By Gabriel Espasas | President, PHA Forest Board
Dear Friend of the Pterocarpus Forest,
As the new year begins, we renew our commitment to the long-term preservation and accessibility of the Pterocarpus Forest. This rare ecosystem continues to inspire visitors, volunteers, and donors alike, even as it faces persistent challenges—and new opportunities.
Strengthening Educational Impact
Our environmental education efforts remain steady and visible. We continue to average 12–14 educational posts per month across Instagram and Facebook, along with 8–10 interactive stories featuring the Forest’s biodiversity.
These efforts are producing meaningful results:
This growing inventory reflects both the richness of the Forest and the dedication of researchers and citizen scientists contributing to its long-term study and protection.
View the Catalogue: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/catalogo-de-organismos-del-bosque-de-pterocarpus
On-site, we have completed the evaluation and updating of more than 50 educational and advisory signs throughout the Forest and passive recreational area. Many of these interpretative panels, visitor guidance signs, and general information displays had weathered years of tropical sun and rain; some had been damaged by vandalism.
We have begun replacing signs along the Boardwalk and will soon update major signage at the Forest entrance—part of our ongoing commitment to communicate the Forest’s ecological value and ensure a high-quality visitor experience.
Cautious Progress on the Ground
In collaboration with the Palmas Homeowners’ Association (PHA), we have begun to resolve several maintenance challenges that previously affected the Forest. Almost the entire boardwalk is now open to visitors, as is the gazebo connected to the observation tower, where roofing and steps have been improved or replaced.
PHA’s support will ensure that, in the near future, repairs and improvements to the surface and railings of the elevated boardwalk, the vital aeration of the pond through new pumping systems, and the observation tower can be completed.
A Strong Showing of Support on GivingTuesday
On Tuesday, December 2, the Pterocarpus Forest participated in GivingTuesday for the fifth consecutive year—a global day of generosity that has become a cornerstone of our year-end fundraising.
We raised $9,750 ($7,250 on GlobalGiving and another $2,500 on other platforms), 97.5% of our $10,000 goal. Your support throughout the year, and especially during our GivingTuesday campaign, helped sustain the Forest’s vital work in 2025 and into 2026—from new educational conferences currently in planning to continued social media outreach and on-site improvements.
Why Your Support Still Matters
Every educational post, every updated on-site sign, and every step forward in restoring the physical environment and promoting conservation is critical.
The Forest’s future depends on all of us—on patience, persistence, and the belief that this extraordinary place can not only survive but thrive.
Thank you for being part of our journey in 2025. We look forward to having you with us again this year.
Links:
By Gabriel Espasas | President, PHA Forest Board
By Gabriel Espasas | President, PHA Pterocarpus Forest, Inc
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