University of Puerto Rico at Ponce
English Department
ENGL 4021 M03
DATE: November 22, 2023
TO: Professor Pier A. Le Compte
FROM: Bryan Correa
Jasmine Gonzalez
Jorge Soto
Adlih Hernandez
SUBJECT: Progress report on the Atabey Garden and Coastal Cleaning.
Summary
During the August to December 2023-2024 academic semester, Professor Le Compte assigned us,
as part of the ENGL 4021 course, a special project that entailed completing 8 community hours
over the duration of the semester. To fulfill this project, our team dedicated these hours to
participating in the International Coastal Cleanup 2023 and maintaining the Atabey Garden at the
University of Puerto Rico, Ponce campus. As volunteers of the Scuba Dogs Society, we spent 4
hours engaged in coast cleaning activities. Additionally, working closely with the Coalición
Estudiantil Pro-Agricultura (CEPA), each member of our group contributed a minimum of 4 hours
towards the upkeep of this garden. Through effective collaboration and shared commitment, we
ensured the completion of these hours. This invaluable experience allowed us to gain firsthand
knowledge about farming, plant care, and the significance of preserving an environment in a real-
world context. The substantial progress observed both in the beach cleanup and the Atabey garden
throughout the semester serves as a testament to our unwavering dedication and diligent efforts.
We take great pleasure in presenting this progress report and hope that it serves as a source of
inspiration, encouraging more individuals to actively engage in sustainable agriculture and
environmental conservation.
Coastal cleaning
Initially, the project assigned by Professor Le Compte involved dedicating 8 hours to the Atabey
Garden. However, in Puerto Rico, International Beach Cleanup Day is celebrated every year to
promote environmental awareness among the public. The professor proposed that we participate
in this activity instead. Collaborating with the Scuba Dogs Society, an entity in Puerto Rico
dedicated to conservation and environmental education, the shared objective is to foster a culture
of harmony with nature and educate individuals about their social-ecological surroundings. On
Saturday, September 16, 2023, in conjunction with this organization, our team exerted efforts on
the Ponce coast at the Punta Cucharas Natural Reserve. During this effort, we dedicated 4 hours
to cleaning the coast, diligently removing a significant number of debris, and meticulously
documenting our findings for verification purposes.
CEPA
The Coalición Estudiantil Pro-Agricultura (CEPA), founded in 2015 by a committed group of
students, acknowledges the crucial role of addressing the imperative for food independence. With
an unwavering focus on raising awareness, CEPA aims to emphasize the paramount importance
of achieving superior food quality. By guiding the community towards embracing self-sufficient
food production and advocating for the effective utilization of natural resources, this organization
endeavors to effectively represent the agricultural sector. Emphasis is placed on the benefits of
utilizing organic seeds and products. Furthermore, collaborative efforts have been established
between educational and governmental institutions as well as agricultural associations. To translate
these ideas into action, the Atabey Garden was created at the University of Puerto Rico in Ponce
(UPRP). In recent years, CEPA has concentrated its efforts on engaging the university community,
collaborating with students from various departments in managing and maintaining the Atabey
Garden. Additionally, the association organizes an annual event known as the Atabey Fair, aimed
at fostering connections between the university community and the local populace, while
showcasing the accomplishments that students have achieved in the Atabey Garden.
Work done.
Together with the CEPA Association, each member dedicated approximately about 4 hours or
more during the span of the semester. Our team's objective was to jointly complete these hours;
however, due to the intricate nature of our schedules, this proved unattainable. In adherence to the
association's directives, we undertook the responsibility of maintaining the orchard. Over the
preceding months, we wholeheartedly invested our time and exertion into nurturing our plants,
ensuring they thrive in an environment conducive to their well-being. Our efforts encompassed
regular irrigation, pest control, and soil maintenance, and have resulted in a remarkable
augmentation in both the quality and quantity of our harvested produce.
Tasks performed by team members.
Members of the CEPA Association board of directors, who spearheaded the maintenance efforts,
undertook various responsibilities while tending to the orchard. Our team members accomplished
several tasks, including:
Members Task done Time period
• Watering plants
• Remove vegetation
Bryan Correa • Collect the fruits of some plants • September 20 to October 18
• Prepare the area for planting
• Eliminate vegetation in areas
• Pour water on plants
Jasmine Gonzalez • September 20 to October 18
• Prepare the land for planting
• Decorate specific areas with stones
• Remove vegetation
• Water the plants
Jorge Soto • Soften/Prepare the area for planting • September 1 to September 27
• Collect waste in the area
• Sow
• Clean the garden.
Adlih Hernandez • Remove weeds. • September 1 to November 1
• Watering plants
Plans
As for the future, the CEPA Association is enthusiastic about the prospect of expanding the crops
section and exploring new varieties of vegetables. The plants exhibit robustness and vitality,
resulting in abundant yields of fresh and delectable produce. The objective at hand is to continually
enlarge the garden and introduce a diverse range of vegetable species. Furthermore, the
implementation of organic fertilization techniques and sustainable methods serves to mitigate the
environmental footprint. We aim to meet the demands of a broader audience and promote healthy
eating within the university community. Concurrently, CEPA endeavors to adopt sustainable
practices that minimize environmental impact and actively contribute to the welfare of the planet.
We are mindful that safeguarding the environment is paramount for a sustainable future, and CEPA
remains resolute in fulfilling our role in this endeavor.
Problems found.
Maintaining a garden offers a fulfilling and gratifying experience. It not only yields fresh produce
but also promotes environmental sustainability while fostering a strong sense of community among
its participants. However, as with any undertaking, challenges can manifest during the garden
maintenance process. One common obstacle involves weather conditions, particularly instances of
inclement rain that may necessitate the cancellation of maintenance activities. While rain can be
advantageous by providing water for plants, excessive rainfall can lead to waterlogged soil,
impeding the growth of plants. Moreover, the presence of mosquitoes can prove bothersome and
hinder the enjoyment of garden maintenance. Not only do these insects cause discomfort, but they
also pose health risks by transmitting diseases.
Given the collaborative nature of maintaining an orchard, effective organization and coordination
among all members are crucial for the successful execution of maintenance activities. By
establishing a clear schedule and assigning specific tasks to each member, the workload can be
evenly distributed, ensuring the completion of all necessary activities. Regular communication and
collaboration through group meetings and online platforms can further strengthen the sense of
community and enhance the overall efficiency of garden maintenance.
Invitation to learn more about the project and join the cause.
We cordially invite you to explore more details about our captivating project and align yourself
with its noble purpose! Within the Atabey University Garden, the CEPA Association joins forces
with university members to meticulously carry out maintenance, irrigation, and planting tasks that
aim to perpetuate the magnificence of this exceptional garden. Like the Scuba Dogs Society, the
mission is to preserve a pristine environment by engaging volunteers in efforts to create a cleaner
world. If you are interested in gaining knowledge about urban agriculture and aspire to contribute
to this honorable endeavor, we wholeheartedly encourage you to join our esteemed team.
Remember, even the smallest actions matter and together we can achieve meaningful
transformation.
Conclusion
During the period from August to December 2023-2024, we were given the opportunity, together
with the CEPA Association and the Scuba Dogs Society, to carry out maintenance work in the
Atabey Garden located on the Ponce campus of the University of Puerto Rico. Additionally, we
embarked on a coastal cleanup initiative. This garden holds great significance within our
community. Throughout our participation in this effort, it has become increasingly evident that the
Atabey Garden transcends its role as a provider of fresh, organic produce; and serves as a conduit
through which crucial lessons about sustainability are taught and a deeper connection to the earth
is fostered. Like the profound impact evoked by the thought-provoking documentary, The Future
of Food, and the subsequent discussions surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs), the
Atabey Garden offers us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a healthier and more conscious
existence. Through active engagement in these activities, we have come to acknowledge the utmost
significance of comprehending nature, food production, and environmental preservation. The
preservation of a pristine environment holds paramount importance in ensuring human welfare,
safeguarding ecosystems, and mitigating the detrimental ramifications of pollution on the quality
of air, water, and soil. By exerting unwavering commitment and determination, we successfully
strive towards enhancing the environment while concurrently advocating for sustainable food
production. We extend a cordial invitation to join us on this enlightening journey of discovery and
delve into the multitude of benefits that the Atabey Garden has to offer. By juxtaposing this issue
with the importance of the Atabey Garden, we intend to highlight the relevance of supporting local
initiatives and adopting responsible practices in growing our food.
Sincerely,
Bryan Correa
Jasime Gonzalez
Jorge Soto
Adlih Hernandez
Appendix A: Service log documents
Scuba Dogs
Society
CONSTANCIA DE HORAS COMUNITARIAS
Por medio de la presente hago constar que Ail:h llernandse rcalizó4 horas
de trabajo comunitario con nuestra organización como VOLUNTARIO en la Limpieza
Internacional de Costas 2023 en la costa Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas en Ponce
Los voluntarios son todos aquellas personas que asisten a las actividades de limpicza de área
natural y participan de nuestro proyeeto de Ciudadano Cientifico. Sus responsabilidades
incluyen remover la mayor cantidad de basuray documentar los desperdicios sólidos a través
de la aplicación móvil Clean Swell. Durante la limpieza, los voluntarios son cxpuestos a
momentos educativos donde se aprende sobre la importancia de remover basura y los cfectos
de la misma en nuestro ambiente y salud humana.
En Scuba Dogs Society estamos muy agradecidos por el arduo trabajo, la dedicación y cl
tiempo a nuestra obra ambiental para dejar #TulHuellaEnArmonía con la naturaleza.
Certificación otorgada el sábado, 16 de septiembre 2023.
Cordialmente.
Sandra Schleier
Coordinadora Programa A Toda Costa
Scuba Dogs Society
PO. Box 363352 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-3352
Web: [Link] /Email: atodacosta@scubadoossocietyora
University of Puerto Rico at Ponce
English Department
ENGL 4021
Service Log
Name: Adlh Hernnde ie Course Section: U3
Group/Team:
Selected service sitc:
Runt CuchnesRnc
Tasks performed:
1. Planting/ Plowing DATES: # Hous: Initiajs:
2. Composting
3. Cleaning garden, removing wecds
[Link] seedlings
5. Painting or building
6. Watering
7. Sowing
8. Other
Contribution /Donation (optional ):
CERTIFICATION
Ihercby certify that name of student
completed hours
of service at
name of farm or urban garden
Supervisor's signature: Date:
PRINTED NAME:
University of Puerto Rico at Ponce
English Department
ENGL 4021
Service Log
Name: Adlih 3. Hernándee Perez Course Section: MO%
Group/Team:
Selected service site:
tuerto Atabey
Tasks performed:
A. Planting/Plowing DATES: # Hours: Ipitils:
2. Composting
X3. Cleaning garden, removing weeds
|x\[Link] seedlings
Painting or building
6. Watering
X1. Sowing
8. Other Specify:
Contribution /Donation (optional):
CERTIFICATION
Iherebycertify that Adkh ).ternánd Yorez completed 4
name of student
hours
of service at Huer to Ato bey name of farm or urban garden
Supervisor's signature: Date: Na I023
PRINTED NAME: Shcun iz Koiguez
Appendix B: Photos
Photo 1 Photo 2
In the photo, the groups are in the process In the photo, Bryan, Adlih, and Jorge
of organizing themselves to commence the are captured diligently cleaning the
task of cleaning the coastline. coastline.
Photo taken by Jorge Soto Photo taken by Jasmine Gonzalez
September 2023 September 2023
Photo 4
Photo 3
In the photo, Jorge can be observed
In the photo, Bryan can be observed preparing the land in anticipation of the
removing the vegetative material. planting process.
Photo taken by Jasmine Gonzalez Photo taken by Jorge Soto
September 2023 September 2023
Photo 5 Photo 6
In the photo, Adlih can be seen In the photo, Bryan can be observed
preparing the land for planting. gathering vegetative material to be
used for composting.
Photo taken by Daniela Rivera Photo taken by Andrea Rodriguez
October 2023 October 2023
Photo 7
In the photo, Adlih is shown
removing vegetative material.
Photo taken by Daniela Rivera
November 2023
