Caras of the americas will restore a deforested urban wetland near the communities of catao and northern guaynabo

This $650,000 Cooperative Agreement awarded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Habitat Conservation program (CFDA 11.463) will fund Caras Of The Americas, a non-profit organization in Puerto Rico, to restore the Cucharillas Marsh Nature Reserve. The project involves removing invasive species, planting mangroves and trees, and conducting environmental education programs for local schools. Additionally, the award will support paid internships and salaries for additional employees to assist with the restoration work and community engagement efforts. The project period runs from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027.

They will restore habitat in cucharillas marsh nature reserve by removing invasive species and planting mangroves and trees. They will also collaborate with community members to plan and implement the restoration work, conduct environmental education programs at several public schools, and fund paid internships and salaries for additional employees.