoing effort to inspire and equip the next generation of botanists. At Eye on the Rainforest, we are laying the foundation for a mentorship program—one that nurtures curiosity, deepens knowledge, and builds leadership for the future of forest conservation.
In that spirit, we were honored to host a botanical specimen collection workshop led by our friend, mentor, and plant explorer extraordinaire, Distinguished Professor James Ackerman. Jim has been a guiding light in the world of tropical botany for decades, and today he returned to Las Casas de la Selva to share his expertise with the next wave of budding botanists.
Among the participants was Erid Román-Rosario, a dedicated member of our botanical team for over a year now. Erid has already proven to be an invaluable part of our team, showing passion, discipline, and an eagerness to learn. Alongside him was Jon Warwick, who has been working in the nurseries with 3t over the last year, equally engaged and full of questions. Both were fortunate today to receive hands-on training in herbarium specimen collection from a true master of the craft.
For me (3t), it was a full-circle moment. Years ago, I stood in the forest learning from Jim—and his passion for plants lit a fire in me that still burns bright. Watching him pass that spark on to Erid and Jon felt like witnessing the roots of a strong and hopeful future take hold.
The forest holds countless stories. We’re learning how to read them—and teaching others how to listen. This is what mentorship looks like: connection across generations, built on knowledge, wonder, and shared purpose. We’re not just saving rare plants like Ravenia urbani. We’re growing the plant people who will care for them for decades to come.
Sacred Heart Academy Students dig in at Las Casas de la Selva, 19-20 March 2025
As part of a meaningful service-learning journey organized by Shoulder to Shoulder, students from Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr spent a night immersed in the rainforest at Las Casas de la Selva. Located in Pennsylvania, Sacred Heart Academy is an all-girls, K–12 independent school grounded in the mission of the Society of the Sacred Heart—educating to serve with faith, intellect, and compassion.
During their stay, the group jumped into action with a strong sense of purpose and enthusiasm. They worked alongside 3t and crew leader Mercury on a series of homestead tasks that support the daily rhythm and ecological care of the land. Their contributions included weeding the cacao plantation area, pruning around the homestead, and gardening efforts that keep our cultivated areas productive and healthy.
Whether pulling stubborn weeds or clearing out overgrowth, each student brought energy and intention to the work. These small yet vital tasks help sustain our long-term goals of conservation and land stewardship.
We extend heartfelt thanks to Shoulder to Shoulder team leader Bill Cotter for his guidance and leadership throughout the visit and to Fernando from Carite 3.0 for the kind introduction that made this connection possible.
As always, Monique Nieves delivered outstanding meals, providing the nourishment and warmth that rounds out every visit. After a full day in the field, gathering together for a hearty rainforest dinner is an experience in itself—one of good food, shared stories, and deepening connections.
We’re grateful to Shoulder to Shoulder and Sacred Heart Academy for including Las Casas de la Selva in their journey. These short visits leave a lasting impact, and we’re always honored to be part of a young person’s deeper understanding of the natural world—and their place within it.
Westtown School Students Lend a Hand in the Rainforest
We were thrilled to welcome students from Westtown School in West Chester, Pennsylvania, for a short but impactful stay at Las Casas de la Selva. As a Quaker, coeducational boarding and day school with a strong commitment to stewardship and community, Westtown’s values aligned beautifully with our mission in the Puerto Rican rainforest.
Over two days and nights, the students jumped right in—clearing bamboo from one of our overgrown trails, building steps along the ethnobotanical trail, and re-establishing drainage ditches on the main forest road to help with water flow and erosion control. These are essential tasks that help us keep the forest healthy and accessible, and their energy and teamwork made a real difference.
Working alongside 3t were crew leaders Mercury and Jon Warwick, who guided and supported the students through each task with care and enthusiasm. Whether using shovels, or moving stones, the crew made sure everyone felt involved and appreciated.
And of course, no rainforest workday is complete without a delicious return to the kitchen—where Monique Nieves had nourishing meals ready and waiting. Coming home from the field to a hearty lunch or dinner was a treat that lifted everyone’s spirits and kept the momentum going.
We’re grateful for Westtown’s visit, their hard work, and the connection forged between forest and school. These moments of hands-on learning and service remind us that true education happens everywhere—especially when hearts and hands come together for a greater purpose.
Thanks to staff: Franco Yanielli, Fernando Gomes, & Mercedes Duran. Vamonos Tours were responsible for getting the team to us and away, and great thanks to team leader Veronica.
Fountain Valley Students Dig Deep in the Rainforest: 10 to 13 March 2025
From the snowy peaks of Colorado Springs to the lush green mountains of Puerto Rico, students from Fountain Valley School once again made the journey to Las Casas de la Selva this March, guided by the inspiring duo of math teacher Deb Prantl and Sue Tibbetts.
From the moment they stepped onto the land, the rainforest became their classroom. Under the mentorship of Thrity Vakil (3t), they took on real-world conservation challenges—restoring ecosystems, maintaining infrastructure, learning about composting and humanure, and contributing to the preservation of Puerto Rico’s precious endemic species.
This year’s group left a powerful mark. They worked on the rock stairway of our ethnobotanical trail, improved a key drainage system along the main hill path, pruned towering bamboo along the main drive, cleared dense vegetation near the entrance gate, and planted endangered native trees—actions that directly support biodiversity and forest resilience.
Throughout their time at Las Casas, the students worked alongside 3t and her dedicated team: Mercury, a visionary artist who brings creativity into the forest’s rhythms, and Jon Warwick, a steady hand and vital force behind the scenes who helps 3t take care of the nurseries. The collaboration and camaraderie between crew and students created an unforgettable exchange of knowledge and effort.
Of course, no adventure in the rainforest would be complete without the delicious cuisine prepared by Monique Nieves. Her meals, crafted with care and bursting with local flavor, nourished everyone at the table—fueling full days of trail work, planting, and reflection.
These days away from screens and routines weren’t just about physical work—they were about connection. Connection to place, to people, to the pulse of the forest. And in every shared meal, trail cleared, and seedling planted, the Fountain Valley students stepped further into what it means to be stewards of the Earth.
We’re grateful for their presence, their spirit, and their sweat. Here’s to the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and doers.
Sue Tibbets, Deb Prantl, staff of FVS, and Mercury, visiting artist and volunteer, and Monique, Chef.Planting a Cornutia obovata, a critically endangered endemic tree of Puerto Rico
Artist Visit – Corina del Carmel: Art, Nature, and Shared Vision
We were honored to recently welcome Corina del Carmel to Las Casas de la Selva, 18 Feb – 7th March 2025. A prolific Mexican surrealist painter, Corina brings a vibrant blend of cultural reflection, mysticism, and ecological sensitivity to her art practice. Her visit was a deeply enriching moment for us—an exchange between creative minds rooted in nature and engaged with the world.
Corina’s paintings often reflect her birthplace in Mexico, layered with a sociopolitical consciousness shaped by her experience as an emigrant to California. Over the years, her work has expanded into inner and mystical realms, influenced by her life in the Sierra Nevada mountains, where she maintains her permanent studio surrounded by forest and garden.
As an avid gardener and seasoned traveler, Corina has woven together life and art across borders, cultures, and landscapes. Her multicultural perspective resonates strongly with our work here in the rainforest, where conservation, community, and creative expression intersect every day.
Her visit sparked thoughtful conversation about land, spirit, and sustainability. We’re grateful for the time she spent with us, and we look forward to continuing the dialogue between forest-based and studio-based practices—each rooted in deep observation and care.
To learn more about Corina del Carmel and explore her extraordinary body of work, stay tuned—we’ll be sharing more soon.
Here are some images from her stay in Puerto Rico.
Urban Roots Meet Forest Futures: Urbe Apie visits Las Casas de la Selva
We recently had the pleasure of hosting members of Urbe Apie, a dynamic community-based nonprofit from Caguas, Puerto Rico. Founded in 2015 by residents of the Traditional Urban Center of Caguas, Urbe Apie is dedicated to breathing new life into abandoned or unused urban spaces, transforming them into hubs for cultural, social, and economic growth. https://www.urbeapie.com/
During their lunch visit to Las Casas de la Selva, we exchanged ideas about sustainability, land stewardship, and the intersections between urban revitalization and forest conservation. It was inspiring to share what we’re doing here in the mountains—protecting and enriching secondary rainforest, managing forest resources sustainably, and hosting programs that support ecological awareness and youth and community engagement.
Urbe Apie’s mission to create repopulated, vibrant, and permanent urban communities through community support, self-management, rehabilitation, and the sustainable use of spaces aligns beautifully with our own values. Their work addresses critical issues like the high percentage of abandoned buildings and the need for community meeting spaces—challenges that require creativity, resilience, and collective action.
We’re grateful for the visit, the conversation, and the connection. We look forward to future collaborations between forest and city, where both rural and urban communities can thrive through shared vision and action. Thank you, Urbe Apie, especially organizers Erid Roman Rosario, and Quinten Rivera Toro, for your visit and for your tireless work in building a more resilient and self-sustaining Puerto Rico!
Students from Germantown Academy help plant trees for the future
We were delighted to welcome a group of students from Germantown Academy for an immersive overnight stay, 13-14 February 2025, at Las Casas de la Selva. During their brief but impactful visit, these young stewards of the environment took part in a hands-on conservation activity—planting endangered tree species as part of our ongoing forest enrichment work.
Special thanks to 3t for leading the plant and field activities and offering guidance and insight into the significance of rainforest restoration. Deep gratitude also goes out to Jon Warwick and Mercury for their crew and kitchen support, ensuring everything ran smoothly on the ground. We also thank chef Monique Nieves for preparing deeply nourishing meals that fueled everyone for a meaningful day’s work.
Every tree planted is a step toward protecting Puerto Rico’s precious biodiversity. We thank Germantown Academy for being part of that journey.
Thanks to Jesyka Melendez Rosa for the introduction!
Celebrating the Heart and Soul of Our Teen Volunteer Teams: A Journey into the Forest
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when young people come together to work in the heart of a forest. It’s a magic that unfolds through sweat, laughter, and the deep satisfaction of leaving a mark on something much bigger than themselves. Over the summer of 2024, we were privileged to witness this magic through the incredible efforts of five teen volunteer groups who joined us in our forest sanctuary. These young people, hailing from all corners of the United States, brought with them boundless energy, a love for nature, and a commitment to making a difference.
June 20th, 2024 – PRX1: The Journey Begins
On a warm day in June, our first group of volunteers—31 bright-eyed teens, arrived ready to immerse themselves in the forest. Guided by the expertise of Lauren, Nahely, Smooth, and Nathan, this team embarked on a day of transformative work, led by 3t. Lunch was under the culinary care of Chef Monique, they were fueled up, and set out to make an impact. These young volunteers tackled a variety of tasks with enthusiasm, leaving behind a well-tended homestead area, a revitalized nursery, and newly planted vetiver on the cabin bank. Their efforts were more than just physical labor; they were an act of love for the land, a connection that would only deepen as the summer went on.
July 5th, 2024 – PRX2: Growing Stronger Together
Just a few weeks later, another group of teens, 24 in total, arrived with their hearts set on making a difference. This time, 3t was joined by Jon Warwick, and together they led the group through a series of important tasks. With the guidance of Globalworks leaders, Lauren, Dee, Nathan, and Jorge, and the nourishment provided by Chefs Nitzie and Nia, these young stewards spent the day in the homestead area, tending the nursery, and working diligently on the lower hillside trail. The bonds they formed with the forest—and with each other—were palpable. By the end of the day, they had not only cleared paths and planted vetiver but had also planted the seeds of lifelong stewardship.
July 16th, 2024 – PRX3: Planting the Future
The third group arrived in mid-July, a smaller but no less passionate team of 16 students. Under the leadership of 3t and supported by Globalworks leaders Jorge, Sadie, and Raina, they embarked on a mission to plant trees along the Ethnobotanical trail. These weren’t just any trees—they were species carefully chosen for their ecological importance: Cornutia obovata, Goetzea elegans, Libidibia monosperma, Psychotria viridis, and Prunus occidentalis. With each sapling they planted, these teens were sowing the future of the forest. Chef Nitzie’s meals kept them energized throughout the day, and by the time they left, they had made a lasting contribution to the biodiversity of our sanctuary.
July 25th, 2024 – PRX4: Carving New Paths
As July drew to a close, another dedicated group of teens joined us, ready to continue the work of those who came before them. This team, led by 3t with the support of Globalworeks leaders Lyndsey, Jorge, and Kurt, focused on planting trees along the hillside trail and fortifying the lower hillside with vetiver. Dr. Mark Nelson, Chairman of the Institute of Ecotechnics, and an accomplished chef, provided the food fuel for their hard work, and as the day wore on, the students not only cleared the steps to the lower trail but also deepened their connection to the forest. They left behind new paths and strengthened trails, both literally and metaphorically, for those who will come after them.
August 3rd, 2024 – PRX5: A Celebration of Creativity and Community
Our final group of the summer arrived in early August, a mix of 20 students guided by 3t and supported by Globalworks staff Lauren, Naely, and Anya. This day was special, not just for the work accomplished, but for the creative spirit that infused it. With the guidance of Gaby Sanchez, our artist in residence, these young volunteers engaged in maintaining front gardens, raking paths, pruning, and working in the Hoop Nursery. But they also had the unique opportunity to contribute to a collaborative art project—crafting a cabuya, a traditional Puerto Rican rope made from maguey fibers. This project symbolized the beautiful intersection of nature, culture, and community, and left a lasting impression on everyone involved.
The Lasting Impact
As each of these groups departed, they left behind more than just planted trees and cleared trails. They left behind a piece of themselves—a piece that will continue to grow and flourish within the forest they came to love. But they didn’t leave empty-handed. Each teen took with them the experience of working in harmony with nature, the joy of making a tangible difference, and the hope of returning one day as stewards of the forest.
Their hard work has left an indelible mark on our project, and we are filled with gratitude for the passion and energy they brought. We are hopeful that these young volunteers will carry the lessons they’ve learned into their futures, becoming the forest stewards of tomorrow.
Thank you to all the volunteers, leaders, and support staff who made these contributions possible. Your dedication has not only enriched our forest but also our hearts.
