By Gabriel Espasas | President, PHA Pterocarpus Forest, Inc
What began as a GivingTuesday 2024 initiative has now taken root as this year’s effort to sustain, interpret, and protect the Pterocarpus Forest. With your support, we've not only raised critical funds—we’ve been able to refocus our strategy, direct resources where they are most needed, and set in motion plans for the year ahead.
Infrastructure Support from PHA
First, we want to share that the Palmas del Mar Homeowners Association (PHA) has included $150,000 in its budget for Forest-related maintenance and repairs. While the precise distribution of these funds is still being finalized, initial indications are promising. Priority areas likely to be addressed include:
According to PHA’s President, who is an ex officio member of the Forest Board, minor maintenance work is expected to begin in the first week of April, and an engineering proposal for repairs to the 40-foot Observation Tower is in development. He suggested that more details about the planned use of the funds will be available in the coming weeks. The Friends of the Forest (PHA Pterocarpus Forest, Inc.) will continue to monitor the situation, collaborate as much as possible as stewards of the Forest and keep you informed.
A Chance to Focus on Education and Outreach
With infrastructure priorities now receiving dedicated funding from PHA, the Friends of the Pterocarpus Forest can turn its focus to our educational mission, which will not benefit from PHA’s largesse.
In early March, we launched a new content strategy to re-engage the public through our digital channels. Our goals: to educate, inspire, and build deeper public engagement with the Forest and its biodiversity.
This strategy includes:
So far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with new followers, increased reach, and meaningful engagement from our audience across platforms.
Highlight: How Many Birds?
A recent post featuring the Puerto Rican Woodpecker asked followers to guess how many bird species inhabit the Forest. The correct answer—24—was hidden within the image, and the post encouraged users to share their own bird sightings and stories. Posts like these are turning our online presence into a digital extension of the Forest, deepening public understanding of its ecosystem and its importance.
Looking Ahead
With core infrastructure projects in motion, the Forest Board will revisit broader strategies to advance its mission. This includes:
We are excited to envision what’s next—not only as stewards of this treasured landscape but as conveners of a growing, passionate community.
With Appreciation
To all who have supported the Forest—through donations, volunteerism, outreach, or ideas—we thank you. Your partnership fuels everything we do. If you have comments, suggestions, or would like to be more involved, we invite you to write to us at bosquepterocarpus@gmail.com.
We look forward to continuing this journey with you in 2025.
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