Estuario Weekly Update
The San Juan Bay Estuary (SJBE) watershed continues to be packed with movement, participation, and community action. This week, we invite you to join experiences that connect nature, education and collective well-being; from the second edition of the Estuario 5K at Jardín Botánico and interpretive tours in urban forests, to spaces for community dialogue for the review of the new Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP).
We also share progress in coastal restoration projects, waste management efforts, and new opportunities to get involved in the conservation of our waters. Keep reading!
Estuario 5K at Jardín Botánico
It’s almost time! Join a race like no other, held entirely within the grounds of the Río Piedras Botanical Garden, on Sunday, May 17, 2026, starting on time at 7:00 a.m. There are few spaces left. Sign up today!
Eyra Agüero will be cheering us on
We will once again have the renowned actress and comedian, Eyra Agüero, as master of ceremonies, cheering and intermingling with the participants. Don’t miss the opportunity to say hello and enjoy her amazing vibe!
Fun Run
Join our “Fun Run” and explore the route of the second edition of the Estuario 5K, this Sunday, May 10, at 6:00 a.m. with coach Godo Rivera.
Collect your number and jersey
It’s time to pick up your number and jersey. Stop by En La Meta Running Store (408 Avenida Constitución, Puerta de Tierra, San Juan) on Thursday, May 14 and Friday, May 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
*Note: No numbers will be given out on race day, nor will shirt sizes be changed.
Reserved parking for participants and volunteers is at the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER), which is conveniently located steps from the Botanical Garden. Its location is at Carr. 8839 km. 6.3, Sector, San Juan. They must be in line prior to the start of the race, which is scheduled to start at 7:00 a.m. The children’s race is scheduled to start at 8:15 a.m.
Route:
The route of the Estuario 5K is unique. It was designed by Freddy Rodríguez, who is the technical director of the event. We appreciate his support and great solidarity with our organization. Thanks also to the Municipality of San Juan for the support with ambulances and boxes for garbage collection and to the DNER for their parking facilities.
The Estuario 5K is carried out with the endorsement and close collaboration of Jardín Botánico de la Universidad de Puerto Rico.
Friends of the Condado Lagoon meeting
Join us for the next meeting of Amigos de la Laguna, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Jaime Benítez Park, with virtual space through Zoom.
All neighbors, merchants, users and managers of the Reserve are invited. No registration is required. Find your Zoom link at estuario.org/eventos.
Interpretive tour: Urban forests of the SJBE
Join us on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. the interpretive tour: Discovering the nature of urban forests; in Julio A. Monagas Park. Don’t miss it! Sign up today, at estuario.org/eventos.
Come to the Community Presentations and Discussions for the SJBEP CCMP Review
As part of the public review and comment process of the new CCMP, San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership (SJBEP) invites you to one of the presentations and community discussions that we will carry out throughout the SJBE watershed.
These spaces have the purpose of sharing the priority problems and actions proposed in the five action plans that make up the new CCMP, focused on:
- Water Infrastructure
- Estuary Ecosystems
- Integrated Waste and Material Management
- Adaptation of the Estuary System
- Fostering the Culture of Integrated Management
We seek to hear your questions, recommendations, and feedback as part of the participatory process of the Plan review. Come to the meeting closest to you:
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. | Centro Comunal Puente Blanco, Cataño <📍🗺️>
Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. | Escuela con Causa Rosalina Caraballo, Guaynabo <📍🗺️>
Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. | Taller Comunidad La Goyco, San Juan <📍🗺️>
Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. | Centro TAU, Loíza <📍🗺️>
Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. | Rafael “Pipo” Negrón Activity Center, Toa Baja <📍🗺️>
We are deeply grateful to all the organizations, community leaders, and collaborators who are making these spaces for dialogue and citizen participation possible.
Soak up in information before presentations and discussions. View documents available for public comment at estuario.org.
Professional Services Contract Opportunities
Actions for the reduction of aquatic waste
In the SJBE watershed.
Third Capacity Building Workshop of the Intermunicipal Network for Integrated Resource and Waste Management
On Tuesday, April 28, we held the third capacity building workshop of the Intermunicipal Network for Integrated Resource and Waste Management of the SJBE Watershed, at the community center of Piñones, Loíza. On this occasion, we focus on the preparation and compliance of the Municipal Recycling Plans, in accordance with current public policy.
Thanks to the representatives of the municipalities of Bayamón, Carolina, Cataño, Guaynabo, Loíza, Toa Baja and Trujillo Alto who participated, strengthening tools and sharing experiences. We also thank the staff DNER’s Division of Market, Recycling and Specialist Education in Environmental Sciences, special resource to carry out the theme of the workshop. Special thanks to our hosts, the Municipality of Loíza.
Evaluation of microplastics in Canal Blasina and Laguna La Torrecilla
On Friday, April 24, we carried out the monthly field experience of the Microplastic Characterization and Reduction module of the SJBEP Certification for Citizen Scientists.
We thank the volunteer Edwin Rivera, who accompanied us in the collection and identification of microplastics through the Blasina Channel and La Torrecilla Lagoon, thus getting involved in the restoration and conservation of our waters. Until next time!
Community Fair at La Goyco
On Saturday, April 25, SJBEP was present at the community fair of Taller Comunidad La Goyco, dedicated on this occasion to Earth Day. There were talks, documentaries, discussions, educational dynamics, plenary sessions, workshops, artisans and more.
SJBEP moderated the Compost Panel, which aimed to highlight the benefits, importance, and desirability of diverting organic material and presenting community and local organic diversion initiatives.
We congratulate the participants of the panel, Ricardo (Ricky) Otero from Taller Comunidad La Goyco, Erika Rodríguez from Mesa Cimarrona, Daniela Rodríguez from TAIS and the moderator, Stacy Larancuent, public policy advisor of SJBEP.
We also had our educational table at the event, highlighting the used vegetable oil diversion initiative at Taller Comunidad la Goyco, as well as the importance of its correct disposal. We congratulate Taller Comunidad La Goyco and collaborators for this community fair focused on its environmental pillar.
Actions to strengthen the coasts connected to the SJBE
On Sunday, April 26, ten volunteers transplanted mangrove seeds and seedlings for future plantings and carried out maintenance work at Centro TAU’s plant nursery Vivero Estuario in Loíza, as a field experience for the SJBEP Certification for Citizen Scientists’ Coastal Resilience module.
The day also included a brief conversation on the importance of green infrastructure for risk mitigation in coastal areas. Thank you to all the citizen scientists who participated.
Contracting of architectural and engineering services for the Condado Lagoon Natural Estuarine Reserve coastal erosion mitigation project
SJBEP has formalized the contracting of architectural and engineering (A&E) services with the firm E Co PSC, represented by Arch. Edmundo R. Colón Izquierdo. In this way, we begin Phase 1 and in close collaboration with the Municipality of San Juan.
This phase includes the conduct of specialized technical studies, the development of conceptual and final designs, and the management of permits with a view to Phase 2 of the project focused on construction.
Work that has begun includes hydrological and hydraulic studies, environmental assessments, and the development of design alternatives that incorporate solutions through natural infrastructure to mitigate erosion along the Paseo Román Baldorioti de Castro on the southern edge of Laguna del Condado.
This effort is made possible by FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) – No. 4339-0230. Soon, we will inform you about the first meeting with stakeholders and the community, where they’ll get to know more about the progress of the project, ask questions and be part of the conversation.
Certification for Citizen Scientists
Below are the activities for the coming weeks. Remember that all workshops and field experiences count toward Contacto Verde or community service hours, as applicable. See more information and register, at: estuario.org/ccc
Water Quality Monitoring Module
Water Quality Monitoring Workshop: Bacteriological monitoring; Tuesday, May 12, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom
Field Experience: Bacteriological Monitoring; Thursday, May 14, at 9:30 a.m. at the Condado Lagoon
Field Experience: Bacteriological Monitoring; Thursday, May 21, at 9:30 a.m. at the Condado Lagoon
Water Quality Monitoring Workshop: Physical-chemical parameters; Thursday, May 21, at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Coastal Resilience Module
Field Experience: Ecological Assessment of Coral Reefs; Saturday, May 16, at 8:00 a.m. at the Condado Lagoon
Field Experience: Ecological Assessment of Seagrasses; Saturday, May 16, at 12:00 p.m. at the Condado Lagoon
Field Experience: Seed Collection; Saturday, May 23, at 8:00 a.m. in Piñones
Weekly water quality monitoring
Evaluation carried out on Thursday, May 7, 2026. We have a GREEN flag for the Condado Lagoon. However, we recommend avoiding the areas that exceeded the “Beach Action Value” water quality parameter for 70 CFU/100 ML enterococci. Remember to avoid the water during rain events.
