Rainforest Newz 13 May/June 2006

Sally, 3t, Andrés, Dugan, Molly & José welcomed and hosted two Earthwatch volunteer teams at Las Casas de la Selva over May and June 2006. In total, twenty Earthwatchers spent their time surveying trees and establishing new hardwood study plots. Our aim in 2006/7 is to measure and identify all the native hardwoods in our 19, one-acre study plots, and both teams this summer made a very impressive start on this task. Night time expeditions into the forest continue to count, sex, measure and identify coqui frogs. Thank you Earthwatchers for all your hard work.

André Sanfiorenzo spent time in the forest with us helping to identify native hardwood trees in our study plots and to ultimately identify all the trees in this area. With the combined efforts of us all, a photo book of all the trees of Las Casas, their uses, qualities and medicinal properties, seems a reality.

Hardwood Tree Seedlings
Since last year we have started the process of collecting Mahoe (Hibiscus elatus) seedlings from the forest for replanting in other areas. They are doing very well in the nursery. The field nursery of Ausubo (Manilkara bidentata) was expanded to include 56 seedlings in select locations. We mapped and measured the seedlings as part of the ongoing Ausubo project. We have also been gathering Tabonuco (Dacrodyes excelsa) and Granadillo (Buchenavia capitata) seedlings, for future plantings.

Mango Madness
In May time we are very lucky to have access to plenty of mangoes along the streets of Patillas, where many mangoes go to waste at the height of the season. Dugan filmed Raul, Ivonne, Andres and 3t, picking mangoes all over Patillas, in abandoned gardens and, with permission, from home gardens. Tastings ensured the finest fruits and later back at Las Casas, almost 200lbs of mangoes were processed by José, Dugan, 3t & Andrés into jam, and purees, and slices to freeze. The aroma of mango was delectable.

Wastewater Garden
Our Wastewater Garden continues to flourish and just recently supplied us with the largest papaya we have had from all our gardens.

All visitors to Las Casas are made aware of the technics and simplicity of this essential ecological system that deals with all their wastewater during their stay. The coastal areas and lakes of Puerto Rico have recenly been in the headlines. Along with recognized violations of the Clean Water Act, harmful bacteria from sewage runoffs remain one of the biggest problems in maintaining water cleanliness. Our WWG garden at Las Casas de la Selva has been a successful demonstration of an effective method of treating wastewater since 2004.

Sustainable Tropical Hardwood: Blue Mahoe, Hibiscus elatus
Ron Phillips of The New Mexico Wood Turners Association has been making exquisite bowls from our Blue Mahoe. See here for pictures and ordering info.

See 3t's latest rainforest paintings.

Thanks to Alei, Ines, Magha and Hector who give stomping salsa dance classes at Las Casas. With their help, even those with two left feet can get the hang of it.

Dear Friends,