Amigos de El Yunque

Accomplishments: citizen science vegetation monitoring project, El Yunque national forest in 2020 fundacin Amigos de El Yunque (fadey) completed the science monitoring vegetation project in El Yunque national forest (eynf), a two- year pilot initiative. It was the first of its kind, incorporating citizen scientists in the collection of data and co-management on the national forest in puerto rico. It also is the first landscape scale project to focus on forest monitoring in eynf. The establishment and monitoring of 36 plots in the forest was completed. A protocol was developed to collect data and prepare a database . Analysis of the ecosystem benefits was conducted and a web base digital atlas with the collected information was created. The project was successful at pioneering the co-management model in eynf and engaging a diverse community to participate in vegetation monitoring activities. Mameyes river basin volunteers restoration project fadey organized a series of workshops for students from the eynf region to teach about the importance of reforestation with native species. Volunteer students had the opportunity to learn and perform activities in the forest, including planting native trees to contribute to the restoration of the river basin. Additional volunteer activities were coordinated with small groups due to covid restrictions and protocols.