Ecosystem Restoration Puerto Rico Project #57948

Promote Learning about a Unique Forest Ecosystem

by PHA Pterocarpus Forest, Inc.

Promote Learning about a Unique Forest Ecosystem

Summary

Completing and publishing a interactive digital, bilingual portal of flora, fauna and other organisms that call the 55-acre Pterocarpus swamp forest home is our main project, along with expanding and enhancing environmental education and conservation efforts. The catalogue portal will display stunning imagery and have data about 200+ species discovered in one of the few remaining swamp forests in Puerto Rico. The Forest is open to the public free of charge for passive recreation and learning.

$9,500
total goal

$6,750
remaining

12
donors

0
monthly donors

1
year

Challenge

The 55-acre Pterocarpus swamp forest, a rare ecosystem in Puerto Rico, has an astounding level of biodiversity unknown until recently, due to limited research over the years. A 2010 study, for example, identified only 44 species of flora and 52 of fauna. Yet ongoing research by local and visiting researchers and students has revealed the presence of nearly 125 new species in the past year alone! The lack of research poses challenges to effective and encompassing conservation efforts and the new

Solution

We actively promote the Forest as an outdoor classroom for ecological research. We disseminate research results via multi-faceted environmental education outlets, including onsite interpretative signage, a tour app and social media. The new research results will be shared over an illustrated, bilingual, and user-friendly digital catalog. Flora, fauna, fungi and other organisms that inhabit the forest will be showcased, with valuable data, insights and images provided by the research teams.

Long-Term Impact

The catalog will capture local and global attention, inspiring nature enthusiasts, the community and students to virtually explore this unique Forest. Also, the new info, insights and images will become part of our overall efforts, advancing conservation, environmental learning and research. Contributions will mean we can refresh interpretive signage throughout the Forest, update the Forest Tour mobile app, and boost social media initiatives ensuring the Forest's long-term viability and access.