Environmental News And Notes

A Gift That Keeps On Giving—To The Environment

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(NAPSI)—You can spread a little happiness during the holiday season, or anytime, by spreading a little hoppiness, and helping a tiny frog called the coquí.

Contemplating Coquís 

Coquís are endemic to the nature-rich island of Puerto Rico and have been a cultural symbol there since the times of the indigenous Taino inhabitants. The coquí can be found primarily in el bosque, or forest, of El Yunque National Rainforest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. With 17 different species that inhabit Puerto Rico, when the sun goes down, male coquís begin singing their song that gives them their name (Co-KEE, Co-KEE) until dawn. 

If you’re looking for a great gift, Adopt a Coquí from Discover Puerto Rico, can be the answer. To participate, go to www.DiscoverPuertoRico.com and donate $25 or more; 100% of proceeds go to Conservacion ConCiencia. Coquí adopters get a keepsake adoption certificate for their contribution to supporting conservation, sustainability, and climate resilience efforts. At the same site, you can discover the amazing natural beauty and great things to do and see on the island itself. Home to such unique habitats as rainforests, pink salt flats, underground caves and more, Puerto Rico presents an excellent place to connect with nature in 2021 and beyond. 

“We’re inviting future travelers to explore our natural offerings in a safe and responsible way from their homes as many are dreaming about their first trip when the time is right,” explained Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, a not for-profit organization promoting Puerto Rico as a premier travel destination. “While Puerto Rico is ensuring the safety of residents and travelers alike and only encouraging essential travel at this time, Adopt a Coquí gives the gift of hope during this holiday season, supporting conservation efforts in Puerto Rico and felt globally.” 

Another Gift Idea

Until traveling is likely again, you can give yourself or someone you care for a taste of a trip to the land of the coquís with a five-episode narrative series called “Sounds like Puerto Rico.” The series, which can be found at www.discoverpuertorico.com/sounds-like-puerto-rico, explores the origin and jargon used in Puerto Rico and the natural sounds that make up the Island’s unique culture. The first episode transports travelers to El Yunque National Rainforest. Other episodes explore the island’s coffee culture, surfing, birdwatching and the history of reggaeton. 

When It’s Time To Travel Again

Though the series is delightful, the island is best enjoyed in person—and now can be a great time to start planning on giving yourself the gift of a trip to the charming island next year. From shopping and sightseeing in sophisticated San Juan to snorkeling in a bio-luminescent bay, from art museums to soft sandy beaches, and from delicious local dishes to exotic cocktails, there’s much to enjoy amid Puerto Rico’s ancient history, rich culture, beautiful colonial architecture, excellent weather, fun attractions, lively music and warm people. 

What’s more, if you fall in love with the place so much you don’t want to leave, you may be glad to know it’s easy to work remotely there.

Learn More

For further facts about preserving the ecology, and to discover all the beauty the island has to offer, go to www.DiscoverPuertoRico.com