Have you ever participated in a guided walking tour in a farm or hacienda and had a sudden desire to spend time planting or learning a few agricultural tasks? In other words, have you wished to switch roles to be behind the scenes of the agricultural stage rather than being part of the audience? If so, you are not alone. Many locals and travelers worldwide like engaging in hands-on agritourism activities. If you are interested in bonding with soil and plants in such way, an alternative is helping out in a plant nursery. We recently did that in Río Piedras Nursery located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and managed by Para La Naturaleza, a nonprofit organization which fosters environmental conservation.

While at Río Piedras Nursery, we assisted with tree nursery maintenance. Sherliemarie Nieves, Para La Naturaleza’s staff member, guided us about our first task: weeding. We sat down and patiently weeded bay rum tree seedlings (malagueta in Spanish) (Pimenta racemosa). While checking this article’s photo gallery, you may see the before-and-after images that prove such activity was worthwhile. Later, Gabriela Collazo, another Para La Naturaleza’s staff member, taught us the process to withdraw seeds from fruit pods of the locust tree (algarrobo in Spanish) (Hymenaea courbaril). After breaking fruit pods while using a hammer, we extracted seeds from the dry fruits and then grated fruit pieces stuck on the seeds’ outer layer. The seeds would be planted so more locust trees grow. Finally, we removed soil from a huge seedbed area since it would be replaced with fresh out-of-the-bag sterile soil where new seeds would be planted. While doing this, we gathered seeds of María tree (Calophyllum calaba) found on the soil since these would be later transplanted.

Usually, doing your bit feels good. Our experience at Río Piedras Nursery was no exception. We relaxed and entertained ourselves through tender loving care for the benefit of plants. The results were gratifying. As a famous saying tells, hard work pays off.

Para La Naturaleza nurtures multiple endemic and native tree and shrub species at Río Piedras Nursery. If you want to do more than just look at crops and wish to participate in a hands-on agritourism activity, you may like volunteering your services in Río Piedras Nursery or any other plant nursery managed by Para La Naturaleza. For more information or to schedule a reservation, you may contact this organization at 787-722-5834 or send an email message to reservaciones@paralanaturaleza.org .