Memorandum

DATE: November 22, 2023

Purpose
ENGL4021, better known as Technical Writing, is a required course within biology programs at
the University of Puerto Rico at Ponce, providing students with the necessary skills for
composing technical documents. Under the guidance of Professor Pier LeCompte Zambrana, the
emphasis is on precision, clarity, consistency, and correctness in written communication.
Spanning from August to December of 2023, the curriculum encompasses diverse technical
document elements, incorporating Minutes, Oral presentations, Trip Reports, Resume, outlines,
emails, among other projects. The culmination of the course involves applying these technical
characteristics to produce a Progress Report.
The primary objective of the Progress Report is to cultivate in students a heightened sense of
responsibility while simultaneously contributing to the promotion of education and awareness
surrounding agriculture.
Furthermore, "Huerto Atabey," facilitated through the association “Coalición de Estudiantes
Pro-Agricultura" (CEPA), places a distinct focus on demonstrating the impact of contamination
on our environment, aligning with the broader mission of fostering ecological awareness and
responsibility within the student community.
INTRODUCTORY SUMMARY
On August 7, 2023, students enrolled in ENGL 4021 Section L03, under the direction of Professor
Pier Le Compte, were assigned eight hours of community service for environmental
contribution. A group progress report, due at the end of the semester, with activities such as
cleaning and disposing trash from the Natural Reserve Las Cucharas; removing weeds, watering,
and planting, at Atabey Garden, University of Puerto Rico at Ponce. The team included Joel-
Santiago, Natalie Maldonado, Paola Berenguer, Clara Vazquez, and Luis Martínez. During the
first semester, the student's objective was to improve the quality of the garden for the
upcoming Agriculture Fair.
WORK COMPLETED
All five members of the group went to the Natural Reserve Las Cucharas and completed a total
of four hours. With the help of the organization “Reverdece y Educa a Tu Comunidad” and 125
volunteers, collected 1,021 pounds of trash. Then, each one of the group members went
individually to the Atabey Garden and completed another four hours. Some of the tasks
performed were:
I. Remove excess of grass
A. The removal of excess weed around the garden was completed using rake, shovels,
and hoes.
B. Excess grass or weeds can compete with crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight.
Removing them helps prevent competition, ensuring that the cultivated plants have
optimal conditions for growth.
II. Watering
A. Manual watering with a hose or watering was used effectively.
B. Adequate and timely watering is crucial for plant growth. It ensures that plants
receive the necessary moisture for photosynthesis, nutrient absorption, and overall health.
Insufficient or excessive watering can adversely affect crop yields.
III. Soil Preparation
A. The soil in Atabey garden was prepared for planting using a pickaxe.
B. Properly preparing the soil is fundamental for successful agriculture. It involves tasks
such as tilling, adding organic matter, and addressing soil compaction. Well-prepared soil
provides a favorable environment for root development, nutrient uptake, and water
retention.
IV. Aesthetic Improvements
A. The garden was sorted by designating clear pathways and organized planting beds.
Use appropriate signage or markers for different crops.
B. While aesthetics may not be the primary goal in agriculture, there are practical
reasons for maintaining a visually pleasing environment. Well-kept fields can contribute to
better crop management, ease of access, and overall farm organization. Additionally, an
organized and aesthetically pleasing farm may have positive effects on the overall
well-being of those working on it.
Natalie Maldonado planted yucca and removed weeds. Joel Santiago and Paola Berenguer
removed weeds and gathered white rocks to decorate around the tires. Clara Vazquez removed
weeds and created seedlings. Lastly, Luis Martínez removed the weeds from the upcycled tires
and watered the area.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
In the community service progress report on the university's beach and garden cleanup, several
issues were found that impacted the overall project. It is important to recognize these
difficulties and address them for future planning and improvement. These are some of the
problems encountered:
I. Beach Cleaning at Natural Reserve Las Cucharas:
A. Poor accessibility due to weather
B. Event started after scheduled time
II. Atabey Garden:
A. Lack of organization and planning from CEPA
B. Maintenance was limited due to weather
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the progress report demonstrates the diverse technical knowledge the students
of ENGL4021 have learned throughout the semester of August to December 2023. While
acknowledging the achievements, it is equally essential to address the encountered challenges,
such as poor accessibility during beach cleaning and a lack of organization in the Atabey Garden
by CEPA. These challenges illuminate the broader importance of continuous improvement in
community service projects. Moving forward, integrating these insights into future initiatives
will undoubtedly contribute to fostering a more effective and impactful learning environment
for both students and the community at large.
EVIDENCE
In supporting our claims and recommendations, the technical evidence utilized in this
document predominantly comprises official certifications and service logs. Official certifications
serve as concrete proof of what was done. This evidence substantiates the reliability and quality
of our Progress Report. Additionally, service logs detail the maintenance history and
performance metrics, providing a comprehensive record of the work accomplished. By relying
on these authenticated documents, we enhance the credibility of our statements, ensuring a
transparent and evidence-based approach to our technical documentation.
Service log: Coastal Cleaning; Joel A. Santiago Rios
Official attendance certification: Coastal Cleanup; Joel A. Santiago Rios
Service log: Atabey garden; Joel A. Santiago Rios
Service log: Coastal Cleaning; Natalie J. Maldonado Santiago
Official attendance certification: Coastal Cleanup; Natalie J. Maldonado Santiago
Service log: Coastal Cleaning; Paola A. Berenguer Lopez
Official attendance certification: Coastal Cleanup; Paola A. Berenguer Lopez
Service log: Atabey garden; Paola A. Berenguer Lopez
Service log: Coastal Cleaning and Atabey Garden; Luis A. Martinez Santiago
Official attendance certification: Coastal Cleanup; Luis A. Martinez Santiago
Service log: Coastal Cleaning; Clara S. Vazquez Jusino
Official attendance certification: Coastal Cleanup; Clara S. Vazquez Jusino
Service log: Atabey garden; Clara S. Vazquez Jusino
Picture taken by: Prof. Pier LeCompte
Zambrana, on September 16, 2023.

Picture taken by: Prof. Pier LeCompte

Picture taken by: Adriana M. Cruz, on November 8, 2023