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Postcards from Puerto Rico
Since 2004, professor Kate Verville and her students have been involved in microbiological analysis of small drinking water systems in Puerto Rico, a collaborative project with Inter American University of Puerto Rico. Last fall, Graciela Ramirez, Director of CECIA (IAUPR's Center for Environmental Education, Conservation and Research), offered to host a group of WC students. Under the tutelage of Verville and IAUPR research professor Heidi Hertler, students spent two weeks in January exploring the ecosystems of the island's coastal shores, coral reefs, rainforests, dry forests, mangrove keys, bays and beaches.
Playa Sucia, a remote beach on the southwest side of the island, is part of a nature reserve.
A detail of flora found in the rainforest.
Kelly Tancredi '10 enjoys the ocean breezes on an island off the coast of La Parguera.
Snorkeling in a mangrove key, Keenan Wheeler '09 spotted several species of fish.
Aliina Lahti '09, Amanda Trumble '10 and Melanie Beaver '10 identify plants in the Guanica Dry Forest Reserve, the largest remaining tract of tropical dry coastal forest in the world.
A student explores one of the waterfalls in El Yunque National Forest, a tropical rain forest known for its rich biodiversity.
Lauren Brunt '10 examines a starfish at Playa Buyé, one of the prettiest beaches in Cabo Rojo.