Estuario Weekly Update
An estuarine greeting! Below, we share opportunities for collaboration, volunteerism and training for this week, through initiatives and actions programmed for the benefit of the ecosystems of the San Juan Bay Estuary and their communities.
Certification for citizen scientists
Estuario invites you to participate in the following events corresponding to the coastal resilience thematic module:
- Elective workshop—Ecological restoration of mangroves using nature- and community-based techniques; Tuesday, March 21, 2023, 7 p.m.-8 p.m. on ZOOM
- Field trip—Mangrove planting; Saturday, March 25, 2023, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at Manglar de Jobos, Isabela
- Elective workshop—Ecological dune restoration using nature- and community-based techniques; Tuesday, March 28, 2023, 7 p.m.-8 p.m. via ZOOM
Sign up today, in https://estuario.org/eventos/.
Employment and contract opportunities
Estuario is currently undertaking a variety of restoration and conservation projects for the system and its watershed, especially coastal resilience, and blue/green infrastructure, which will require additional talent. Available opportunities include contracts, jobs, and requests for proposals for interested individuals and/or organizations include:
Open until filled
Reporting directly to the executive director, responsible for the efficiency of daily operations, ensuring the effective management and development of the team, the implementation of programs, and quality control and evaluation.
Open until filled
Responsible for supervising the effective management and operations of projects subsidized by the Bipartite Infrastructure Law, in compliance with all grant requirements. These projects include, but are not limited to, water quality restoration, blue/green infrastructure, and coastal and climate resilience.
Water Quality Day 2023
The fifteenth Water Quality Day will be on Saturday, April 1, 2023. Have you already chosen your body of water? Registration is open! Create your group, choose your body of water and register it in:https://estuario.org/diadecalidaddeagua/.
This March 2023, we have scheduled face-to-face training workshops. In these workshops we will inform you about the registration process, monitoring kit, data collection and everything you need to make your monitoring activity a success. The dates and locations of the workshops will be as follows:
Saturday, March 18:
– Inter-American University, Barranquitas Campus, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
– Surfrider Foundation, Rincon, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
– La Plata Reservoir, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Saturday, March 25:
– Las Salinas Interpretive Center, Cabo Rojo, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
– Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
– Ponce Health Sciences University, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, March 28:
– Institute of Environmental Engineers of the College of Engineers and Surveyors of Puerto Rico, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Register on our website: https://estuario.org/diadecalidaddeagua/.
Family day trip at Condado Lagoon Natural Estuarine Reserve
The family day trip returns at the Condado Lagoon Natural Estuarine Reserve! On Saturday, April 1, 2023, after Water Quality Day, stop by Jaime Benítez Park and enjoy the following amenities and activities:
[9:00 AM] – Official Water Quality Day 2023 Event – Water Quality Day is Puerto Rico’s largest citizen science event. As part of this effort, we invite you to join us in monitoring a body of water near your community. This event helps raise awareness and take action to keep our water bodies in good condition.
[1:00 PM] – Information tables with the collaboration of environmental organizations and environmental artisans market – Come and learn about other organizations that are contributing to improve, conserve and safeguard our environment. This is a good opportunity for you to explore ways you can support and contribute to their various conservation efforts. In addition, come and enjoy and support ours in the artisan market. There will be tables with original crafts and many more surprises. Don’t forget to bring your reusable bag.
[2:00 PM] – Educational talks by environmental organizations – Don’t miss the educational talks! Take advantage and clarify your doubts before experts and professionals who lead efforts in different issues related to the restoration and conservation of the environment.
[4:00 PM] – Interpretive Tour at Condado Lagoon Natural Estuarine Reserve – Take part in an interpretive tour to learn about the flora, fauna and history of the Condado Lagoon Natural Estuarine Reserve. In turn, how you can support to protect this valuable ecosystem.
[5:00 PM] – Educational Family Games – Enjoy an afternoon of games in the County Lagoon. Exercise and promote physical activity with low-impact games, while learning about the estuary and its biodiversity.
[6:30 PM] – Story Reading: Canito, the Fishing Bat – Relax and enjoy reading the story Canito, the Fishing Bat; while learning about the importance and challenges of bats in the estuarine ecosystems of San Juan Bay.
[7:00 PM] – Cine del Estuario presents: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish – After the story reading, stay for the Cine del Estuario show! This is free of charge.
Event open to the public. Sign up for https://estuario.org/eventos/ to receive additional information and updates. See you there!
Cine del Estuario
On Saturday, April 1, 2023, Cine del Estuario presents: Puss in Boots, The Last Wish, at 7:00 p.m. in Jaime Benítez Park of the Condado Lagoon Natural Estuarine Reserve. As always, this event is free of charge. Bring your blanket or chair!
Weekly water quality monitoring
Evaluation conducted on Thursday, March 16, 2023. We have a GREEN flag in the Condado Lagoon Natural Estuarine Reserve. The map identifies stations that exceeded the water quality parameter for enterococci (70 CFU/100mL). We recommend avoiding direct contact with these bodies of water during rainfall events (and at least 48 hours after rainfall).
The actions for the restoration and management of bodies of water within the San Juan Bay Estuary Watershed are possible thanks to the public. Donations to the San Juan Bay Estuary Program are deductible from Puerto Rico and US tax returns.
For more info, go to https://estuario.org/donate/.
Follow us on social media, where we share information on activities which will contribute to your knowledge and personal and professional development. If you have any doubts or questions, please contact us through [email protected].
Register as a volunteer, HERE.
