Conservation at El Yunque 🌿🌧

Our final day of service was nothing short of extraordinary as we ventured into El Yunque National Forest, the pride Puerto Rico and the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. At nearly 29,000 acres, it is one of the smallest rain forests in size, yet one of the most studied on Earth.

Our mission? To combat the encroachment of invasive species which pose a critical threat to the forest's endangered plants. We learned the difference between native species, which are common to a region (the Caribbean), and endemic ones, that are unique to a specific area (Puerto Rico). During the day, we met one of the endemic species, Puerto Rico’s unofficial mascot, the beloved common coquí frog. 🐸

Dressed in our work gear, we embarked on our task to wage war on the invasive kudzu vine just as the skies opened, showering us with a downpour befitting of a rainforest. To be labeled a rain forest, it must average 120 inches of rain a year. El Yunque, living up to its name, allowed us to experience firsthand a portion of its 250 inches of rainfall a year. 🌧️💧🌈

The determination and resilience of our students was inspiring. They handled the spiders, bugs, delicate work, and rain with ease.

After what felt like an eternity, rain-soaked and tired, we finished our task. As we wrapped up we had time to dry off and visit the gift shop.

Service is more than just mere action; it's about the lasting footprint we leave on the world. Today, these 22 junior high students proved they could make a world of difference, one vine at a time. 🇵🇷

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