Citizen Science Laboratory at Hacienda La Esperanza Reserve

The Conservation Trust Of Puerto Rico, San Juan PR

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract: The Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico, in collaboration with the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, the Interdisciplinary Center for Coastal Studies, New York Botanical Garden, Puerto Rico Youth at Risk, Boy Scouts, and a host of community businesses, and government organizations, will combine resources to implement a comprehensive citizen science program for individuals ages 12 and older. This project targets local residents, visitors to Hacienda La Esperanza Reserve, and members of community environmental projects on the following topics: archeology and human impacts on local ecosystems; conservation and restoration of wetlands; seed dispersal by bats and birds; ecology of coastal land crabs; flowering and fruiting patterns of local flora; and shoreline and costal processes. Project deliverables include the six citizen science research projects with supporting video documentaries, a comprehensive CiLab website, and the bi-annual CiLab newsletter. It is anticipated that this 2-year project will impact 5,000 individuals. Strategic impact will be realized in the evaluation results generated by this groundbreaking citizen science errort in Puerto Rico.