Puerto Rico's Rainforest

  Puerto Rico

Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Inquire for specific dates.

Description: Research Mission
Test a new way to manage tropical rainforests that could provide local income while protecting biodiversity.

Situation Report
Las Casas de la Selva, Patillas, Puerto Rico -- The World Resources Institute estimates that each year 13.7 million hectares of tropical forest are cut down, with drastic consequences for biodiversity and local economic sustainability. The project staff cuts long, three-meter-wide slots through the forest, each line separated by ten meters of intact rainforest, as if a canopy tree had fallen in the rainforest. They plant tree seedlings in each line, and then harvest the trees later without disturbing the surrounding forest. Silverstone and Nelson are evaluating their two decades of research to see which planting sites are working best and what their impact is on surrounding forest.

Meals and Accommodations
You'll stay in tents on large, covered platforms with comfortable air or foam mattresses near the main house of the research area, or in a newly constructed bunk house. A bathing block has hot and cold showers and flush toilets. There is electricity, but power outages are common, so expect some candlelight meals. The project staff are accomplished cooks, and you will enjoy an array of Caribbean-style meals. Volunteers take turns acting as sous chefs and doing some after dinner clean-up.

Highlights: On the Expedition
The first thing you will need to learn is how to recognize mahogany and mahoe trees - even very small ones. You will hike steep mountainsides in a beautiful, very old tropical rainforest to measure the thousands of mahogany and mahoe trees planted since 1984 and plot their progress. You will also help staff measure and identify native trees in study plots for comparison with planted trees. In addition, at night you will help monitor local populations of coqui, a tiny tree frog and much-loved national symbol of Puerto Rico. In your free time, you will be able to enjoy local hikes (if you still have the energy), take a dip in one of our rivers, visit other local attractions, or just relax and enjoy the rainforest.

Qualifications: Earthwatch volunteers are enthusiastic to learn about the research topic and are willing to contribute their time and energy to support leading scientists in conducting field research. Volunteers will be trained upon arrival at the research site. Teams have a minimum age of 18, unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian, in which case the minimum age is 16.

Cost in US$: 1,746 - 2,146

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people: educators gain new knowledge and develop exciting lesson plans; students explore career options and build research skills; writers, photographers and artists contribute their skills and share their experiences through a variety of media; businessmen and women, doctors and nurses, engineers, homemakers, retirees . . . people from all walks of life choose to volunteer on research expeditions each year. Volunteers are actively engaged on a daily basis with the research project, develop global perspectives, and explore new cultures and environments.

Age Range: family (10+), teen (16-18), and adult (18+) teams

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Puerto Rico Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6-12

Scholarships are Available. - Fellowships may be available, mainly for high-school students and educators. Visit our website for more information.

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement: Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. The Earthwatch community also includes 20,000 global members, 4,000 eager volunteers each year, 50 collaborating conservation organizations, and 50 corporate partners, all of whom work together to make a difference. Below you will find out more about our leadership, employment opportunities, and contact information.

Year Founded: 1971