By Gabriel Espasas | President, PHA Pterocarpus Forest, Inc.
We are thrilled to announce the publication of the Catalogue of Pterocarpus Forest Organisms, an updated inventory of the plants, trees, animals, fungi, and other organisms that call the Pterocarpus Forest home. This catalog is now accessible through iNaturalist (link above), allowing you to search species by group. Our researchers have already completed the first group, which includes over 70 species of fungi.
In the coming months, we will focus on cataloging the remaining species of the 224 flora, fauna and fungi identified in the Forest’s 51-acres. We’ll keep you informed as we complete each group.
The 2010 preliminary inventory included only 44 species of flora and 52 species of fauna. That initial inventory, created during the establishment of the Palmas del Mar Homeowners’ Association Conservation Easement with the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust, omitted smaller plants, fungi, and many invertebrate species.
We want to acknowledge the hard work and perseverance of Drs. Ivelisse Irizarry and Rita Cáceres-Charneco, of the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico - Metropolitan campus, and the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey campus, respectively, and the dozens of student researchers who joined them on the Forest floor and in the trees, for making this publication possible.
The creation of the Forest Inventory Project is also due to the generous support and encouragement received from friends and donors like you. We want to express our heartfelt thanks once more – you’ve made this achievement possible.
Other Forest Activities and Plans
New QR Code-Based Virtual Tour
We are excited to announce the upcoming installation of a new 19-stop interpretative signage program along the Forest boardwalk. Using QR codes, visitors can access audio-visual content about the Forest’s fascinating features. This QR code tour will replace the outdated “Forest Tour” app.
Support the Forest with ATH Móvil and Venmo
The Pterocarpus Forest will soon be accessible via Puerto Rico’s popular platform for nonprofit philanthropy, ATH Móvil Donate. We are also taking preliminary steps to add Venmo. These platforms will enable on-site and online visitors from Puerto Rico and the mainland U.S. to easily support our project.
Social Media Engagement
We are revitalizing our popular “Did you know…?” (“¿Sabía usted…?”) posts from 2020. Starting in the next few weeks, we will share updated and new weekly posts featuring interesting facts, new photos, videos, and illustrations about the Forest.
Forest Educational and Conservation Activities
Stay updated on our educational and conservation efforts by joining our community of over 7,200 followers on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PterocarpusPR/) and 3,450 on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pterocarpuspr/). If you haven’t already, follow us to stay informed!
Expansion of the Boardwalk
The Forest Board recently reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the Forest's 3/4-mile elevated boardwalk. The expanded walkway will reach a stream alongside the swamp forest, allowing visitors to experience more of the Forest’s natural beauty.
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Our commitment to using the Forest as a living classroom for environmental education, passive recreation, and scientific research remains steadfast. Your support makes this possible, and we thank you for your continued generosity.
Thank you for being a vital part of our community and supporting the Pterocarpus Forest!
Links:
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