SEEDS » Component Programs » Chapters » Chapter Directory » Universidad Metropolitana
"SEEDS/UMET Ecology Chapter" » San Juan, Puerto Rico
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The Science and Technology Department at Universidad Metropolitana lacks an Ecology association since we lost Dr. Manuel Acevedo a few years ago (our Environmental Science Coordinator). He was our geology/hydrology Professor and now, I feel the environmental community needs a focal group so we can gets reunited more often. In the first years of our curriculum we take general classes and students grow separated. With a Chapter in our campus we will have the opportunity to get together, talk about the environment and participate from outdoors activities. I think is about time for a new movement to arise and E.S.A./SEEDS has inspired me to bring a new association to life. I just graduated from my Environmental Science bachelor and with my research experience in Ecology I feel completely prepared to lead this chapter to a success. Also, working with the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources of Puerto Rico will give me the opportunity to bring advertising resources, tools and funding towards our chapter. The purpose of the chapter will be the integration of the whole college community to environmental/ecology directed activities. Living in an island give us the opportunity to explore different ecosystems, also, teach young students and teachers the importance of preservation. |
Plans for 2009-2010
- Our first and recruiting activity will be the planting and restoration of mangrove sps. and Thalassia sp. on Jobos Bay National Esturine Researh Reserve, located on the south of the island. For this first activity I already count with the support and advertising of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources of P.R (Plataforma Verde Program) and my advisor (Damaris Delgado), which is partner of the research efforts done at the Bay and also, other reserves.
- The next activity would be a directed activity to students who can swim and do snorkeling near endangered coral reef communities. This activity will be held at Tres Palmas Marine Reserve (Steps) managed by NOAA and the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. This reserve is habitat for three of the seven more abundant coral reefs of the island and also, serves as home for Acropora palmata, which is an threaten dominant specie in this area.
- Activities for next semester would include beach clean-ups, sea turtle night guard to watch oviposition, a scuba diving trip, a camping, a workshop to school teachers and students (October 23, 2009), “Understanding Recreational Fishing” by Free Divers, Speleology/Caves Workshop and field-trip by the Speleological Association of Puerto Rico, Field-trip to the “Otoao” to watch Tainos dancing the “Areito”: Parque Ceremonial Caguana, Utuado and a Field-trip to Tanama River.
Activities of 2008-2009
- New chapter as of October 2009
Faculty Advisors
- Damaris Delgado
- Jacqueline Guzman
