An invitation to plant more than 40,000 trees across Puerto Rico in October
By THE STAR STAFF
The organization Para la Naturaleza (For Nature) has invited the public to participate in “La Siembra” (The Planting) Day this Saturday -- a reforestation event aimed at getting more than 40,000 trees -- which were distributed throughout the month across various Puerto Rican municipalities -- into the ground.
“We are deeply grateful for the reception ‘La Siembra’ has received,” said Fernando Lloveras San Miguel, president of Para la Naturaleza, in a written statement. “Seeing so many families, schools, communities and organizations pick up their trees confirms that there is a genuine commitment to restoring natural systems and creating cooler spaces. The next step is to plant each tree and register the planting.”
The invitation is open to individuals, families, schools, and organizations that wish to plant trees -- whether on their own or as part of a group -- especially those who received trees during the distribution events but have not yet planted them.
Throughout October, the organization distributed native, endemic, and fruit-bearing tree species grown in its own nurseries, with the goal of increasing forest cover and contributing to the restoration of natural systems.
As part of the “La Siembra” educational campaign, the “Siembra Sombra” (Planting for Shade) initiative promotes reforestation to lower temperatures in the areas where trees are planted. According to the organization, the presence of trees can help reduce temperatures by as much as 10 degrees in the areas where they are planted.
The effort has been supported by community and environmental organizations, educational institutions, private companies and various municipalities -- including Ponce, Juana Díaz, Caguas, Bayamón, Fajardo, Humacao, Luquillo, Manatí, Río Grande, Yabucoa and San Juan.
To document the event, participants can post photos and videos of their planting activities on social media, tag @paralanaturaleza, and register each tree on the campaign’s digital map. The platform also offers videos and recommendations on planting techniques and tree care to promote growth.
Those interested can find information and register their plantings at pln.org/lasiembra.
