Weekly Estuary Update
Greetings from the estuary! Below, we share opportunities for collaboration, volunteering, and training this week, through initiatives and actions planned to benefit the ecosystems and communities of the San Juan Bay Estuary.
Planting in the County Lagoon with L'Oréal Caribe
As part of the annual Citizen Day celebration , on Thursday, June 27, a team of 81 employees from L'Oréal Caribe carried out a reforestation event at the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve.
Guided by the Estuary's coastal resilience coordinator, arborist Andreína Alexatos, volunteers planted over 390 coastal plants, including red mangrove, sea grape, and yellow abey. In addition to learning planting techniques, they learned about how establishing green infrastructure contributes to strengthening our coastlines against natural events such as cyclones and storm surges, thus preventing coastal erosion.
The Estuary thanks L'Oréal Caribe for its initiative, its general manager, Gilles Delaunay, the environmental commitment of these 81 volunteers, and their contribution to the reforestation and restoration of the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Reserve. Thank you!
The adventures of the boarding school at the UPRRP's 3E Program continue
Last Monday, June 17, students from the UPRRP 3E Program (Examine + Explore + Expand) internship visited the Piñones se Integra Corporation (COPI). There, they learned about the mitigation, reforestation, and monitoring efforts underway in the Piñones State Forest. The students took a kayak tour with Coral Avilés and Eliezer Nieves through the mangrove channels at the mouth of the Boca de Cangrejos river.
Thanks to Marcos from COPI for his extensive knowledge, commitment, inspiration, and for guiding these students throughout this experience. Onward!
Recognizing the environmental commitment of the Municipality of Trujillo Alto
The Estuary was present at the Trujillo Alto Municipality Environmental Fair last Saturday, June 15th. There, students participating in the education and awareness internship focused on resource and waste management with the Estuary conducted a workshop on the proper handling and disposal of cooking oil. We also had an information table, showcasing the actions and initiatives we undertake to benefit the region's waterways.
We recognize the environmental commitment of the Municipality of Trujillo Alto, the implementation of its oil diversion program, and its initiative to distribute funnels to residents. The Estuary is pleased to support and be part of this initiative. Congratulations!
Seagrass assessments
On Thursday, June 20 and Saturday, June 22, marine biologist Daritzel Cintrón led volunteers in the ecological assessment of seagrasses at Playita del Condado and San Gerónimo Beach, respectively.
They evaluated the basic characteristics of these communities, such as the species present, percentage of coverage, density and height, in addition to their function as bioindicators of the health of this ecosystem.
These field trips were conducted as part of the Coastal Resilience module of the Estuary Citizen Scientist Certification. Next month we will begin a new certification cycle, with the introductory workshop on Thursday, July 16. Learn more and sign up at estuary.org/ccc.
Family day out at the County Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve
The next family day out at the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve will be on Saturday, July 13, 2024. We'll have a land cleanup in the Reserve, an educational talk, an interpretive walk, a sports activity, and an Estuary Cinema screening. Stay tuned to our social media and the next weekly update for more details.
Estuary Citizen Scientist Certification
This July, a new certification cycle begins for the modules of Water Quality Monitoring, Participatory Bird Censuses, Characterization and Reduction of Microplastics and Coastal Resilience.
Begin your certification process with the introductory workshops, which will be held virtually via Zoom from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The dates are listed below:
July 9 – Participatory Bird Census Module
July 11 – Microplastics Characterization and Reduction Module
July 16 – Coastal Resilience Module
July 18 – Water Quality Monitoring Module
In addition, we will soon have the following field trips:
29 June
- Ecological assessment of coral communitiesFrom 7:00 am to 10:00 am in Isla Verde (only for those over 18 years old, swimming ability required) with Daritzel Cintrón, marine biologist
- Planting of coastal vegetationFrom 8:30 am to 11:30 am at Secret Spot, Isabela, with Andreína Alexatos, arborist
30 June
- Participatory bird censusFrom 7:00 am to 10:00 am at Lake Las Curías, with Coral Avilés and Eliezer Nieves
See more information and events at estuary.org/ccc.
Job opportunities
Accountant —The San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership, also known as the Estuary, is seeking qualified applications for an Accountant to join our highly skilled team for projects receiving funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The ideal candidate performs a variety of tasks related to budget preparation and maintenance of grant budgets.
Resident Artists of the Estuary – Request for Proposal — The Estuary seeks to select artistic proposals that support the restoration work of the Juan Méndez ravine.
Prepare yourself this hurricane season
Prepare for this hurricane season. Download the Estuary Community Hurricane Preparedness Guide and follow its recommendations. Your community's strength and resilience begin at home.
Also visit the Estuary Virtual Community Center , where you'll find vital information, such as relevant emergency numbers and instructions for preparing emergency kits.
Don't panic! Get ready.
Weekly bacteriological monitoring
Assessment conducted on Tuesday, June 25, 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.
