Woodwork

by thrity March 20, 2024

A decade of collaboration!

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!

Friends of Las Casas de la Selva Movies Puerto Rico Hardwoods Wood Woodwork Woodworker

by thrity April 25, 2023

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)

Alternative Spring Break BGCI Fountain Valley High Fountain Valley High School Nursery Rare trees School Groups Service work Tree planting Trees Vamanos Tours Volunteer Groups Volunteers Woodwork

by thrity April 24, 2023

Fountain Valley 13-17 March 2023

An extraordinary opportunity beckoned the students of Fountain Valley High, led by the exceptional math teacher Deb Prantl. Leaving their familiar classrooms behind, they journeyed thousands of miles, plunging into a world as lush as it is mysterious. Their destination: Las Casas de la Selva, a sanctuary nestled deep within the heart of the Puerto Rican rainforest.

Awaiting them was a chance to immerse themselves in a realm of knowledge that far outstripped any textbook. They were there to spend time with Thrity Vakil, or 3t as she is fondly known. A respected director and passionate budding botanist, 3t offered these young explorers an up-close and personal encounter with the incredible biodiversity that thrives in the verdant wonder of the rainforest.

Under 3t’s guidance, they discovered the intricate beauty and delicate balance of the rainforest ecosystem, and projects dedicated to conservation of endemic speces, in collaboration with The Botanical Gardens Conservation International.They learned about two rare and endangered plant species, Palo de Cruz (Garcinia portoricensis) and Tortuga Prieto (Ravenia urbanii). These weren’t just names on a list for the students; they were real, vibrant components of a thriving ecosystem that they could touch, examine, and understand. The students got up close to the critically endangered species being propagated in the nursery. They also got to repot endangered endemic seedlings Guayabota (Eugenia stahlii), from seeds gathered in 2020.

It’s not every day that a math teacher from Colorado Springs brings her students to the vibrant depths of the Puerto Rican rainforest. Deb Prantl, however, is no ordinary educator. Year after year, she chooses to embark on these exceptional journeys with her students, seeing the inestimable value of teaching beyond the classroom. Her vision transforms students from mere observers to participants in this incredible global classroom.

Las Casas de la Selva, under the stewardship of 3t and her team, welcomed these eager students with the vibrant buzz of coquis, the rich scent of damp earth, and the lush greenery of towering trees. The students didn’t just observe the rainforest, they experienced it – its sounds, its smells, and its life – gaining insights that can’t be learned in a traditional classroom setting. This trip wasn’t just a journey into the rainforest; it was an expedition into knowledge, conservation, and a deeper understanding of the world that surrounds us.

The thrill of the journey to Las Casas de la Selva doesn’t end with their exploration of the rainforest. A walk in the woods is just the beginning. The excitement continues as the group congregates for an opening circle – an integral part of the experience, providing an opportunity for everyone to share a bit about themselves and forge connections. With dinner comes more animated conversations, as students and staff exchange stories and perspectives, learning from each other as much as from their surroundings.

The next day, the group gets their hands dirty, literally. They work on clearing a trail near a landslide caused by Hurricane Fiona in September 2022, and another one leading down to the river. They help in repotting rare trees in the nursery and planting out nine mahogany trees, each seedling a promise for the future. They engage with Bill Davidowski, absorbing his insights on woodworking as he unveils his current projects.

All this, fueled by the delectable cuisine of Monique Nieves, bringing the local flavors of Puerto Rico to life with every mouthful. Her culinary prowess complements the rich experiences of the day, nourishing both body and soul.

Witnessing the rainforest awaken to a new day, watching the students’ faces light up as they discover the wonders hidden in the lush wilderness is a sight to behold. From unusual flora and fauna, breathtaking waterfalls, awe-inspiring wildlife, to the melodic chorus of coquis serenading the night, Las Casas de la Selva transforms into an open-air classroom like no other.

The retreat at Las Casas de la Selva is not just an ecological expedition; it’s a journey of connections – with nature, with each other, and within oneself. It’s a sanctuary away from the digital distractions of modern life. Students often express their relief and joy at being off their phones and devices, relishing the chance to simply be in the moment, to absorb the sights, sounds, and sensations of the living rainforest around them.

Beyond the trail-blazing, tree-planting, and storytelling, the Las Casas de la Selva experience is about more profound lessons. Lessons in conservation, sustainability, and environmental stewardship are woven into the fabric of the journey. It’s about understanding that we’re all part of this beautiful, intricate web of life and that every action matters.

And perhaps most importantly, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the wild. To echo the words of naturalist John Muir, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” In the heart of the Puerto Rican rainforest, the students of Fountain Valley High discovered just that.

See more of 3t’s photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/9C5LBvjrKTkQobjV8

Fountain Valley School of Colorado provides a transformative curriculum in a supportive environment where students are challenged to think critically, become leaders, and live by our core values: Courage, Compassion, Curiosity, Self-Reliance, Open-Mindedness.
Fountain Valley School is a coed independent college preparatory school that offers day and boarding programs for students in grades 9-12. FVS was established in 1930 and is located on an 1,100 acre campus in Colorado Springs, Colo., which is 70 miles (115 km) south of Denver. Colorado’s mountain ski resorts are two hours to the west, and the School has a 40-acre Mountain Campus near Buena Vista, Colo., that provides abundant opportunities for year-round recreation and experiential education programs.

Wood Woodwork Woodworker

by thrity November 30, 2016

Mahoe Hardwood available now – December 2016

Mahoe, Hibiscus elatus, from our 30 year old tree plantations. These slabs were harvested in May, 2016, this year and were milled in August. We have had torrential rains for most of this year and keeping the shop and drying shed maintained is keeping us busy. Hence we are letting our woodworkers know that they can order wood that is not fully air-dried. Most woodworkers – we have learnt – like to continue to dry or season tropical hardwoods at their own pace in their local climate. The lowest moisture content we can achieve is 16% when we do dry it for 9 months to a year. The mahoe wood shown here varies between 20 and 30% moisture content. Please note well, that it is wise to dry it slowly in your area, which means leaving it wrapped in plastic and monitoring the further drying for at least two months.

All measurements are in inches, and all the pieces are BIGGER than stated for pricing. All ends are anchorsealed. All pieces include sapwood, and we do not include so much of that in the measurements. Where a board tapers, we make an average of the width. The photos show both sides of each board (eg: A1 and A2 are both sides of the same board).

Many of you already know our mahoe and are familiar with it. We have not planed any of this wood, so you are seeing the rough sawn surface, and some pieces (EFGH) were hosed with water. You will notice that there are dark streaks in some pieces, and they all have the delightful purple and bluey tones that mahoe is so famous for.

Please ask us if you have any questions, we are here to help. Please include in your email to 3t@ eyeontherainforest.org :
1) The NAME of the slab:
2) Your shipping address.
3) Your shipping preference for a quote: USPS Priority (4-6 days) or USPS Retail Ground (12-14 days) .

Secure payments through Paypal.

Buying our wood and products is the best way to support our sustainable forestry enterprise in Puerto Rico. Thank you for your support, it is highly appreciated.
More about Mahoe Hardwood

SLAB NAME	Length	Width	Thickness	Bft	Price
A	61	9	1.5	5.71	$114.20 SOLD
B	68	6	1.5	4.25	$85.00 SOLD
C	54	11	1.5	6.18	$123.60 SOLD
D	55	9	1.5	5.16	$103.20 SOLD

SLAB NAME	Length	Width	Thickness	Bft	Price	SPECIAL PRICE	Notes
E	57	12	1.4	6.65	$133.00	SOLD
F	56	12	1.5	7	$140.00	$120.00 SOLD	Pith just under 0.5″ on one side
G	54	14	1.5	7.87	$157.40	SOLD
H	40	11	1.5	4.58	$91.60

SLAB NAME	Length	Width	Thickness	Bft	Price	Notes
I	58	11	1.5	6.64	$132.80 SOLD
J	50	10	1.5	5.2	$104.00
K	60	11	1.35	6.18	$123.60 SOLD	Knot in K1 side
L	60	9	1.5	5.62	$112.40 SOLD

SLAB NAME	Length	Width	Thickness	Bft	Price	SPECIAL PRICE	Notes
M	51	11	1.5	5.84	$116.80		RESERVED
N	49	8	1.5		$81.60
O	33	8	1.35		$49.40
P	45.5	12	1.35		$81.76	$65.00 SOLD	Has pith through the slab.

Thank you!

Mahogany Rare trees Wood Woodwork Woodworker

by thrity August 25, 2016

What is Mahogany Hardwood? Creating Clarity from Confusion

“What is Mahogany Hardwood? Creating Clarity from Confusion”
Thrity (3t) Vakil

There has been a decline in the amount of genuine mahogany in the world over the last century, due to over-harvesting. Many red-colored woods have taken the place of mahogany by default, and the reasons why mahogany became the wood that the world fell in love with, have been lost in the saw-dust.

Hand-made boxes in Hybrid Mahogany, *Swietenia x aubrevilleana,* from Puerto Rico,
By Ray Jones

When we speak of Mahogany hardwood we generally mean the hardwood that wowed the western world in the 1800s, became a significant indicator of status, and continued to be a best-selling wood for interiors, exteriors, furniture, and boats right up into the 20 century, when it became understood that over-harvesting was leading to the possible extinction of this species, of the genus Swietenia. As a forester, Mahogany lover, and artist, I recently enquired with Home Depot to ask them what species of tree they were calling Mahogany, as the pictures on their website did not convince me. It took four attempts over a few days before I received a response.

This was their response: “The species is Mahogany eucalyptus, New South Wales Eucalyptus”.

The wood that Home Depot are selling online as Mahogany is not, in fact, Mahogany. It is Eucalyptus, from the Myrtaceae family, of which one species, Eucalyptus robusta, is known commonly as Swamp mahogany, and another, Eucalyptus resinifera, is commonly known as Red Mahogany. Neither are authentic mahogany, as are none of the Eucalypts.

I am also an apprentice botanist, and their response made me a little mad given that I had specifically asked for the botanical name- the genus and species. Common names are just flat-out misleading.

The only hardwoods that can truly be called Mahogany are from the Meliaceae family, Swietenia mahagoni (commonly known as Dominican, Cuban, West Indian, or small-leaf mahogany), Swietenia macrophylla (commonly known as Honduran or large-leaf mahogany), and Swietenia humilis, (commonly known as Pacific Coast Mahogany). All species of Swietenia are CITES-listed.

As of the last century, a naturally occurring hybrid, a cross between the small-leaf and the big-leaf mahoganies has made it’s way onto the mahogany stage, it’s name is Swietenia x aubrevilleana, and is a true and genuine mahogany. This tree was planted extensively in Puerto Rico.

Using a common name and calling a wood ‘Mahogany’ can be misleading as we can see from the Home Depot example. How many woodworkers have bought this wood, thinking that they were getting the genuine thing? The over-harvesting of mahogany led to lesser-known woods, with reddish colors, being sold knowingly or unknowingly to woodworkers as Mahogany, whom, if they had never used the genuine article, remained in the dark.

Over the last few decades, a species known as ‘African Mahogany’ has been available on the wood market. This is Khaya ivorensis,which is in the same family as the genuine mahoganies, but it is NOT mahogany, except by common name. Also in the Meliaceae family, are Entandrophragma cylindricum, commonly known as Sapeli, and Entandrophragma utile, commonly known as Sipo, two other African tree species that became mahogany substitutes as the genuine wood became scarcer to find, and became listed as endangered. Another in the same family is Toona calantas,commonly known as ‘Phillipine Mahogany’, but it is not genuine mahogany either.

There are many examples of wood being sold under the trade name ‘mahogany’.

Other Mahogany substitutes:

‘Philippine mahogany’, sold in North America is NOT a mahogany at all, but could be any species from the genus Shorea, in the family Dipterocarpaceae. Similarly with ‘Borneo Mahogany’, trade name Meranti, which is in the family Calophyllaceae.

‘Santos Mahogany’ or Myroxylon balsamum, a deep red and oily wood, from Central and South America, in the Fabaceae family, not the mahogany family.

The mahogany used by the Chippendale furniture company in the 1800s was Swietenia. Only the genus Swietenia comprises the four authentic mahoganies that are known by wood connoisseurs for workability, stability, durability, pest resistance, and above all an unmistakable beauty. Anything else is another type of hardwood.

Sustainable harvests of plantation Swietenia macrophylla are currently coming out of Fiji, and Puerto Rico is currently a go-to place for Swietenia mahagoni, Swietenia macrophylla and the stunning hybrid, Swietenia x aubrevilleana, which was planted for timber by the International Institute of Tropical Forestry, and private land-owners, in the last century.

Puerto Rico Hardwoods is a new company born from the Tropic Ventures Sustainable Forestry Project in Patillas, Puerto Rico, established in 1983, that sells genuine mahogany and the hybrid. Please enquire.

All permits are in place from The Department of Natural Resources in Puerto Rico, along with a successful history with the Forest Service, and International Institute of Tropical Forestry, based in PR, a US territory. www.prhardwoods.com

Book-matched Tabletop in Hybrid Mahogany, *Swietenia x aubrevilleana,* from Puerto Rico. By Tom Kerr

Credits:
Tables by Puerto Rico Hardwoods

Hand-made boxes in Hybrid Mahogany, Swietenia x aubrevilleana, from Puerto Rico, By Ray Jones

Book-matched Tabletop in Hybrid Mahogany, Swietenia x aubrevilleana, from Puerto Rico. By Tom Kerr

Author: 3t Vakil, Director of Tropic Ventures Sustainable Forestry Project, and President of Puerto Rico Hardwoods.

Fine wood product Wood Woodwork Woodworker

by thrity August 9, 2016

August 2016 Mahoe (Hibiscus elatus) available

We are currently harvesting for next years stock. First come first served on these Mahoe slabs below. Scroll down.

NB: All images show both sides of a slab: Example: A1 and A2 are both sides of one slab.

August 2016 Mahoe Measurements in inches

Name	L	W	T	Board Feet	Price@20pbft	Notes
A	54	8	1	3	60	SOLD
B	54	8	1	3	60	SOLD
C	54	8	1	3	60	SOLD
D	54	5	1	1.87	37.40	SOLD
E	45	7	0.75	1.64	32.80	SOLD
F	45	9	1	2.81	56.20	SOLD
G	58.5	7	1.75	4.97	99.40	SOLD
H	61	6	1.75	4.44	88.80	SOLD
I	69.5	8	0.75	2.5	150.20	SOLD
J	60	14	1.5	8.75	175.00	SOLD
K	36.5	12	1.25	3.80	76.00	SOLD
L	60	10	0.75	3.12	62.40	SOLD
M	36.5	8	0.75	1.52	30.40	NOT AVAILABLE
N	49	9	0.5	1.53	30.60	SOLD
Q	46	4.75	3	4.55	91.00	quartersawn SOLD

All dimensions are in inches and all slabs are slightly larger than stated. All pieces have been planed on both sides unless stated.
Shipping is not included. We accept secure payments through Paypal.
Please include in your email to 3t@eyeontherainforest. org
1) Your shipping address.
2) Your shipping preference for a quote: Priority (8-12 days) or Standard Mail (14-18 days) .

Mahoe is the timber tree currently being harvested from 26 – 30yr old plantations at Las Casas de la Selva. Mahoe or Hibiscus elatus, (also known as “Blue Mahoe” for the characteristic coloration of its wood after milling), is a tree native to Jamaica and Cuba. A volunteer species, characteristic of open disturbed habitats and also found, due to its shade tolerance, as an understory tree in secondary forests, mahoe grows to 25 m tall and upwards of 100 cm DBH (KIMBER, 1970). It was recognized as a potentially important species for plantation and forest enrichment after a survey by Jamaican foresters (LONG, 1963 cited in KIMBER, 1970). It is an excellent wood with a rich variety of colors and attractive grain, but surprisingly, very little mahoe is currently being produced anywhere else. The first plantings in Puerto Rico were in the 1940s and it has been also been introduced to other Caribbean islands and Hawaii for evaluation. It has become naturalized in Mexico, Peru, Brazil, southern Florida and the West Indies (CHUDNOFF, 1982 cited in WEAVER, FRANCIS, n.d.)

BUY OUR MAHOE WOOD

Mahoe lumber (wood from the mill that requires no further processing) is $20.00 per board foot. Mahoe turning and carving blanks are $26.00 per board foot. Wood for sale may include some sapwood, and all ends are anchor-sealed. Mahoe can vary greatly in color from tree to tree, the blue tone does not tend to endure for many years. The wood transforms over time to shades of browns, purples, greys, and bluey-greens.

Fine wood product Forest products Forestry Wood Woodwork Woodworker

by thrity April 11, 2016

April 2016 Mahoe (Hibiscus elatus) available

SUSTAINABLY GROWN AND HARVESTED HARDWOOD.

#	LENGTH	WIDTH	THICKNESS	BOARD FEET	$ $20 per bft	NOTES
A	44.5	7	1.25	2.70	$54.00	SOLD
B	57	10	1.25	4.94	$98.80	SOLD
C	65	7	1.25	3.94	$78.80	SOLD
D	67	7	1.25	4.07	$81.40	SOLD
E	64.5	10	1.25	5.59	$111.80	SOLD
F	65.5	8.5	1.25	4.83	$96.60	SOLD One side (F2)few pin holes
G	63.5	8	1	3.52	$70.40	SOLD
H	73	9	1	4.56	$91.20	SOLD
I	74	7	1.25	4.49	$89.80	SOLD
J	60	8	1.25	4.20	$84.00	SOLD
K	67	6.5	2.25	6.80	$136.00	SOLD
L	56	6	1.25	2.91	$58.20	SOLD
6a	43	3.75	1.25	1.39	$27.80	SOLD
6b	39.5	4	1	1.09	$21.80	SOLD
6d	38	4	1.25	1.31	$26.20	SOLD
6e	36.5	4	1.25	1.26	$25.20	SOLD
6f	24	4	1	0.66	$13.20	SOLD

All dimensions are in inches and all slabs are slightly larger than stated. All pieces have been planed on both sides.
Shipping is not included. We accept secure payments through Paypal.

Please include in your email to 3t@eyeontherainforest. org
1) Your shipping address.
2) Your shipping preference for a quote: Priority (8-12 days) or Standard Mail (14-18 days) .

Mahoe is the timber tree currently being harvested from 26 – 30yr old plantations at Las Casas de la Selva. Mahoe or Hibiscus elatus, (also known as “Blue Mahoe” for the characteristic coloration of its wood after milling), is a tree native to Jamaica and Cuba. A volunteer species, characteristic of open disturbed habitats and also found, due to its shade tolerance, as an understory tree in secondary forests, mahoe grows to 25 m tall and upwards of 100 cm DBH (KIMBER, 1970). It was recognized as a potentially important species for plantation and forest enrichment after a survey by Jamaican foresters (LONG, 1963 cited in KIMBER, 1970). It is an excellent wood with a rich variety of colors and attractive grain, but surprisingly, very little mahoe is currently being produced anywhere else. The first plantings in Puerto Rico were in the 1940s and it has been also been introduced to other Caribbean islands and Hawaii for evaluation. It has become naturalized in Mexico, Peru, Brazil, southern Florida and the West Indies (CHUDNOFF, 1982 cited in WEAVER, FRANCIS, n.d.)

BUY OUR MAHOE WOOD

Mahoe lumber (wood from the mill that requires no further processing) is $20.00 per board foot. Mahoe turning and carving blanks are $26.00 per board foot. Wood for sale may include some sapwood, and all ends are anchor-sealed. Mahoe can vary greatly in color from tree to tree, the blue tone does not tend to endure for many years. The wood transforms over time to shades of browns, purples, greys, and bluey-greens.

SEE MORE MAHOE FOR SALE: SERIES 7 SERIES 8 SERIES 9 MAHOE SLABS MNOPQRS

Fine wood product Forest products Wood Woodwork Woodworker

by thrity November 8, 2015

Mahoe Madness August 2015

The mahoe tree, Talipariti elatum, was planted nearly 30 years ago at Las Casas de la Selva, and we are currently thinning the mahoe plantations. This rare and beautiful wood is available in various dimensions, including very large slabs. Help support sustainable forestry in Puerto Rico by buying our wood, and sharing this info widely.

All Mahoe lumber at $20-$24 per board foot, unless otherwise stated.
Images show both side of each piece.

Please ask if you want the slabs cut smaller and/or fitted into Flat Rate mailing boxes.
A large Flat rate box to USA is $18.95
Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Boxes Size A) 23-11/16″ x 11-3/4″ x 3″ Size B)12″ x 12″ x 5-1/2″

All dimensions are bigger than the specs below and the average width is taken on tapered slabs.
Please contact us for Mahoe turning and carving blanks.

Q: 59″ x 5.5″ x 1″=2.25 board feet =$45.00
R: 65″x 5.5″ x 1″ =2.48 board feet =$49.60

I: 48″ x 8″ x 1″= 2.66bft = $47.88 (discounted for check on one end)
J: 47″ x 6.5″ x 1″= 2.12bft =$42.40
K: 57″ x 6″ x 1″ = 2.37bft =$47.40
L: 70″ x 5″ x 1″ = 2.43bft = $48.60 SOLD

H: 72″ x 8.5″ x 1.75″ = 7.43bft = $148.60 SOLD

G: 71″ x 6″ x 2.25″=6.65bft =$133.00 SOLD

F: 48″ x 12″ x 1.75″=7bft=$168.00 A real primo slab. SOLD

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by thrity November 4, 2015

Students from University of PR – Department of Fine Art

In April this ebullient group of students from the Department of Fine Arts, University of Puerto Rico, arrived on a day trip to find out more about the forest plantations at Las Casas de la Selva, and to see the timber operation; the sawmill, drying shed, and workshop. Everyone was wowed by our wood collection, that we inherited from Jose Mari Mutt, and have been adding to. Eyes opened wide at the beauty of these different and relatively unknown hardwoods that Puerto Rico has. Many discussions ensued about sustainable use of forest resources, especially wood, and later all left smiling, having bought some of our wood to create their latest projects. We look forward to seeing the results soon.

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by thrity May 12, 2015

Fine Artist and our Mahoe Hardwood- May 2015

Joel Kaufman of Ellicott City, MD, has created this fine intarsia piece in about 6 months, and we are honored to share it with you. The pattern was replicated from a Phillip Ratner tapestry. There are 50 different wood species using no stains or coloring with over 400 individual pieces. It has over 100 shims and measures 19” x 35”.

Joel: “The blue mahoe pieces are the water on both sides of the ark, the whale’s spout of water (this is where I love the varying shades of blue mahoe), the translucent pieces through the whale and the stripe on one of the people on the ark. No other wood I could find had these various shades of blue/purple/green and it was very easy to cut, shape, sand and finish”.

Here is a link to the process:

Arts Fine wood product Forestry Friends of Las Casas de la Selva Press Research & Education Sustainable lifestyle Tvref Collaboration Uncategorized Wood Woodwork Woodworker

by thrity December 10, 2014

Symposium and Exhibition of Forest Products at IITF, 6th December 2014

SEE MORE IMAGES HERE:
https://plus.google.com/photos/114745085458651133282/albums/6089798854434161681?authkey=CLytzaWvsMmIfg

L-R: Luis Soto, (Land Authority Director) Carmen Guerrero, (Secretary of DNR), Connie Carpenter, Magaly Figueroa, (USDA State & Private Forestry), Andrés Rúa, 3t Vakil, (Tropic Ventures and Nuestra Madera), Magha Garcia, (Director Pachamama Organic Farm), Sheila Ward, (Mahogany for the Future), Edgardo Gonzalez (Landscape Conservation Center).

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by thrity May 1, 2014

Hardwoods of Puerto Rico

Boards By Andrés Rúa. Andrés Rúa has been super busy making his signature items, cheese and bread boards from a selection of Puerto Rican hardwoods.
Put on show this afternoon and nearly all, promptly sold!

Education Forest products Forestry Uncategorized Wood Woodwork Woodworker

by thrity September 14, 2013

Pines and orchids -14th September 2013

L-R: Tania Hernandez Caraballo, 3t, Jim Ackerman, Escarlin Reyes Genao, Carmen-Iris Rodriguez, and Joel Salcedo Mejias (Pic by Andrés R♪a)

Prof. Jim Ackerman brought his students to Las Casas de la Selva to make observations on exotic orchids and pines. Our friend Carmen Iris, (second from right), studied with Jim 26 years ago. Always a pleasure to spend time with Jim and get the downloads on his current studies and forest insights.

Oh, and the puppy is the new addition to Carmen Iris and Alberto Rodriguez’ household. An adorable pedigree German Shepherd, 2 months old, called Ninja,

Education Forest products Forestry Wood Woodwork Woodworker

by thrity August 31, 2013

Talking about wood

L-R: Mark Schofield (Ex-Editor of Fine Woodworking Magazine); Yolanda Flores (Department of Agriculture); Augusto Carvajal (Biologist); Magaly Figueroa (USDA Forest Service, IITF); Andrés Rúa (Tropic Ventures Research & Education Foundation); 3t Vakil (Tropic Ventures Sustainable Forestry Project); Connie Carpenter (US State & private Forestry, IITF); Christina Cabrera (Departmento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales, Ayudante Especial, Oficina del Secretario); Aileen Amador (Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas).

CADA meeting at the International Institute of Tropical Forestry, 30^th August 2013.
Consejo Asesor para el Desarrollo Agroforestal de Puerto Rico

“Working towards the development of Sustainable Forestry in Puerto Rico, and the research and creation of a forest products industry and relevant markets.”