The Friends of the Pterocarpus Forest, also known as the Amigos del Bosque de Pterocarpus (incorporated as PHA Pterocarpus Forest, Inc.) are a group of citizens committed to the conservation and maintenance of the 50.18-acre Pterocarpus Officinalis* forest at Palmas del Mar. The mission of the Friends is to ensure that this rare Forest ecosystem remains accessible -- in perpetuity -- to the people of Puerto Rico and visitors to the island for passive recreation, environmental education and research. To this end, the Friends seek funds and other resources for educational and public benefit projects that promote awareness of and knowledge about this unique ecosystem, as well as funds with ... read more The Friends of the Pterocarpus Forest, also known as the Amigos del Bosque de Pterocarpus (incorporated as PHA Pterocarpus Forest, Inc.) are a group of citizens committed to the conservation and maintenance of the 50.18-acre Pterocarpus Officinalis* forest at Palmas del Mar. The mission of the Friends is to ensure that this rare Forest ecosystem remains accessible -- in perpetuity -- to the people of Puerto Rico and visitors to the island for passive recreation, environmental education and research. To this end, the Friends seek funds and other resources for educational and public benefit projects that promote awareness of and knowledge about this unique ecosystem, as well as funds with which to maintain and enhance for the benefit of the public, the Forest's website and presence on social media; its interpretative signage; and the 3/4-mile elevated boardwalk, rest areas, observation tower, visitors' center, and other facilities. The Friends, in collaboration with the Palmas Homeowners' Association, the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and other committed parties began the restoration of the forest in 2010. Our efforts made it possible, in less than 5 years, to turn a devastated and moribund environment that had suffered decades of neglect (particularly since Hurricane Georges in 1998) into a lush and vibrant ecosystem and a unique ecotourism destination. *The Pterocarpus Officinalis is known as the Swamp Bloodwood tree in English. In Puerto Rico it is known as Palo de Pollo, or Chicken tree, because of the shape of its large aerial roots, which resemble chicken feet.
Each of GlobalGiving’s nonprofit partners is required to send quarterly donor reports detailing the impact of their work. Here are some of their recent updates:
By Ing. Gabriel Espasas | President, PHA Pterocarpus Forest, Inc.
As we reflect on the five months since our last report, we are reminded of the many ways the Pterocarpus Forest has continued to serve as a vital natural sanctuary, despite unforeseen challenges. From... Read the full report ›By Gabriel Espasas | President, PHA Pterocarpus Forest, Inc.
We are thrilled to announce the publication of the Catalogue of Pterocarpus Forest Organisms, an updated inventory of the plants, trees, animals, fungi, and other organisms that call the Pterocarpus... Read the full report ›By Ing. Gabriel Espasas | President, PHA Pterocarpus Forest, Inc.
We are thrilled to announce the publication of the Catalogue of Pterocarpus Forest Organisms, an updated inventory of the plants, trees, animals, fungi, and other organisms that call the Pterocarpus... Read the full report ›
