San Juan, Puerto Rico

We are in San Juan, Puerto Rico completing our volunteer experience with CRESPR.org in the Bucare Urban Garden.  This organization is all about the maintenance and recovery of the dunes on the island of Puerto Rico. Through the growth and planting of mangroves and other native plants, the dunes can be kept in place.  So, we are doing some gardening.

Yes.  They are superpositive.

Nothing wrong with sitting on a compost bucket while waiting for the gate to open.

The edge of a green sanctuary made possible by CRESPR.org.

The skate park above was the foundation of a condominium.  It was never completed and the adjacent land has become a green sanctuary with hundreds of plantings done by B.U.G. This is one of the leaders of CRES, Juan. Yvette is the other leader. They both volunteer their time and don’t get paid. This is hard work but they say it’s their hobby.

 Old San Juan is a beautiful city.  The history of Spanish conquest is a central part of Old San Juan.  The city has done a good job of making the old forts of El Morro and San Cristobal into historical monuments and city parks.  Today, the lawn leading up to the fortress of El Morro is a known spot for kite flying and rolling in the grass.

This is Escambron Beach.  It is lovely.  Life guards, free public restrooms, and snack bars are available.

Each day we go to CRES and we do different things. We could be planting seeds, replanting plants, fixing cisterns, cleaning the land, watering plants, or planting the dunes. Each day is different and interesting.

Juan and Yvette are really dedicated to this cause. It is really impressive to see their passion for making Puerto Rico a better place.

The work is hard, but needed. I don’t know if I could do this all the time for no pay. Gardening is tough- there’s no end to the chores. It is great that young people are committed to this work for Puerto Rico.