Weekly Estuary Update
Greetings from the Estuary! Every week in the Estuary brings new opportunities to connect science, community, and action, whether through planting trees, exchanging ideas during a workshop, or the enthusiasm of citizen scientists completing their certification. Below, we share the events, initiatives, and training opportunities aimed at strengthening the resilience of our waters.
Family day out
The most recent family outing to the Estuary was filled with educational activities and learning. The outing began at 3:00 p.m. with a talk titled "Eat Lionfish," where the 15 participants learned about the ecology and different ways to consume lionfish. Thanks to Jannette Ramos of Sea Grant for her valuable contribution and commitment to research and education.
After the talk, several young people enjoyed a treasure hunt focused on finding information about the flora of the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve and its relationship to the lagoon's water quality. The Estuary also led an interpretive tour, focusing on the lagoon's water and its connection to the San Juan Bay estuary. Eight people participated in the tour.
We closed the evening with Cine del Estuario, where 51 people came to enjoy the film Wonka. We appreciate the collaboration and continued support of José Ramos, administrator of Jaime Benítez Park, Jannette Ramos, Sea Grant, and the park's police station.
The next day trip will be on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Jaime Benítez Park in the Laguna del Condado Estuarine Reserve. See you then!
Contract opportunity
Estuario is seeking a senior-level service provider with proven experience in blue, green, and gray infrastructure to lead a cross-sector collaboration aimed at identifying needs, exploring potential solutions, and developing a comprehensive restoration plan for the Juan Méndez Creek in the Municipality of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Planting in the County Lagoon
On Saturday, May 31, 2025, 19 participants planted approximately 600 specimens of coastal vegetation in the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve, including red mangrove, white mangrove, black mangrove, and button mangrove. This planting was carried out as a field experience for the Coastal Resilience module of the Estuary Citizen Scientist Certification, with a focus on the mangrove ecosystem.
Learn more about the Coastal Resilience module and the Estuary Citizen Scientist Certification at estuary.org/ccc.
Estuary Citizen Scientist Certification
Below are the activities scheduled for the coming weeks. See more information at estuary.org/cccRemember that we offer community and Green Contact hours.
Water Quality Monitoring Module
Water Quality Monitoring Workshop: Physical-Chemical Parameters; on Tuesday, June 17, at 7:00 pm via Zoom
Water Quality Monitoring Field Experience: Physical-Chemical Parameters; Monday, June 23, at 8:00 am at Lake Las Curías and the Piedras River.
Water Quality Monitoring Workshop: Bacteriological Monitoring; on Monday, June 23, at 7:00 pm via Zoom
Water Quality Monitoring Field Experience: Physical-Chemical Parameters; Tuesday, June 24, at 9:00 am in San Juan Bay
Water Quality Monitoring Field Experience: Physical-Chemical Parameters; Wednesday, June 25, at 8:00 am at San José Lagoon
Water Quality Monitoring Field Experience: Bacteriological Monitoring; Thursday, June 26, at 9:30 am at County Lagoon
Coastal Resilience Module
Coastal Resilience Workshop: Ecological restoration of dunes and mangroves; on Thursday, June 19, at 7:00 pm via Zoom
Coastal Resilience Field Experience: Ecological Assessment of Coral Reefs; Saturday, June 21, at 8:00 am at County Lagoon
Coastal Resilience Field Experience: Ecological Assessment of Seagrasses; Saturday, June 21, at 12:00 pm at County Lagoon
Coastal Resilience Workshop: Ecological Assessment of Coral Reefs and Seagrasses; on Tuesday, June 24th, at 7:00 pm via Zoom
Coastal Resilience Field Experience: Ecological Assessment of Coral Reefs; Wednesday, June 25, at 8:00 am at County Lagoon
Coastal Resilience Field Experience: Ecological Assessment of Seagrasses; Wednesday, June 25, at 12:00 pm at County Lagoon
Coastal Resilience Field Experience: Planting coastal vegetation; Saturday, June 28, at 8:00 am in Piñones
Prepare yourself this hurricane season
Get ready for this hurricane season. Download the Community Hurricane Preparedness Guide of the Estuary and follow its recommendations. The strength and resilience of your community begins in your home.
Also visit the Virtual Estuary Community Centerwhere you will find vital information, such as relevant emergency numbers and instructions for preparing emergency backpacks.
Don't panic! Get ready.
Weekly bacteriological monitoring
Assessment conducted on Thursday, June 12, 2025. We have a GREEN flag for County Lagoon. We recommend avoiding areas that exceeded the "Beach Action Value" water quality parameter for enterococci of 70 CFU/100 ML. Remember to avoid the water during rain events.
