Weekly Estuary Update
Greetings from the estuary. Below, we share the events, initiatives, and opportunities planned to benefit the waters, ecosystems, and communities of the San Juan Bay Estuary.
Workshop on coral reefs
This Oceans Day, Saturday, June 8, join marine biologist Daritzel Cintrón and geologist Eliezer Nieves for the workshop, " Dive into the Coral Reef: Biodiversity, Conservation and Resilience," from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Jaime Benítez Park in the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve.
Don't miss it! This workshop counts towards Green Contact hours.
Note: We will not be entering the water.
Register today at: estuary.org/events.
Family day out
On Saturday, June 1st, we held our most recent Family Day Out at the County Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve, celebrating Dad.
Starting at 2:00 pm, our experts, Daritzel Cintrón and Coral Avilés, led an interpretive kayak tour, where they identified and explained the natural resources of the reserve. Six people enjoyed two hours of learning while kayaking.
At 4:00 pm, we enjoyed a volleyball game, in which more than ten people participated. At 5:00 pm, we started a treasure hunt, in which about 15 people participated.
Later, at 6:00 pm, our education team gave a presentation on the endemic birds of Puerto Rico. Twenty people participated in this workshop.
To end the night, 78 people enjoyed the Estuary Cinema showing, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
We thank San Juan Paddle Board for their contribution to this tour, and the Autonomous Municipality of San Juan, especially Héctor Sáez and José Ramos, for their collaboration.
The next family day out will be on Saturday, July 13th. We hope to see you there!
Workshop for educators
On Saturday, June 1st, we held the first of two training workshops for educators, Green Estuary: Discovering the Biodiversity of Urban Forests! During the workshop, we reviewed the ecosystems of the San Juan Bay estuary watershed, its biodiversity, and opportunities for educational field trips with school groups.
We reviewed the importance of urban forests and the challenges of living in an urbanized region that is also rich in biodiversity. Then we discussed urban birds, both endemic and native. We concluded the workshop with an interpretive botanical walk.
We thank the education and management team of the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve: Mario García, Coral Avilés and Eliezer Nieves.
The second workshop for educators, Blue Estuary: coastal ecosystems, biodiversity and water quality, will be held on Saturday, July 13. Interested educators can register at: https://estuario.org/eventos/
Citizen Scientist Certification
Below are the activities scheduled for the coming weeks. See more information at: estuary.org/ccc.
Participatory Bird Census Module:
Microplastics Characterization and Reduction Module:
Coastal Resilience Module:
Job opportunities
Accountant – The San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership is seeking qualified applications for an Accountant to join our highly skilled team for projects receiving funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Community Relations Support—Urban Waters Federal Partnership – The San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership is seeking qualified applicants to provide Community Relations support to the Urban Waters Ambassador, who supports the implementation of the CMP Ecosystem Restoration Project.
Environmental Economist – The San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership is seeking to hire an Environmental Economist to oversee projects and stakeholder facilitation related to Estuary's Economic Valuation Study, which will determine the economic value of assets and services of the San Juan Bay Estuary system.
Recruiting Services—Request for Proposals – The San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership requests proposals from qualified individuals or firms to provide recruiting services for various open positions (contractor and staff).
Estuary Resident Artists—Request for Proposals – The Estuary seeks to select artistic proposals that support the restoration work of the Juan Méndez ravine.
Other activities
Volunteers wanted for recycling stations:
Support the community campaign, "Don't Let It Touch the Ground or Reach the Water ," at the Tito Matos Fest recycling stations on Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, at Taller Comunidad La Goyco. These hours will count toward the field trip requirement for the Microplastics Characterization and Reduction module of the Estuary Citizen Scientist Certification. See available shifts and register today here.
Environmental Fair:
The Estuary will be present at the Trujillo Alto Environmental Fair, on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Bicentennial Promenade.
Media coverage
June 6, 2024. Possible fuel spill in Condado Lagoon. Telemundo PR News 11:00 am. <video>
June 6, 2024. Investigation underway into possible fuel spill in County Lagoon. Playing Hardball. TeleOnce. <video>
June 6, 2024. Investigation underway into possible oil or fuel spill in Condado Lagoon. El Nuevo Día. https://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/seguridad/notas/investigan-posible-derrame-de-aceite-o-combustible-en-la-laguna-del-condado/
June 6, 2024. The Coast Guard did not locate the source of the suspected spill in the Condado lagoon. El Nuevo Día. https://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/locales/notas/la-guardia-costera-no-localizo-la-fuente-de-presunto-derrame-en-la-laguna-de-condado/
June 6, 2024. EPA and agencies announce funding to improve Bayamón's wastewater treatment plant. WIPR TV. https://wipr.pr/epa-y-agencias-anuncian-fondos-para-mejorar-la-planta-de-tratamiento-de-aguas-sanitarias-de-bayamon/
Message from your virtual community center
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 Thursday, June 6, 2024. We have a RED flag at County Lagoon in response to the recent diesel spill in the region. As a precaution, we urge you to avoid the water. Please stay tuned to our platforms for updates.
