Democracy Prep at the Agassi Campus, 21-23 March 2023
Between March 21 and March 23, 2023, Las Casas de la Selva rainforest welcomed a vibrant team of students from Democracy Prep at the Agassi Campus, Las Vegas, Nevada. Their energy was contagious as they eagerly embraced the multifaceted wonders of this natural haven, engaging with both its rich ecology and the pressing work of conservation.
The team from Democracy Prep immersed themselves wholeheartedly in the practical aspects of rainforest conservation. Working tirelessly in the nurseries, they took up the tasks of repotting, organizing, and cleaning with a zeal that spoke volumes about their commitment. Their contribution was invaluable, providing essential support to the ongoing efforts to preserve and nurture the unique biodiversity housed within Las Casas de la Selva. Under the guardianship of Las Casas de la Selva, the rainforest is far more than just a stunning display of nature’s grandeur. It’s a thriving laboratory of life, a haven for many of Puerto Rico’s unique and endemic species. The team from Democracy Prep was given an insider’s view into conservation initiatives, conducted in partnership with the Botanical Gardens Conservation International. This experience gave them a tangible understanding of the unwavering commitment and labor that goes into preserving the planet’s fragile ecosystems.
The students’ education extended beyond conservation techniques. They were introduced to two precious jewels of the rainforest, both incredibly rare and endangered plant species: Palo de Cruz (Garcinia portoricensis) and Tortuga Prieto (Ravenia urbanii). These plants represent more than just biological entities; they are key characters in the narrative of Puerto Rico’s distinct biological legacy. To truly value and conserve the rainforest’s complex ecosystem, one must understand the role and importance of these species.
The students from Democracy Prep were given the unique opportunity to observe and study these plants in their natural surroundings. This firsthand experience was not only educational but also fostered a sense of connection and responsibility toward these endangered species and the environment as a whole. Their journey was not just a visit to a rainforest, but a voyage into the heart of conservation, a glimpse into the intricate interplay of life, and an unforgettable lesson in environmental stewardship.
However, it wasn’t all about work. Amidst the labor and learning, the students fell in love with the experience of being in the heart of the rainforest. The resonance of nature, the rustle of leaves, the trickling water, the chattering of wildlife, and the refreshing rain showers – all these elements combined to create a symphony of sensations that captivated the young explorers.
Even the rainfall, which could have been viewed as a setback, was embraced with joy. Dancing and laughing in the rain, they found in this shared experience a magic that brought them even closer to the spirit of the rainforest.
Their remarkable journey to the heart of Puerto Rico was made possible by Vamanos Tours, who ensured the smooth logistics of their trip. Their days were punctuated with mouth-watering meals, thanks to the exceptional culinary skills of Yara Soler. Her meals, a delightful blend of local ingredients and traditional recipes, offered an additional layer of cultural immersion. Soler’s kitchen was ably supported by Joel and Adrianna, whose hard work and dedication greatly contributed to the overall experience.
The time spent by Democracy Prep students at Las Casas de la Selva was more than a field trip; it was an intimate encounter with nature, a journey into the world of conservation, and a celebration of camaraderie under the Puerto Rican sky. It was a testament to the transformative power of experiences that combine learning, labor, and love for the environment. The memories and lessons they took away will undoubtedly continue to inspire them long after their return to Nevada. Their adventure in the rainforest is a reminder that sometimes the best classroom is the one with no walls.
See more photos of this team and their work: https://photos.app.goo.gl/h42MKhbZ7EwrWp6z5
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.
In early 2021 Tropic Ventures Research & Education Foundation partnered with Naples Botanical Garden in Naples, Florida, to prioritize efforts to conserve on-site species most at risk from extinction through seed banking, multiple off-site backup collections, development of propagation protocols, assessment of extinction risk for the IUCN Red List, and out-planting on the site. The Association of Zoological Horticulture provided a grant towards this endeavor. AZH is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the advancement of horticulture in zoos, zoological parks, botanic gardens, and aquariums.
Architect David Henebry, who has been volunteering his time and building skills at Las Casas since 2018, designed the nursery, and in March 2021 arrived on a 10 day trip, and with a team effort including 3t, Axel Rúa, & Diego Marvel, a strong, hurricane-resistant shade-tree nursery, and a small soils shed came into being, along with a 10’ x 10’ seed nursery, which is still in progress.
As a result of this partnership, the Botanic Gardens Conservation International via the Franklinia Foundation, & the Global Tree Campaign have started a new collaboration with us to survey for endangered endemic trees of Puerto Rico. We are over the moon about this.
BGCI is a registered charity and company in England and Wales, and in the U.S. as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. www.bgci.org
Chad Washburn, Director of the Naples Botanical Garden, will join us in the field later in 2021.
