This unit at the IITF is top notch and continues to provide a great and comfortable working environment for me. Even though I am not fluent in Spanish as I would like to be at this moment (I'm working on that), they all accommodate me by speaking in English, in which I appreciate so much from everyone. I am determine to become fluent in Spanish by the time my internship is over, and they all, in one way or another, are assisting me in helping me to learn.  To my mentor Maya, and our fellow UCF team Andres & Jo Ann, I just want to say how grateful I am to be apart of your team. You all continue to fill me with knowledge and support on a daily basis. I feel at home here with the UCF Team and the SPTF Unit. Mucho Gracias!

With that being said, I HAD AN AMAZING MONTH OF MARCH!!! My main highlight for this month was my travel to Puerto Rico. My mentor Maya, was able to bring me over so I can experience and participate in the El Yunque's "El Dia de los Bosques" annual event.  In addition to El Yunque's event, I was able to visit the Rio Hondo Community Forest in Mayaguez and participate in a Caribbean Climate Hub conference.

At the Rio Hondo Community Forest, we took a hike through the forest to witness the different trees that they recently planted under their UCF grant. One kind of tree that they planted in abundance were the Cocoa tree, which was a beautiful site to see. It was an amazing feeling walking through the forest, hearing the birds chirp and sing, learning about the forest and the impacts that Hurricane Maria left behind, to now witnessing the perseverance within the collaboration of the Caribbean Regenerative Community Development (CRCD), the Rio Hondo Community, and Boricorps to re-establish the Rio Hondo Community Forest to its natural glory as it was before Hurricane Maria. It felt liberating hiking through Rio Hondo Community Forest and I can't wait to monitor the progress this project will have in the years to come.

I was also able to participate with some of our team members of the State, Private, and Tribal Forestry Unit at the Caribbean Climate Hub (CCH) One USDA conference that was about the Cocoa Production in Puerto Rico. This conference was so insightful and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to be there and be apart of that conference as well as establish connections with the CCH thanks to my mentor Maya.   

Lastly, the El Yunque's El Dia de los Bosques, I must say was amazing!!! From seeing the different organizations taking part in this event, to talking and connecting with other organizations and the people in the community, while enjoying the great entertainment, and just having the opportunity to take a walk on one of the walking trails where I saw some beautiful art pieces, made this such a cultivating experience. I was even able to see some of the fellow RAP interns that are station at El Yunque, which was great.  I feel a part of my heart was left at El Yunque and I am so anticipating my next visit there. This event was beautiful and I am happy that my very first visit to the El Yunque's rainforest was this one. 

I can go on and on about my Puerto Rico trip because it was truly one of the best work trips I have ever been on in my career. Having the chance to connect with almost everyone in person was really great. The hospitality, care, and love the entire IITF & SPTF team showed me on my trip was so heart warming and special. Even though I'm located in the USVI, they still made me feel at home in P.R. I can't express enough the gratitude I have for everyone within the IITF. This journey I am on with you all is really a special one. Thank you all for embracing me and making me feel like one of your own. Thank you to the MANO team for being the bridge that connected us together. Well that's it for me for now! Hasta Luego!- Damari