Enable an encounter with a rare Pterocarpus Forest

Pterocarpus Forest GlobalGiving Report – June 29, 2020

The spread of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Island and the subsequent lockdown delayed but did not stop our efforts to complete the Forest Tour App project.

Since the last report we completed the “script” for the app, with a variety of Pterocarpus Forest and pertinent, nature-related themes organized around 18 “stops” which start at the Forest entrance and continue along the ¾-mile elevated interior walkway and end at the Observation Tower and Visitors’ Gazebo. The final version was completed at the end of May, and included audio and visuals (narration in English and Spanish, photographs, videos, recorded sounds) appropriate to each stop or theme (such as recycling in nature, methods of seed dispersal in the Forest, and the impact of hurricanes).

The app was sent to Apple and Android for review. The Android version was approved and The Pterocarpus Forest application is now available for download in the Google Play Store (a "screenshot" is attached).

The Apple review is in its final stages, supportive proprietary information about the App developer (PHA Pterocarpus Forest, Inc.) having been sent in the past two weeks.

The next steps to be taken include posting new signage at the entrance and within the Forest identifying the “stops” mentioned in the application and included in the narration. Once this is done, we intend to conduct a “dry run” of the app with the collaboration of volunteers and interpretive specialists and to make corrections and modifications as needed.

While we review the quality and evaluations of the app experience, we will publicize its availability on our website and in social media.

As soon as possible, the Board will be invited to meet, virtually or physically, to experience the final version of the application.   Hope the next report includes an invitation to download the App and visit the Forest!