Estuario Weekly Update
This week, we share with you more community actions in benefit of the waters and ecosystems connected to the San Juan Bay Estuary (SJBE). From the next presentations and discussions on the revision of the SJBE Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP), to the enjoyment of one of the urban green spaces of our watershed, through 5K del Estuario at Jardín Botánico de la Universidad de Puerto Rico in Río Piedras. We offer continuous professional development opportunities and workshops and experiences to become certified as a citizen scientist. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @estuariosanjuan
Join 5K del Estuario en el Jardín Botánico this Sunday
It’s almost time! Join on Sunday, May 17, 2026, leaving at 7:00 a.m. sharp for a race like no other, held entirely within the grounds of Jardín Botánico de Río Piedras. Spaces are sold out, so arrive early to secure parking at the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER). You must arrive at least at 6:30 a.m. or earlier to avoid the traffic jam when entering. The race starts at exactly 7:00 a.m.
Collect your number and shirt
We will not distribute numbers the day of the race. Numbers and shirts will be provided at En La Meta Running Store (408 Avenida Constitución, Puerta de Tierra, San Juan). We’ll be there tomorrow, Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
*Note: No numbers or shirts will be given out the day of the race, nor will shirt sizes be changed.
Eyra Agüero will host
We will once again have the renowned actress and comedian, Eyra Agüero, as master of ceremonies, cheering and interacting with the participants. Don’t miss the opportunity to say hello and enjoy her amazing vibe!
Route:
5K del Estuario’s route is unique. It was designed between Godo, Brenda and Freddy Rodríguez. The latter is the technical director of 5K del Estuario for the second consecutive year. We appreciate their support and great solidarity with our organization. Thanks also to Signs Factory Workshop for providing the mile signs along the route, the Municipality of San Juan for the support with ambulances and trash boxes, and the DNER for their parking facilities.
Reserved parking for participants and volunteers is at the DNER, which is conveniently located steps from the site. Its location is at Carr. 8839 km. 6.3, Sector, San Juan. They must be on site prior to the start of the race, which is scheduled to start at 7:00 a.m. sharp. The children’s race is scheduled to start at 8:15 a.m.
5K del Estuario is carried out with the endorsement and close collaboration of Jardín Botánico de la Universidad de Puerto Rico and Para La Naturaleza.
Join the CCMP Review Community Presentations and Discussions
As part of the public review and comment process of the new CCMP, we invite you to one of the presentations and community discussions that we will carry out throughout the SJBE watershed.
These spaces have the purpose of sharing the priority problems and actions proposed in the five action plans that make up the new CCMP, focused on:
Water Infrastructure
Estuarine Ecosystems
Integrated Waste and Material Management
Adaptation of the SJBE System
Fostering an Integrated Management Culture
We seek to hear your questions, recommendations, and feedback as part of the participatory process of the Plan review. Come to the meeting closest to you:
Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. | Rosalina Caraballo School, Guaynabo <📍🗺️>
Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. | Taller Comunidad La Goyco, San Juan <📍🗺️>
Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. | Centro TAU, Loíza <📍🗺️>
Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. | Rafael “Pipo” Negrón Activity Center, Toa Baja <📍🗺️>
We are deeply grateful to all the organizations, community leaders, and collaborators who are making these spaces for dialogue and citizen participation possible.
Soak up in information before the presentations and discussions. View the documents available for public comment at estuario.org.
Actions for the reduction of aquatic waste
In the SJBE watershed.
Recycling Pop-Up in Loíza
This Saturday, May 16, 2026, we return to Pop-Up de Reciclaje en Loíza. Stop by our informative table to learn about the campaign Deja una huella limpia en Piñones, the importance of conserving water and gray infrastructure and the Municipality of Loíza’s efforts with their used vegetable oil diversion program.
Pop-Up de Reciclaje en Loíza is organized by LimPiaR, TAIS and the Municipality of Loíza. It takes place on the third Saturday of each month, at Parque Miguel Fuentes Pinet. Plastics rated #1, #2 and #5, aluminum, brass and corrugated cardboard are accepted.
Microplastics Assessment
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, we carried out the most recent monthly field experience of the SJBEP Certification for Citizen Scientists’ Microplastic Characterization and Reduction Module. We thank the volunteers who joined us in the collection and identification of microplastics through the San Juan Bay, Canal Margarita and Caño Martín Peña, thus getting involved in the restoration and conservation of the bodies of water connected to the SJBE. We also thank Captain Kenneth Pastor of Kap Inc. and Miguel Beltran of Seakingly Foil School, for their support in this experience. Until next time!
Professional Services Contract Opportunities
Certification for Citizen Scientists
Below are the activities for the coming weeks. Remember that workshops and field experiences count toward Contacto Verde or community service hours, as applicable. See more information and register, at: estuario.org/ccc
Water Quality Monitoring Module
Field Experience: Bacteriological Monitoring; Thursday, May 21, at 9:30 a.m. at the Condado Lagoon
Water Quality Monitoring Workshop: Physical-chemical parameters; Thursday, May 21, at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Field Experience: Physical-chemical monitoring; Monday, May 25, at 8:30 a.m. at Lago Las Curías and Río Piedras
Field Experience: Physical-chemical monitoring; Tuesday, May 26, at 9:00 a.m. at San Juan Bay
Field Experience: Physical-chemical monitoring; Wednesday, May 27, at 8:00 a.m. at Laguna San José/La Torrecilla
Coastal Resilience Module
Field Experience: Seed Collection; Saturday, May 23, at 8:00 a.m. in Piñones
Coastal Resilience Workshop: Ecological Restoration of Dunes and Mangroves; Thursday, May 28, at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Field experience: Planting coastal vegetation; Saturday, May 30, at 8:00 a.m. at the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve
Field Experience: Coastal vegetation propagation; on Sunday, May 31, at 8:00 a.m. at Vivero Estuario, TAU Center, Loíza
Weekly Water Quality Monitoring
Thanks to the volunteers who supported the bacteriological monitoring on Thursday, May 14, 2026, as part of the SJBEP Certification for Citizen Scientists’ Water Quality Monitoring module. Up next, the results.
Evaluation carried out on Thursday, May 14, 2026. We have a RED flag for the Condado Lagoon. We recommend avoiding the areas that exceeded the “Beach Action Value” water quality parameter for 70 CFU/100 ML enterococci. Remember to avoid the water during rain events.
