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.
On April 7th, we had the pleasure of hosting 23 enthusiastic teenagers and their dedicated staff from Ellington School, Connecticut, who arrived through Vamonos Travel. Led by 3t, this energetic group rolled up their sleeves and got to work on a variety of essential tasks. They meticulously weeded the Garcinia portoricensis endangered endemic trees in the nurseries, trimmed vetiver, and even established a small tree nursery. Fueled by Chef Monique’s delicious meals, these teens made a lasting contribution to the health and future of our forest, leaving behind a well-tended landscape and a budding nursery that will continue to grow for years to come.
Aspen School, Colorado – May 4, 2024 On May 4th, 15 spirited teenagers from Aspen School, Colorado, along with their staff, joined us for a day of hard work and camaraderie, thanks to Globalworks International. Under the guidance of crew leader Professor George Locascio, and nourished by Chef Monique’s meals, the group took on the challenging task of digging drainage ditches and maintaining trails. Their efforts helped to improve the resilience of our forest’s infrastructure, ensuring that our trails and paths can withstand the elements for seasons to come. Their dedication and teamwork made a significant impact on the landscape, leaving it more secure and better prepared for the future.
Hood River New School, Oregon – June 17-19, 2024 From June 17th to 19th, 23 passionate teenagers and staff from Hood River New School, Oregon, brought their enthusiasm and energy to our forest, with Globalworks International facilitating their visit. During their stay, they focused on planting a variety of important tree species, including Goetzea elegans, Cobana Negra, and Swietenia aubrevilleana. Led by 3t and sustained by Chef Monique’s nourishing meals, these teens left behind more than just newly planted trees—they contributed to the future biodiversity and ecological health of our forest. Their commitment to nurturing the land was inspiring, and their efforts will be felt for generations.
Thank you to Globalworks International and Vamonos Travel and their amazing crew leaders. These teams take the teenagers all over the island of Puerto Rico, to engage in meaninful projects. We salute them!
A week to remember: Fountain Valley School’s annual visit to Las Casas de la Selva
Every year, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of the Fountain Valley School of Colorado to Las Casas de la Selva in Patillas, Puerto Rico. This year marked over a decade of collaboration, learning, and growth—a true testament to the strong bond between our two communities. As we reflect on this past week, our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy for the hard work, laughter, and memories shared. 10-15th March 2024
Unity and achievement: more than just a visit
This week was a blend of effort, enjoyment, and education. Under the warm Puerto Rican sun, we worked alongside an incredible group of teenagers from Fountain Valley School. They showed remarkable enthusiasm and dedication in every task, contributing significantly to our environmental and community projects.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Suzanne Tibbets and Blake Pelton, the dedicated school staff members who guided and cared for these amazing teens throughout their stay. Their leadership and support were pivotal in making this experience a success for everyone involved.
Culinary delights and teamwork
We extend our gratitude to Monique Nieves for providing delicious and nutritious meals that fueled our days. Her culinary skills kept everyone happy, healthy, and ready for the day’s challenges. A special shout-out to Mercury for his invaluable assistance in the kitchen and with various crew-work tasks—your help was indispensable.
Celebrations and learning experiences
One of the week’s highlights was a musical birthday celebration, featuring the talents of guitarist Andrés Rúa, and flautists Nina Assimakopoulous, and Raquel Torres-Arzola. Their beautiful music added a magical touch to our evening, which was also a birthday for two of the students, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for sharing your artistry with us.
We also extend our thanks to Andrés Rúa and Joerge Jahn for their engaging woodworking show and tells. These sessions were not only educational but also inspiring, offering a hands-on experience in craftsmanship and highlighting sustainability.
Environmental impact
Throughout the week, our collective efforts focused on environmental conservation and improvement. Together, we planted trees in various areas, including in an area affected by a landslide, cleared and organized the nursery, potted 250 vetiver slips, cleared invasive vines from a new planting of vetiver, and dug a significant trench for a new retaining wall at the lower homestead. Each of these tasks is vital to our ongoing efforts to protect and enhance the natural beauty of Las Casas de la Selva.
Heartfelt appreciation
As we say goodbye to another memorable visit, we want to express our deepest gratitude to each individual who contributed to this special week. Your hard work, enthusiasm, and spirit of cooperation have left a lasting impact on our community and the environment. To the students and staff of Fountain Valley School of Colorado: thank you for continuing this wonderful tradition. Your visits are a highlight of our year, and we look forward to many more to come. Here’s to the next decade of friendship, growth, and making a difference together!
Democracy Prep at the Agassi Campus (DPAC) students joined us for one day and night and helped with the movement of 300 concrete blocks, an activity that required not only physical strength but also teamwork and coordination. It was a sight to behold as students, teachers, and community volunteers worked side by side, their efforts synchronized in a dance of collaboration. The blocks they moved were heavy and the sun unforgiving, but the spirit of determination and camaraderie among the students made the challenge surmountable.
The other task was to clear up one of the garden areas that received all the clay and broken rubble from a path building earlier this year! This group went at it and transformed the place! Thank you all for your hard work. This garden is being prepared for the planting of some rare endemic species.
Our students ate very well, thanks to Monique Nieves, who delighted us with fine cuisine! Thank you to Mercury, who took the students to the river and made a fire for them to enjoy at night. Thanks to school staff Lesley (who came last year!), Toy, and Armando.
Appreciations to Vamonos staff for getting the group here safely: Mayra, Cruz, and Roberto.
In early March 2024, a group of twenty-nine students, aged 13 to 14, from the Principia School in Missouri, joined us for a few days. They actively participated in our projects under favorable dry weather conditions, allowing us to make significant progress. The Principia School is a private, coeducational institution focused on college preparatory education, offering innovative programs from early childhood through twelfth grade.
We want to express our heartfelt thanks for the wonderful time we had together and for all the help provided.
Special appreciation goes to John, Ben, Lauren, and Lyndsey from the Principia staff, who expertly and kindly supervised the students. Their fair and effective management made our collaboration smooth and productive. Additionally, we’re grateful to Vamonos staff members Cruz, Mayra, and Roberto for their enjoyable and energetic participation.
In just one afternoon and a day, the team accomplished numerous tasks:
What a great group!!
3t led the work crew, with assistance from Mercury.
Mercury also supported Monique Nieves in preparing meals, contributing to the delightful dining experiences.
Our sincere thanks to Monique Stauder for capturing and sharing the final images of our time together.
This collective effort and the spirit of cooperation made our time together not only productive but also memorable. Thank you to everyone involved! 5th-7th March 2024
