Embracing a new role as an aspiring Conservation Horticulturalist.

As I immerse myself in the wilderness of the Puertorican subtropical wet forest, I am acutely aware of the multifaceted nature of my role. Today, as I battled with levels of bureaucracy of Puertorican agencies, yearning to walk away from my desk and into the nursery, I engaged in a reflective exploration, endeavoring to define and delineate the intrinsic motivations that propel my work forward. In this pursuit, amidst the towering arboreal giants and luxuriant foliage of our project homestead in Patillas, Puerto Rico, I have come to embrace a new role as an aspiring Conservation Horticulturalist.

As a discipline, conservation horticulture upholds three clear goals: preventing species extinction, promoting recovery, and restoring threatened environments. I am fully engaged in the pursuit of these objectives, and have access to a wide range of procedures, including, nursery management, plant propagation, in-situ and ex-situ conservation, habitat restoration, seed banking, and sustainable land management techniques.

As a robust and purpose-driven discipline, conservation horticulture upholds commitment to three overarching goals: the prevention of species extinction, the facilitation of species recovery, and the restoration of imperiled environments. Fully immersed in this noble pursuit, I find myself equipped with an extensive repertoire of methodologies that encompass the full spectrum of conservation horticulture practices.

Within the realm of nursery management, I apply my expertise to ensure the optimal care and cultivation of plant species under my stewardship. Through plant propagation techniques, I strive to multiply the numbers of rare and endangered species, contributing to their population growth and genetic diversity. I collaborate with institutions and organizations to collect, process, and preserve seeds from endangered plant species. Learning and employing horticultural techniques with unwavering dedication, I meticulously attend to the needs of seeds and cuttings, ensuring optimal care and growth. Each act of nurturing is infused with an overarching sense of purpose, grounded in an unwavering commitment to safeguard these extraordinary species from the precarious brink of extinction.

Sustainable land management practices and habitat restoration initiatives lie at the very core of my work. By implementing strategies that promote responsible land use and minimize environmental impact, I strive to create a harmonious balance between human activities and the preservation of ecosystems. These practices encompass considerations such as water conservation, soil health, and the mitigation of threats posed by invasive species or habitat fragmentation.

In essence, conservation horticulture empowers me to contribute to the noble cause of preventing species extinction, fostering species recovery, and restoring threatened environments. It is through the consolidation of nursery management, plant propagation, in-situ and ex-situ conservation, habitat restoration, seed banking, and sustainable land management practices that I am able to make tangible and meaningful contributions towards the preservation of our precious natural heritage.

Within this immersive odyssey, I am fortunate to engage in a collaborative endeavor with Botanical Gardens Conservation International, channeling my fervor into a labor of love focused on the conservation of two rare endemic species, Garcinia portoricensis and Ravenia urbanii. This partnership expands my unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and the endeavor is characterized by an intertwining of art and science, manifesting a profound commitment. The preservation of these remarkable organisms is not solely driven by personal fulfillment but rather entrusted to me as an unequivocal duty—a solemn obligation to protect and preserve the irreplaceable marvels bestowed upon us by the natural world.

I try to create an unbreakable connection between people and nature with every gentle touch and watchful observation. A conservation horticulturalist’s job exemplifies the harmonious blending of artistic expression and scientific inquiry—a symphony resonating with themes of development, adaptability, and preservation. The delicate web of life that envelops us is something we all have a responsibility to protect and appreciate.

As I stand amidst the awe-inspiring wilderness, I embrace my newly acknowledged vocation with rekindled fervency. As a Conservation Horticulturalist, I transcend the role of a mere observer; I assume the mantle of a custodian—a guardian entrusted with the conservation of these precious species. Confronted by the relentless forces of hurricanes and landslides, and faced with the perpetual challenges of restoring fragile ecosystems, my role demands adaptability, perseverance, and a resilience borne from experience. I am resolute in my commitment, carefully tending to the needs of these rare botanical treasures, ensuring their survival amidst the ever-evolving panorama of our swiftly changing world.

July 2023