Student-developed mangrove nurseries were established by three high school Surfrider clubs in Puerto Rico, representing the first projects of their kind within our organization's network. These trailblazers included Surfrider CeDIn (San Juan), Surfrider CROEM (Mayaguez), and Surfrider Colegio Marista (Guaynabo).
These projects will support local restoration efforts while strengthening hands-on environmental education amongst students. The nurseries will facilitate the germination of mangrove propagules (seedlings), which will be used in future restoration efforts across various coastal areas of Puerto Rico.
Leading up to the construction of the nurseries, many club members participated in multiple mangrove plantings around the island. This allowed the students to gain hands-on restoration experience and better understand the process of mangrove propagation, nursery maintenance, and data collection. Mangroves store carbon, create refuge for marine life, and provide defenses against storms and sea level rise. Restoration efforts like these are vital to building resilient coastlines through nature-based solutions.
Members of the Surfrider CeDIn and Surfrider CROEM Student Club plant mangroves alongside Surfrider Puerto Rico in Arecibo
Reflecting on the project's impact, the faculty advisor for the CeDIn Surfrider club, Yamilza Meléndez Rivera, shared how these experiences benefited her students: "This project provided students with valuable hands-on experience in environmental conservation, teamwork, and scientific observation. Through the development of the mangrove nursery and participation in restoration activities, students gained a deeper understanding of coastal ecosystems and the importance of protecting natural resources in Puerto Rico. The experience also strengthened community involvement and encouraged long-term environmental stewardship among participants."
Looking ahead, Surfrider Puerto Rico plans to collaborate with each student club to help lead seed collection events, propagation workshops, nursery improvements, and planting activities in the upcoming school year. The benefits of these projects will extend far into the future, leaving a lasting legacy of resilience and restoration throughout Puerto Rico's coastal communities.
Individual Project Notes:
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CeDIn: Their project, titled "Roots of the Sea," was led by three students from the CeDIn Surfrider Club who were selected as Blue Carbon Ambassadors through EarthEcho International: Sofía N. Sánchez Villamar, Isabela Negrón Casillas, and Aurora Espasas Howard. Supporters included EarthEcho International, Walking Softer, Surfrider Puerto Rico, and the San Juan Bay Estuary Program.
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CROEM: Their project, titled “Vivero: Mangle Con-Ciencia,” aims to represent the club’s commitment to sustainability, marine conservation, and community impact. Supporters included Surfrider Puerto Rico, EarthEcho International, Surfrider UPRM, and the Hispanic Access Foundation
- Colegio Marista: Their nursery will host a variety of plants (such as vegetables) and is located at their middle school to increase environmental education amongst younger students. Supporters included Walking Softer, Surfrider Puerto Rico, Rosado Rivera, and Lopez De La Rosa.
Additionally, the dedication and hard work from all of the student club members and their faculty advisors played a vital role in each project's success.
As the Student Club Network Manager, Carolyn supports more than 140 student clubs nationally through resource and project development, administration, onboarding, and communications. She graduated from Florida State University (FSU) with a B.S. in Environmental Studies and Economics.