Weekly Estuary Update
Greetings from the estuary. Through our weekly update, we share events, initiatives, and training opportunities developed to benefit the ecosystems and communities of the San Juan Bay estuary.
Student boarding school of the UPRRP 3E Program
The adventures continue! Last Tuesday, June 11, the internship students of the 3E Program (Examine + Explore + Expand) of the UPRRP visited the Luis Muñoz Marín Foundation, where they were received by its executive director, Dr. Javier Alemán.
Following a dialogue, the students conducted a biodiversity monitoring project in the Doña Inés Park Arboretum, part of the Estuary Urban Forest Network. We appreciate the collaboration of the Luis Muñoz Marín Foundation with our youth and its commitment to the conservation of our natural resources.
On Friday, June 14, students joined a group of veteran volunteers from the Outreach Program's Summer Camp to plant coastal vegetation on the Piñones pool embankment. Led by arborist Andreína Alexatos and Estuary Youth Engagement Coordinator Agnes Pagán, they planted approximately 100 red mangrove seedlings and 95 specimens of other coastal vegetation species.
As part of the experience, they discussed how green infrastructure contributes to the creation and conservation of beach dunes, as well as mitigating the effects of coastal erosion. Thank you to the 30 participants who joined us on this field trip.
Coral community assessment
On Tuesday, June 18, four volunteers accompanied marine biologist Daritzel Cintrón on an ecological assessment of the coral communities in Condado Lagoon, as part of the Coastal Resilience module of the Estuary's Citizen Scientist certification program. The citizens learned, as part of this experience, about the importance of coral reefs in our coastal ecosystems.
The next ecological assessment of coral communities will be on Saturday, June 29th in Isla Verde. See more information at [website address]. estuary.org/ccc.
Planting of coastal vegetation
Thank you to the 35 volunteers who participated in planting approximately 300 coastal vegetation plants in Crashboat on Saturday, June 1st! This planting counted as a field experience for the Coastal Resilience module of the Estuary Citizen Scientist Certification and was made possible thanks to Surfrider Foundation Puerto Rico.
Learn more about the Estuary Citizen Scientist Certification and see upcoming scheduled events at estuary.org/ccc.
We are looking for Estuary-Resident Artists
The Estuary seeks to select artistic proposals that support the restoration work of the Juan Méndez ravine.
The Estuary will use funds from the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law” to guide the restoration of the Juan Méndez stream through natural infrastructure interventions (blue and green), achieving the medium-term restoration of the communities affected by this body of water, many of which are environmental justice communities.
See more information at estuary.org/jobs.
Citizen Scientist Certification
Below are the scheduled events for the coming weeks. See more information at estuary.org/ccc.
Water Quality Monitoring Module:
Participatory Bird Census Module:
Microplastics Characterization and Reduction Module:
Coastal Resilience Module:
The workshops and field trips in the Coastal Resilience module may be credited as Green Contact hours or community service for high school students, as applicable. Learn more at: estuary.org/students.
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 20, 2024. We have a GREEN flag for County Lagoon. We recommend avoiding areas that exceeded the water quality parameter for enterococci, "Beach Action Value" (70 CFU/100 mL). Remember to avoid the water during rain events. Have a good weekend.
