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In the end is the beginning...
As we venture forward into 2010, we take the time to look back at the last year, and offer thanks to everyone who came to help with every aspect of this multi-faceted Ecotechnics project. Over 200 people volunteered here in 2009, including six Earthwatch teams, who have helped us collect valuable scientific data, three Globalworks teams, and teams from Windsor Mountain, Carroll Community College, Eckerd College, and Explorations in Travel. We have accomplished many objectives this year and gained deeper understandings in creating a sustainable forestry project that demonstrates humans’ ability to co-exist and co-evolve in the rainforest biome. Thank you everyone.Get involved.
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Andrés Rúa |
3t Vakil |
Norman Greenhawk |
Bridget McNassar |
Warren Laforme |
The team, above, at Las Casas de la Selva, January 2010, and co-conspirators below!
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Cory Otto |
Peter Neidell |
Molly Robertson |
Joe Sarquilla |
Haddys Torres |
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Mark Nelson |
Frank Wadsworth |
Kelly Chinners Reiss |
John Allen |
Alberto Rodriguez |
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Both Patty Boyko & Raul Rosado are currently sailing on the
RV Heraclitus
to Puerto Rico. |
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Ongoing scientific studies at Las Casas de la Selva with Earthwatch volunteers in 2009:
Lizard population survey, Thinning/Liberation Assessments, Hardwood Growth study, Vine Id and Growth survey, Coqui frog study |
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| Carroll Comunity College Jan 2010 |
Dec 2009 - Earthwatch Team 6 |
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Carroll Community College helped with clearing and terracing on the Ethnobotanical trail, and our Dec 09 Earthwatch group, worked on Lizard studies with Norman Greenhawk, Liberation Study with Bridget McNassar and Hardwood Growth Study with Molly Robertson. Dr. Mark Nelson worked with all teams in the field. |
Hurricane Proof House
The hurricane proof building started in 2006, was continually worked on this year, as volunteers and groups arrived. We poured a concrete roof, Andrés installed electric outlets and lights, and in November the interior was plastered, along with a floor topping. The walls were primed by Cory Otto and Scott Cohen, and Andrés is making 5 bunk-beds from wood. Warren and Andrés have designed the wood window shutters and inside screens. Bridget and Cory are apprenticing with Warren in this creative production. |
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Biospherics:Key to Sustainable Architecture
by John Allen @ Escuela de Arquitectura, University of Puerto Rico, Sept 09
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Tom, Santtos, Haddys, John |
Santtos & John |
Andrés, 3t, Elio |
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Haddys |
Elio, Haddys |
Santtos |
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In June 2009, we met Thomas Marvel, architect, & and his wife Lucilla. This led to a meeting with Prof. Elio Martinez Joffre at the School of Architecture, University of Puerto Rico, and a presentation by 3t & Andrés on the history and work of Tropic Ventures, and The Institute of Ecotechnics, followed by several gatherings at Las Casas with Elio and his students to discuss our needs and ideas for a a cohesive plan for the architecture at the project. For a whole semester, some 15 students have concentrated their final works into a design overview of the homestead at LC.
This was also a great opportunity to access the school to Johnny, whose visit in September and presentation “Biospherics: Key to Sustainable Architecture” at the school was inspiring and thought-provoking.
In Dec 09 we were invited to their penultimate presentation. A whole exhibition gallery at the School was plastered with drawings and renderings of pictures of LC; present structures and landscape, and the proposed future ecoscape. It has been a marvelous experience, and as we move into the future, many elements of these designs may come to life. Thank you to all the students involved. See pictures from the event
Photos by Patty Boyko, Sugey Berrios & 3t
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Earthbag Building
Ten Day Intensive Workshop
April 10th-20th, 2010
@ Las Casas de la Selva
Patillas, Puerto Rico
To Register:
Scott Howard (USA and abroad)
Patty (Puerto Rico residents)
patty.boyko [at] gmail.com
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We continue to selectively harvest Mahoe, Hibiscus elatus, and this rare and beautiful hardwood is for sale. |
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Contact 3t to purchase lumber or blanks. We appreciate your support! |
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Support our forest ENTERPRISES
SEE MORE
Order
your next gift from us. Secure online payment available.
3t’s list of Las Casas trees |
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A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO ALL VOLUNTEERS & SUPPORTERS in 2009:
Global Ecotechnics, Angel Rodriguez, Pippa and Allen Francq, Brian Difeo, Tyrone Moore, Andrés & Juanita, Lynn Boyko, Nita Taylor, Kelly Chinners Reiss, Frank Wadsworth, Peter Weaver, Edgardo Gonzalez, Enrique Santiago, John Utter, Eva Holupchinski, Johnny Holupchinski, Tom and Jane McNassar, Alberto Rodriguez, Marcie Coronado, Don Schwartz & Dana Colgan, Rachel Kaufman, Alyssa Solis, Dalton Navalto, Casey Scherzinger, Jamie Hancock, Pepé Montanéz, Reggie Greenberg, Santtos and Chila, Jeffrey Peter Glikman, Ian Finley, Rachel Zelinsky, Molly Schwartz, Ronnie Lewis, Bob Bentz, Jason Hubbard, David Serpa, Briony Plant, Andy DeBraber, Spencer Crittendon, Shannon Riley, Jal & Pilloo Vakil, Hector Melendez, Jorge Rodriguez, Mark Thompson, Jim, Holly, Becca & Emily Mullin, Scott Cohen, Corey Otto, Tom & Lucilla Marvel, Nicaragua, Peter Neidell, Jess Zimmerman, and Chris Nytch. |
The Bosquer@s send Big Hugs to all our friends around the planet!
Thank you everyone for all your support! Keep in touch!
Come be a volunteer!
Photo Credits:
3t Vakil, Andrés Rúa, Norman Greenhawk, Patty Boyko,
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Tropic Ventures Education & Research Foundation appreciates your support! |
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