Doane Academy, Burlington, NJ 17 March 2023
A team of 14 eager young students from Doane Academy in Burlington, New Jersey arrived at Las Casas de la Selva, ushered in by the experienced guides of Vamanos Tours, and 5 school staff. Though their stay was short, the impact of their visit will resonate for many days and years to come.
Under the stewardship of Las Casas de la Selva, the rainforest serves as more than just a natural spectacle. It’s a living laboratory and a sanctuary for many of Puerto Rico’s endemic species. The students were introduced to ongoing conservation projects, undertaken in collaboration with the Botanical Gardens Conservation International. These initiatives, aimed at preserving the biodiversity of the rainforest, offered the students a firsthand look at the work and dedication required to protect our planet’s delicate ecosystems. They gained an understanding of the urgency and importance of conservation work. Through these encounters, they learned about the delicate balance that characterizes the rainforest and the role they can play in maintaining it.
In particular, they learned about two incredibly rare and endangered plant species: Palo de Cruz (Garcinia portoricensis) and Tortuga Prieto (Ravenia urbanii). These aren’t just plants but important chapters in the story of Puerto Rico’s unique biological heritage. Understanding these species is essential to conserving the rainforest’s intricate web of life, and the students were privileged to see and learn about these plants in their natural habitat.
The Doane Academy students stepped into the shoes of conservationists for the day, engaging in the noble task of trail clearing. The trails within the lush landscape of Las Casas de la Selva serve as vital lifelines, not just for the human visitors, but for the incredible biodiversity that calls this place home. Keeping them clear and safe is a task of utmost importance, ensuring that the delicate balance of the forest ecosystem remains undisturbed.
Equipped with tools and buoyed by a shared purpose, the students worked diligently, clearing fallen leaves and branches, smoothing out rugged areas, and ensuring the trails remain accessible for future explorations. The task was not only a lesson in conservation work, but also an exercise in teamwork, as students learned to synchronize their efforts, becoming parts of a cohesive whole, much like the rainforest itself.
After a day of hard work, they embarked on a hike along the ethnobotanical trail, delving deep into the heart of the forest. This wasn’t just any walk in the woods. As they navigated the trail, they had a chance to discover and learn about the extraordinary plant species that inhabit this rainforest. The trail provided them with a window into the fascinating world of ethnobotany, demonstrating the profound relationship between humans and plants.
The day’s activities culminated in a culinary treat, courtesy of Yara Soler. Her exceptional cuisine added a flavorful finish to a day packed with learning and action, providing the students with a well-deserved reward. Nourished by Soler’s delicious creations, they ended their day on a high note, their hearts filled with unforgettable memories and newfound appreciation for the conservation work being done at Las Casas de la Selva.
Even as their visit concluded, the experiences and knowledge gained during this single day will undoubtedly continue to resonate with the Doane Academy students. They left a part of themselves in the forest trails they cleared, and in return, they carried away valuable lessons in conservation, teamwork, and respect for nature’s intricate tapestry. And hopefully, their brief foray into the world of Las Casas de la Selva has sown the seeds of lifelong stewardship for our planet’s precious resources.
The time spent at Las Casas de la Selva by the students of Doane Academy was an immersive lesson in ecology and conservation. They didn’t just observe the rainforest; they experienced it, understood it, and contributed to its well-being. In the process, they came away with an experience that combined exploration, education, and stewardship, fostering a deep respect for the natural world that will hopefully last a lifetime.
We appreciate the collaboration we have with Vamanos! Reach out to them if you have a large school group that you would like to travel with, get all over the island, and also stay a few nights, or all nights, with us.
https://www.vamonostours.com/about-us/
Vámonos is a minority-owned educational tour company incorporated in the state of Delaware. Founder, Jorge Pardo, started the company in 2002 after six years of taking his own students on cultural and Spanish immersion tours of his island. With a 100% teacher background, they know what it is like to organize these tours from a teacher’s perspective. Therefore, they help teachers throughout the entire sign-up process and provide more than what’s expected in terms of trip preparation.
