Earthwatch Collaboration

Since 2001 the research effort at Las Casas de la Selva has been sponsored by the Earthwatch Institute.  To date volunteers from all over the world have visited the site for ten day expeditions.  They have collected data from over 1,000 trees which will be used in future research publications and to help the management plan future tree plantings. Frog Studies have been carried out in collaboration with Patricia A. Burrowes and Rafael L. Joglar, University of Puerto Rico. 

New Objectives in 2010:
1) To conduct a complete herpetological survey at Las Casas del la Selva and form a baseline data set, in order to monitor future population trends of reptiles and amphibians as affected by climate change and habitat disruption. 2) Spacial and temporal variation in litter agaric fruiting over an elevation gradient:  A baseline study for the monitoring of climate and environmental change. 3) Monitoring both Growth Rate and Seedling Abundance of Naturally Occurring Hardwoods in Secondary Forest at Las Casas de la Selva, Patillas, Puerto Rico. 4) Assessment of the main creeks at Las Casas de la Selva, Patillas, PR, as a potential habitat for the Coquí Guajon (Eleutherodactylus cooki).

Detail: Research Objectives 2009 into 2010

Images of Earthwatch Volunteers at Las Casas de la Selva
See presentations by Earthwatchers

On The Expeditions 

Earthwatch volunteers will be trained in a variety of tasks, which may include measuring trees, counting and identifying lizards or frogs, helping to tag and identify vine species, and helping to set up new experimental plots for planting different tree and shrub species. All the while you'll be hiking through beautiful, tropical rainforest areas, sometimes climbing up steep hillsides, and sometimes following fast flowing rivers. You will also have the chance to join a night expedition into the forest to help count coqui frogs. During your recreational time you will be able to enjoy hikes (if you still have the energy), take dips in nearby rivers, take part in some forest related craft activities, use the project library to learn more about the ecology of the area, or just relax and enjoy an area of rainforest land that very few other people have had a chance to visit. There will also be an opportunity to take a salsa dancing class and to experience the local culture and cuisine.

Meals and Accommodations
You'll stay in dormitories near the main house of the research area. 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 includes accomplished cooks, and you will enjoy an array of world cuisine meals. Volunteers take turns acting as sous chefs and doing some after dinner clean-up.

See more on Earthwatch Institute website