Charles H. Barrows STEM Academy: 13-14 April 2026
We had a large enthusiastic group with us from Charles H. Barrows STEM Academy, 21 students and 16 staff and parents for an afternoon of service and an overnight stay. They came ready to work, and that matters here. We split into three mixed teams of students and adults and moved straight onto the land.
Team Caoba, led by 3t. On the slopes, teams prepared land for tree planting. This is careful work. Clearing just enough. Opening space without destabilizing the hillside. Understanding how water moves, how roots will hold, and where the next generation of trees can take hold.
Team Ausubo, led by Jon. On a steeper section, steps were built into the slope. Physical, repetitive, and precise. Each step placed to hold, to last, and to make the trail usable over time.
Team Tabonuco, led by Mercury. On the ethnobotanical trail, another group focused on drainage. In the rainforest, water defines everything. If it is not guided, it erodes. If it is managed, it supports the system. Students worked to open channels, move debris, and keep the trail intact.
Everyone had to pay attention. The slopes don’t allow shortcuts, you have to read the ground, watch your footing, and work together. Their STEM focus showed up in the right way, not as something separate but embedded in the work. Water flow, soil stability, structure, all of it right there in front of them. At the same time, their 3 R’s were clear. Respect for the place and each other, responsibility for the job in hand, and reflection in the moments when they stopped and looked at what they had actually done.
At Las Casas, this kind of work has lasting impact. The trail holds its shape and allows walkers to traverse the forest safely; the water moves as it should, and the land is set for the next phase of planting.
They were here a short time, but they left work behind that will keep doing its job.
Thank you to Chef Monique Nieves for the food that kept everyone going through the day, and for taking a group out on a night walk. Thanks as well to Jon Warwick, and Mercury, artist in residence, for working alongside 3t on crew leadership, and to Gregg Dugan, writer in residence, for his work in the kitchen, and on the grounds, and thoughtful input throughout.
Appreciation to Nicole, Kim, and Nick for their steady leadership with the group, and to School Tours of America, together with Bernardo Benetti, for continuing to bring groups that show up ready to engage and do the work.
Photos by 3t Vakil, Nicole Bay, & Jon Warwick
April 2026
