FIELD TRIPS

Linking people and freshwaters in urban environments: case studies from the headwaters to the coast

Lead: Rebeca de Jesus Crespo

When: Sunday 18 May

Where: Las Curias, Cataño

Departure Time & Duration: To be confirmed

Cost & Inclusions: To be confirmed

The Latin America Chapter of the Society for Freshwater Science will lead this field trip, which will be conducted in Spanish. Our first goal is to visit freshwater environments within the San Juan Bay watershed and discuss environmental issues associated with these ecosystems that affect local communities. Our second goal is to gather participant feedback on how to create more engaging opportunities as part of the Latin America Chapter and expand its scope. Our field trip will start at Las Curias reservoir in the headwaters of the watershed. Originally designed to meet the consumption needs of San Juan residents, this reservoir is currently used for recreational opportunities. Currently, nutrient pollution has led to excessive aquatic plant growth (Salvinia spp.) affecting its use for this purpose. We will take a boat ride along this reservoir and learn about ongoing management initiatives using bio-control methods. We will then move to the coastal community of Cataño, which has been chronically affected by water pollution of nearby flood-prone canals. Recently, Salvinia growth on these canals has created mosquito problems of concern to residents. During our trip, we will be accompanied by Dr. Rodrigo Diaz and Dr. Jorge Ortiz, researchers who have directly worked on controlling Salvinia populations in these environments. We will be joined by community members who will share their perspectives. Through the day, we will share with participants electronic QR codes linking to a single survey question: What suggestion do you have to the SFS LAC for engaging with members and expanding its scope? The responses will be anonymous and participation will be voluntary. These responses will help guide the activities of SFS LAC in the next year. The field trip will provide an opportunity to learn about the health and well-being impacts of nutrient pollution in tropical urban settings, a topic of great interest to SFS –LAC Chapter members and beyond.

Navigating the Río Espíritu Santo

When: Sunday 18 May

Where: Paseadora Espíritu Santo, Río Grande

Departure Time & Duration: 10:15 AM from PRCC, return approximately 1:00 PM

Cost & Inclusions: To be confirmed

This field trip will be a visit and boat ride down the Río Espíritu Santo on a small pontoon boat.

Bike Tour of Caño Martín Peña

When: Sunday 18 May

Where: Caño Martín Peña, San Juan

Departure Time & Duration: 3:00 PM - approximately 5:30 PM

Cost & Inclusions: To be confirmed

Exploring northeastern coastal ecosystems

When: Sunday 18 May

Where: Cabezas de San Juan Tour, Fajardo

Departure Time & Duration: Depart PRCC approximately 9:00 AM, return approximately 2:00 PM

Cost & Inclusions: To be confirmed

A guided tour of the Cabezas de San Juan nature reserve. There are different types of ecosystems in the small plot of land and a wide diversity of local fauna and flora.

Guided BirdING TOUR

When: Sunday 18 May

Where: Rainforest, location to be confirmed

Departure Time & Duration: Early morning, to be confirmed

Cost & Inclusions: To be confirmed

Hacienda Buena Vista, Local Coffee & Cocoa Farm

When: Sunday 18 May

Where: Ponce

Departure Time & Duration: Full day, timing to be confirmed

Cost & Inclusions: To be confirmed