Original article: http://restart.pr/de-la-ciudad-al-humedal/
It was barely 4:30 in the morning and the adrenaline was running through our system. In the middle of a massive blackout, three members of Restart Puerto Rico’s team tied their tennis shoes, adjusted their hats and set out to travel to the Hacienda La Esperanza in ManatÃ, Puerto Rico.
As a team, Restart Puerto Rico had the opportunity of being part of a great experience: touring the mangroves and wetlands of the Hacienda La Esperanza. It was definitely an experience worth remembering! Thanks to the organization of "Para la Naturaleza", the tour was a success.
Upon arrival, all that could be seen was green. The vegetation surrounded us everywhere, from leafy shrubs to trees that sheltered you with rich shade. And not to mention the beautiful mountains that delighted us as a backdrop. The sky was cloud free and the sun was shining in full splendor.
Hacienda La Esperanza, where our team was received along with other members of the local press, also impressed us with its good condition and a design that combined modern and rustic in perfect unison. At about eight o'clock in the morning we smeared ourselves with sunscreen, threw our packs on our backs and got to work.
Slowly but surely, and guided by a Biology expert who collaborated with Para la Naturaleza, we explored and adventured through the different types of wetlands. From herbaceous wetlands and marshes to black and red mangroves, we traveled all of them until we found ourselves submerged in water up to our waist.
There was mud everywhere and we could even hear different animals around us, from frogs to common warblers. The guide even stopped us for several minutes and made the attempt to attract different birds with special. Surprisingly, it worked!
In addition to all this, through ought the tour it was possible to learn about how the different mangroves and wetlands develop, what kind of flora and fauna can live in them, and how much care has been given over the years to these lands.
At the end of the day we were all able to wash away all the dirt and change our clothes. Definitely, if you like venturing into deep wetlands or walking through grasslands and meadows, Para la Naturaleza is the perfect organization for you!