Urban forests are natural oases that allow us to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Their health, biodiversity, and natural beauty depend on you. Estuario shares a list of basic behaviors for visiting these and other natural spaces, based on the Leave No Trace principles of the Center for Outdoor Ethics.

• Prepare yourself for the type of visit you'll be making. Bring snacks and water (use reusable bottles).
• Don't leave trash. Take it with you.
• Check and consider the rules of the forest you are visiting. Some forests, for example, prohibit pets.
• Stay on established trails. This will prevent you from getting lost or trampling and disturbing vegetation and animal habitats.
• Leave plants, rocks, and other natural objects where you found them. It's better to take photos or observe them.
• Be courteous and considerate of other visitors; give way to other users on the sidewalks.
• Observe wildlife, such as birds, from a distance. Do not approach or disturb them.
• Never feed the animals you see. This can affect their health and natural behavior.
• The sounds of nature are beautiful! Avoid loud or unnecessary noises.

To learn more about Leave No Trace, visit: here.

Urban forests are natural areas within urban environments. They come in various forms and sizes: urban parks, tree-lined streets, gardens, riparian and coastal systems, green corridors, wetlands, and nature reserves. These green spaces offer multiple ecosystem benefits: they improve water quality, help mitigate flooding, improve air quality, contribute to urban biodiversity, provide vital raw materials (such as medicines, fuels, and food), act as light and sound barriers, and their roots strengthen soil structure, among other benefits. The San Juan Bay Estuary watershed is 67% urbanized. Therefore, it is important to safeguard and directly contribute to the ecological integrity of the remaining forest patches in the watershed. The green spaces of the Metropolitan Area are ideal for the following types of activities:

1. Education: Its purpose is to instruct, in a formal or non-formal way [interpretive tours, workshops]
2. Recreation: Fun and leisure are its main focus [kayaking, climbing, camping, trails]
3. Research: They contribute to the academic development of the area [bird watching, research]
4. Immersion: Projects that insert participants into recurring activities [green contact]