REVISTA PALMAS 68 OCTUBRE 2022

The Pterocarpus Forest...
An Outdoor Classroom at the Heart of Palmas
By Dr. Ivelisse Irizarry, Universidad del Sagrado Corazón
Ms. Melany Flores, Center for Academic Research
Exploring the Pterocarpus Forest allows us to understand
the importance of natural resource management,
conservation, and gain knowledge about biodiversity.
-Dr. Ivelisse Irizarry
The Pterocarpus Forest Nature Reserve in Palmas del Mar is a unique
swamp ecosystem where people from all ages can connect with nature
and benefit from what the forest has to offer. From being a space for relaxation,
recreation, and overall family enjoyment, the forest also serves
as an outdoor classroom for students, academics, and nature lovers alike.
To understand the importance of ecosystems such as the Pterocarpus
Forest, a group of students from the Biology & Society Summer Camp
of Universidad del Sagrado Corazón recently paid a visit where they explored
the forest and learned about forestry, water quality, and identified
species they had never seen or noticed before.
Students were given a guided tour through the forest where they
learned how to measure trees and made an inventory of species using
the iNaturalist phone app. They also learned about distinct types of
plants, fungi, and insects; and even learned how to properly catch and
hold a frog! Memorable learning experiences like these help youths
interact with nature and gain a greater appreciation for our natural resources,
flora, and fauna, as well as gain the skills and confidence that
will spark their interest towards science.
This summer camp was intended for youths to gain insight into the diverse
disciplines and careers within the field of Biology and their impact
on societal issues through field trips, laboratory activities, workshops,
and seminars by diverse speakers. This “outdoor classroom” experience
aligns with Sagrado’s approach to active learning, for which the forest
made a perfect venue.
Their visit to the Pterocarpus Forest Nature Reserve was supported
by professors including Dr. Ivelisse Irizarry from Sagrado, Dr. Rita
Cáceres-Charneco from UPR-Cayey and the San Juan Bay Estuary Program,
and Ph.D. student Christian D. del Valle Colón who shared their
knowledge with students during the visit.
We are grateful to the Palmas del Mar Homeowner’s Association and
the Palmas del Mar community for welcoming us to the Pterocarpus Forest
Nature Reserve and we encourage everyone to support the Friends of
the Forest in their continuous conservation efforts.
Spaces like this forest are havens for wildlife and offer a unique opportunity
for visitors and Palmas del Mar residents to learn more about
nature. It should be protected at all costs.
The Biology and Society Summer Camp 2022 was a two-week experience
created by the staff of the Center for Academic Research (CAR) led by Dr.
Gerónimo Maldonado and Dr. Peter Barbosa and supported by faculty of
the School of Health and Sciences and the Vice-presidency of Academic
Affairs at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. CAR is created under the
grant “A Culture of Research Achievement at Sagrado” sponsored by
the United States Department of Education in order to advance research
efforts in the fields of science in Puerto Rico. For more information on
CAR’s opportunities and future activities, please write us at car@sagrado.
edu.