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.
