Weekly Estuary Update
This week, in observance of International Recycling Day, we reaffirm our commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices in the San Juan Bay estuary watershed. This commemoration, celebrated every May 17, reminds us that small actions, such as reusing and recycling, can have a significant impact on the health of our ecosystems and communities.
From cleanups to educational workshops and green infrastructure projects, we continue to drive solutions through citizen action. Thank you for being part of this movement!
Recycling pop-up in Loíza
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, International Recycling Day, LimPiaR will have its next Recycling Pop-up, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Miguel Fuentes Pinet Park, in Loíza.
Bring your plastics (#1, #2, #5), aluminum, brass, and corrugated cardboard. This collection event takes place on the third Saturday of each month.
As part of the collaborative campaign between LimPiaR and the Estuary, "Leave a Clean Footprint in Piñones," the Estuary will be present with its educational table, where you can learn about the restoration and management initiatives for the waters connected to the San Juan Bay estuary. Visit us!
International Recycling Day with Trujillo Alto
Join the education and orientation campaign on the launch of the Recycling Program in the rural area of Trujillo Alto.
As part of the International Recycling Day celebration, on Saturday, May 17, the municipality of Trujillo Alto will be collecting cardboard, paper, newspapers, plastic bottles and containers (types #1 and #2), and aluminum cans, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the parking lot of the Government Center, Barrio Pueblo. Electronic equipment will also be collected. Fruit and medicinal trees will be given to the first 50 participants.
Educational activities for summer camps
This summer, the Estuary will offer educational camp activities focused on water conservation. These experiences are designed for groups of up to 30 participants and will be coordinated by appointment, Monday through Friday, during June and July. Form your group to secure your spot.
The meetings will take place in natural spaces, such as Jaime Benítez Park, the Piñones State Forest, Julio E. Monagas Park and the UPR Botanical Garden in Río Piedras, with topics of biodiversity, ecosystems, water quality, green infrastructure and coastal resilience.
To coordinate, write to us at: [email protected].
Estuary facilitates vegetable oil handling workshop for the Municipality of Trujillo Alto
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the Estuary offered a training workshop to staff from the Municipality of Trujillo Alto, focusing on the importance of the proper diversion of used vegetable oil. During the session, the environmental impacts of its improper handling were discussed, as well as strategies to promote and strengthen the diversion program in the municipality.
A total of 30 municipal employees participated in the workshop. We thank Ronalisse Esteban, municipal recycling coordinator, for the invitation and her valuable collaboration in achieving cleaner and healthier waterways.
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 Touch hours, as applicable.
Microplastics Characterization and Reduction Module
Field experience on Microplastic Characterization and Reduction; Saturday, May 24, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Laguna San José
Coastal Resilience Module
Coastal Resilience Workshop: Ecological restoration of dunes and mangroves; on Thursday, May 22, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm via Zoom
Coastal Resilience Field Experience: Ecological Assessment of Coral Reefs; Saturday, May 24, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am at County Lagoon
Coastal Resilience Field Experience: Ecological Assessment of Seagrasses; Saturday, May 24, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at County Lagoon
Coastal Resilience Field Experience: Planting Coastal Vegetation; Saturday, May 31, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am at County Lagoon
Ford Environmental Donations Call
If you are a nonprofit organization, Ford Environmental Grants will distribute $85,000 among select community environmental projects in Puerto Rico. Applications are now open until Friday, May 30, 2025.
Apply today at: https://donativosambientalesford.com
Weekly bacteriological monitoring
Assessment conducted on Thursday, May 15, 2025. We have a RED 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.
