Magazine Editor's Journal Notes

Voyage I

Volume I, Issue 1 (February 2016)

Welcome! We are thrilled to celebrate our first issue of ecotreasures online magazine in the fields of tourism, travel and entertainment.

Finally, after many years of hard work we are able to offer you the opportunity to read about wonderful ecotreasures as per your preferences and passion. You may read about environmental places, attractions, and resources and their ecosystem and diverse outdoor adventures, recreations and activities that revolve around the ecotreasures at hand. Likewise, you may read about other recreational and leisure places, attractions and activities.

The ecotreasures magazine also covers history and culture topics related to the destination covered per issue.

We are true believers that a destination’s natural resources and surroundings and its culture are one. Nature is represented by its ecosystem, which includes people, among other interacting organisms. Culture is represented by the local people. Nature as a whole and people cohabitate and depend on each other for their well-being. Thus, nature becomes part of the people and people become part of nature. As these intertwine, people represent nature and culture at the same time. The ecotreasures magazine strives to enlighten you with rich content about both topics.

As we render you ecotreasures content through our magazine, we encourage both the locals and the tourists to immerse in the natural surroundings and cultural amusements of the places visited, and the tourists to become travelers and interact with locals.

We have designed the ecotreasures online magazine in a user-friendly way that allows you to easily find the content of your interest depending on the type of adventures, recreations and activities you like or may be interested to discover for the first time. Check out the sections named “nature encounters”, “extreme adventures”, “water sports”, “agri-tourism”, “eco”, and “culture”. You also have the chance to learn about ecotreasures attractions, recreations and activities for kids under the “kids” magazine content pages.

Under the “eco” section, you will find content regarding attractions, places or environmental and natural resources where ecotouristic or environmental conservation and protection practices are implemented. Ecotourism not only involves these practices, but also builds appreciation for the cultural heritage related to the tourist attraction or place visited and fosters or supports economic development of the communities nearby the tourist attraction or place.

Take advantage of the information ecotreasures magazine brings at your fingertips not only while you read the main content of each article, but also the content displayed nearby. We invite you to browse the photo galleries of each article and dig into subsections named “ delve ! ”, “tips”, “what to bring”, and “where the crew ate”, among others, found at the sidebar of each article page.

For our first issue of ecotreasures magazine, we take you on a journey to the island of Puerto Rico, encompassing outdoor recreations and adventures at the southeast and north sides of this island as well as its countryside.

Enjoy reading the feature article: “Puerto Rico’’s ecotreasures” as well as the other explorations in this island.

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Editor’s Journal Notes

Voyage 1

Volume 1, Issue 2 (March 2016)

As part of our celebration of the launching of ecotreasures website and magazine during February 2016, we decided to publish the magazine’s second edition on March. For the March issue, we continued our voyage to discover more about the island of Puerto Rico.

This issue’s articles bring you interesting information about what you may discover when you get curious and ask for more, such as in our hiking tour at El Yunque Rainforest, about the wonders of a precious canyon in the Municipalities of Barranquitas and Aibonito, and about the resulting effects of stand up paddleboarding on a beautiful huge lagoon.

Also, we continue narrating our experience at Hacienda Tres Angeles, providing you with detailed information about the processing of the coffee beans and further elaboration that is essential for the high quality and savory coffee that you may drink in such coffee plantation.

We also continue sharing our experience at the Museum of the Americas with respect to what we learned about Puerto Rican’s African heritage. Our kayaking eco-cultural experience in the Municipality of Loíza and a kids’ arts and crafts workshop in the Río Piedras Botanical Garden were a perfect combination of experiences to promote and honor Puerto Rican’s African heritage.

We encourage you to read our second magazine issue and become an ecotreasures patron.

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Editor’s Journal Notes

Voyage 1

Volume 1, Issue 3 (June 2016)

For this issue, we continued our voyage in the island of Puerto Rico.

As you read about diverse outdoor recreations to experience in this island, you will learn how the natural resource of water tends to result in one of the main amenities. You have various options to appreciate this natural resource and the ecotreasures nearby, depending on your interests.

You may appreciate beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the flora next to the beach while biking on the Piñones Boardwalk nearby the metro area. Also, you will be able to discover a different habitat while biking on Piñones Forest trails.

To experience amazing underwater ecotreasures, you may dive at the western side of the island in waters nearby the city of Mayagüez. Learn how we unveil this location as a diving destination.

For those whose passion are extreme adventures, read about the wonders of a private forest in Arecibo Municipality and where the Tanamá River is the highlight.

To learn about a protected natural reserve where you may appreciate a variety of lagoons and channels, you may hike on the Humacao Nature Reserve trails. Besides an environmental interpretation provided by a local, you will learn about a landmark spot that was important for the island’s protection against enemy attacks during the Second World War.

This issue’s journey also involved a trip to the countryside of Puerto Rico where we admired the produce of a farm that implements ecological farming practices in Aibonito Municipality. We invite you to read about the edible flowers available at Siembra Tres Vidas Farm.

Also, we let you know how to cook the famous mofongo, an icon of Puerto Rico’s gastronomic culture. Read the recipe from a retired Puerto Rican chef that cooks the most delicious mofongo we have ever eaten!

As we recognize the importance of kids’ learning about the history behind a destination, we share a playdate experience at the San Juan National Historic Site’s Discovery Center.

Finally, our feature article illustrates how a visit to El Morro Fort’s landscape may revitalize you and your loved ones.

Enjoy ecotreasures!

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Editor’s Journal Notes

Voyage 1

Volume 1, Issue 4 (September 2016)

This magazine issue’s articles cover places, activities, and projects that in one way or another have been established or achieved due to a common denominator: determination. Determined people are those who persevere to accomplish their goals. Determination is necessary to create special projects, beat the unknown, dare yourself or fulfill any dream.

Determined people made possible the protection of an area designated as the Inés María Mendoza Nature Reserve, an area that we discovered during our voyage in the island of Puerto Rico. This protected natural resource, also known as Punta Yeguas, is home of an impressive cassava plantation, a dream come true as a result of YUCAE Committee’s determination to establish the YUCAE Project’s agroecological farm.

Determination played a major role for the successful establishment of Casa Sol, a sustainable bed & breakfast lodging in Old San Juan. Casa Sol is located in the main historic district of Puerto Rico, also known as the Walled City. A limestone wall used to surround this old city as a result of the Spaniard’s determination to protect the city from foreigners’ attacks. The current remains of the wall are proof of such determination.

A key factor to achieve new activities or difficult outdoor recreations that require skills, courage or strength is determination. To overcome the challenges of Toro Salvaje tour in Toro Verde Park or to take a surf lesson for the first time and ride a wave requires the nonstop-attitude of determined people. Also, a child riding a horse (even if it is similar to a pony ride) is determined to ride the horse and enjoy the experience during the whole time.

Further, determination is sensed every step of the way as you walk on Calle Loíza, an urban street in the City of San Juan. Brave restaurateurs and entrepreneurs have placed bets on themselves and the revitalization of Calle Loíza.

We exhort you to read this issue’s articles to find out about the above-mentioned places, activities and projects.

Enjoy the ecotreasures discovery!

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Editor’s Journal Notes

Voyage 1

Volume 1, Issue 5 (December 2016)

The explorations made by ecotreasures in Puerto Rico for purposes of this magazine’s issue resulted in one-on-one experiences with nature or nature-derived products, either per se or just by feeling.

You may feel such type of experience while volunteering to do a bird count in Luyando Farm, located in Puerto Rico’s Northern Karst Region, or hiking in Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve surrounded by very different ecosystems such as mangroves, wetlands, salt flats, a dry forest and the beautiful Jobos Bay on the southern side of the island. Likewise, an extreme adventure in a hidden private forest, located not too far from the Capital City, may allow you to feel part of the forest.

Also, we let you know how to indulge your senses by either savoring artisanal and organic pure dark chocolate produced on the western side of Puerto Rico, drinking a shot of an aromatic and flavorful alcoholic drink mainly made of coconut and known as “coquito”, or tasting one of the best coffees served in the island.

In addition, we specify beaches in Puerto Rico where surfer travelers may experience their one-on-one encounter with great surf breaks and waves, according to Puerto Rico’s champion and gold medalist surfer, Carlos Cabrero.

Kids also need to engage in special activities. We inform about our experience in the Bull Maze rope-course structure in Toro Verde, where we perceived kids’ joy as they overcame the challenging elements on their own.

Hope you like the ecotreasures topics covered in this magazine’s issue. Wish you the best for the New Year!

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Editor’s Journal Notes

Voyage 1

Volume 2, Issue 1 (April 2017)

We all need to take a breather from daily tasks. This issue of ecotreasures magazine covers experiences and activities which essence is what you and everyone else long for: relaxation.

Whether you are planning your next getaway or are a local or traveler in Puerto Rico, you may like reading about leisure activities to do in this Caribbean island in order to finally unwind. For instance, driving on a panoramic route and visiting special spots in the Flower City, Aibonito, is a calm sightseeing trip. Enriching your knowledge as you walk in an agritourism spot in the city of Caguas and learn about alternative farming techniques and more, or as you visit a former sugarcane hacienda where you may be transported back to the 19th century, are other entertaining distractions to consider. If you wish to engage in a recreation in a place where kids may be enlightened in a tranquil environment, a guided hiking tour in the Santa Ana Forest is a great option.

For an all-around pampering experience, a sailing trip nearby the eastern side of Puerto Rico might be just what you need to schedule with the sailboat crew that exceeded our expectations. On the other hand, those who prefer to relax while engaging in an activity that requires physical effort, technical skills, and a calm state of mind, may be attracted to a tropical bird’s-eye-view at the top of Puerto Rico’s sport climbing spots.

In addition, good food is always an alternative for comfort. You may read ecotreasures feature article to find out about Puerto Rican coconut drinks and confections.

In order to have the privilege to peacefully distract while enjoying natural resources and their fruit, we all need to do our bit for the benefit of environmental conservation. We hope that you apply and share the basic eco-friendly guidelines listed in an article published in the eco section of ecotreasures magazine.

Read and learn about serene attractions that let you discover ecotreasures in Puerto Rico.

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

NOTICE:

The next issue of ecotreasures magazine has been postponed until August 2017 due to circumstances out of our control.

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage 1

Volume 2, Issue 2 (August 2017)

Memorable—that is the best word to describe the experiences or topics shared through this ecotreasures magazine’s issue.

We will never forget our camping adventure along with proficient campers in a hidden eco-friendly campsite surrounded by wonderful sceneries in the countryside of Puerto Rico, our volunteer experience at the Puerto Rico Manatee Conservation Center where we witnessed a true commitment to take care of rescued manatees, and a worldwide bodyboard champion’s glow and positive vibes as she gave a basic bodyboard lesson to a kid whose cheer and excitement was priceless.

A rock climber cherishes the rediscovery of a crag in Salinas, Puerto Rico, and resulting amazement. Likewise, we hold dearly the flavors of a baked red snapper which recipe we share, and a delicious “Boriquiche” savored at an agricultural market in Cayey, Puerto Rico.

We share some of our memories from scuba dive courses given by one of the most experienced instructors in the island of Puerto Rico, particularly basic dive principles that may contribute for a memorable scuba dive trip. Also, the current feature recognizes the importance of coral reefs, which beauty is worth remembering at all times.

This magazine’s issue is dedicated to two human beings who have dearly touched our lives, and whose legacy and personality will always be remembered. May you be present in our ongoing voyages to discover ecotreasures.

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage 1

Volume 2, Issue 2 (December 2017)

Volunteering for the good of nature and its ecosystems not only supports the conservation of natural resources, flora and fauna, but also represents a way for people to respect themselves and protect their well-being as they are part of nature.

Over the years, diverse entities and organizations have created pro-environmental volunteer programs worldwide. This issue of ecotreasures magazine highlights various volunteer programs that foster environmental conservation, education, research and scientific studies as well as rehabilitation of forest land, farmlands and animal life in Puerto Rico. Considering Hurricane María’s impact on Puerto Rico in September 2017, these volunteer programs are a matter of utmost importance in the island. Besides locals, travelers have the opportunity to make a difference through voluntourism so that this Caribbean island never stops shining.

Also, those who care for culture may read about the Puerto Rico Museum of Art’s volunteer program. For kids to show appreciation to Puerto Rico’s culture, we published an article for parents to read directions on how to make an artistic craft in honor of the Three Kings (who are commemorated during the Christmas season in Puerto Rico) and engage in this activity with their kids.

In addition, you may read about responsible caving principles.

We dedicate this issue to Puerto Rico as well as Puerto Ricans, who have strived for the rehabilitation of their island after Hurricane María. Following we share a poem we wrote and published in ecotreasures page in Facebook since November 2017.

El eterno encanto borinqueño

Puerto Rico brilla por el valor intrínseco de su naturaleza, cultura y gente. Su clima tropical y recursos naturales son atractivos mientras que su cultura y el calor humano del puertorriqueño se queda contigo.
La personalidad innata del boricua isleño es lo que lo hace ser puertorriqueño.

El orgullo boricua es la energía para llegar a la cima. Puerto Rico se rehabilita después de Huracán María cuando cada puertorriqueño da un paso más día a día.

Esta isla caribeña es nuestra inspiración para seguir adelante con nuestra misión. Su encanto vive en el corazón de todos quienes la abrazan con pasión.

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

© 2017 Intrepid Mesh, LLC

Voyage 1

Volume 3, Issue 1 (March 2018)

Puerto Rico is a destination to rediscover as time goes by. Green has come back to this Caribbean island after Hurricane María. You can witness the recovery process in many natural areas.

This issue of ecotreasures magazine provides lists of some of the places that are ready to be visited or re-explored in Puerto Rico. As your read the articles, you will find out about the tours and sites that you can include in your entertainment plan whether you are a traveler or local. Nature and eco-oriented activities, extreme adventures, water sports, agritourism tours, and historic sites are among the recreations available in Puerto Rico. Likewise, we summarize some of the nature and culture-oriented activities for kids to enjoy.

Be curious and read the “delve!” subsection in many articles as we remind you of some of Puerto Rico’s ecotreasures we found before Hurricane María. Mother Nature has blessed Boriquén with flora’s comeback in some natural areas, and an ongoing recovery in other sites.

Even though Puerto Rico is under a rebuilding phase in some sites, you can still enjoy the enchantment of this island through nature and locals’ warmth.

We share with you a great way to start rediscovering Puerto Rico—a tool to get fit for your nature or water sports adventures. We finally published a feature article entitled “A Basic Fitness Training for Outdoors Explorers”.

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage 1

Volume 3, Issue 2 (July 2018)

During our voyage, we have shared stories about tours and activities to seek or enjoy ecotreasures. Some of these provide great opportunities to bring together people.

Another way to socialize is to gather family members or friends who are ecotreasures ® readers and who will be willing to test their knowledge about the discoveries we have shared so far through the publication of ecotreasures stories. As you explore this magazine issue, you may delve into how you can do this and amuse yourself and the group.

Those who like to discover beyond an outdoors recreation per se may find interesting this issue’s feature article entitled “The Bonding Power Driven by Nature”.

Seek and benefit from ecotreasures.

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage 1

Volume 3, Issue 3 (November 2018)

We hope you enjoy this special issue of ecotreasures magazine as we interviewed those whose guidance makes a difference during a visit to a natural site: interpretive guides. Delve into articles published under the “nature encounters”, “extreme adventures”, “water sports” and “eco” sections to find out about viewpoints of outstanding guides, Daniel Cruz, Robert Cerpa, Christina Vázquez and Melba Ayala, in regards to Puerto Rico’s natural areas deeply nurtured by them, respectively: Punta Yeguas Nature Reserve, San Cristóbal Canyon, Humacao Nature Reserve and some bodies of water at San Juan Bay Estuary.

Check the agri-tourism article to learn about a volunteer program in a farm where agroecological practices are carried out: Siembra Tres Vidas in Aibonito, Puerto Rico. Also, you may read about and see pictures of amazing vegigante masks crafted by famous Master Artisans from Municipality of Loíza, Puerto Rico.

Those who want to carry out along with their kids an outdoor recreation in Puerto Rico, which is not time-consuming, may be interested in reading an article about the adventurer kid’s experience on a beautiful body of water in the Municipality of Carolina, Puerto Rico.

Finally, you may search for a recipe to create a memorable gift for your child to cherish and nature experiences to be remembered.

Have a good time discovering this magazine issue.

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage 1

Volume 4, Issue 1 (March 2019)

Considering we began our exploration in the island of Puerto Rico three years ago, this ecotreasures magazine issue highlights some magical nature, culture and history-related encounters experienced or discovered along the journey so far. You may find out about our top special connections with nature, culture, and history-related attractions.

Kids are also capable of connecting with nature. You may find amusing reading about the adventurer kid’s bonding with animals at the Carolina Kids Museum.

Finally, we honor through our feature article human beings’ body and senses and recognize their significance during nature and cultural experiences as well as visits to historical sites.

Start the adventure of discovering this ecotreasures ® special magazine issue.

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage 1

Volume 4, Issue 2 (July 2019)

We dedicate this magazine’s issue to the flamboyant tree (flame tree) and Puerto Ricans. Delve into our feature article to find out why this tree is a true emblem of Puerto Rican people per se.

Besides deeply connecting with flamboyant trees, our most recent journey is distinguished by our discovery of a lovely flamboyant tree route on the eastern side of Puerto Rico and stunning flame trees along a bikeway on this island’s metro area. In addition, we were surprised by fantastic optical illusions induced by nature seen during our sightseeing trip in the Municipality of Río Grande and in a cozy cavern on the Municipality of Loíza.

History also played a major role during this journey as we learned about interesting features of Castillo San Cristóbal that contributed to its outstanding strategic military design.

Cooperativa Orgánica Madre Tierra’s Organic Market impressed us in view of its agroecological and healthy products’ offer and positive vibe ambience. Those who care for their physical well being should visit this marketplace.

Finally, we share beneficial tips for nature-based tour guide businesses and organizations as well as those who engage in snorkeling. The former may benefit from reading about how they may help sustain communities near their respective tour location. Snorkeling newbies or enthusiasts may like reading about basic pointers on how to enhance their water sport experience.

Take a break and immerse in our latest ecotreasures ® writings.

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

November 2019 Editor's Special Note:

The November 2019 issue of ecotreasures magazine has been postponed to December 2019 due to some administrative changes and works. Beginning in December 2019, the magazine will be published every three months with March, June, September and December issues. We are happy to inform changes for a three-month publication as originally.

Voyage 1

Volume 4, Issue 3 (December 2019)

By the end of each year, people usually meditate about what they did and did not do during that year. Since time goes by fast and new adventures require prior scheduling, this ecotreasures ® magazine issue provides ideas for your 2020 Wish List in regards to outdoors and culture-oriented activities you may carry out in Puerto Rico during the upcoming year.

Also, you may read about various family recreations your kids may enjoy during Christmas season in Puerto Rico.

We find our feature article to be very special as it is the result of a reflection about the star we see shining in daytime: the sun. May our insights contribute to a better year for ecotreasures' audience.

Happy 2020!

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage 1

Volume 5, Issue 1 (March 2020)

At present, communities are joining their forces for survival purposes in view of the COVID-19 pandemia. Even though people are encountering worldwide a great challenge and, in some cases, unfortunate or tragic events, we believe that the current circumstances bring about an opportunity for human beings to recognize once again what is really important in this universe and be thankful for the privilege of living in planet Earth, our relationships with loved ones, and being surrounded by precious ecotreasures. The universe is reminding us that we are all equal, that we should not take for granted our loved ones, Mother Earth and our kind, humanity, and above all, that we should be compassionate about others who haven’t been able to enjoy privileges they deserve.

We share a very special feature article entitled “Be a Bridge for Our Future Memories”. We find this to be a reading for the soul.

In view of the pandemia, we have republished ecotreasures ® magazine articles in this issue in honor of some experiences enjoyed during previous years, and as a symbol of gratitude for all our outdoor and culture-and-history-related experiences.

Wishing you all the best,

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage 1

Volume 5, Issue 2 (June 2020)

The universe has been teaching us that humankind needs to be caring, patient and willing to adapt to new circumstances. Taking in consideration that protecting human beings’ health is a priority in view of COVID-19 pandemic, we must adjust our ways to immerse in nature, cultures, or history-related amusements for the time being. This ecotreasures ® magazine issue focuses on suggesting activities that may help you achieve this.

Considering natural resources’ positive impact on people’s attitude towards life, we are happy to share a feature article entitled “Wake Up and Recharge Along with Nature”. We hope its content may guide you into a better morning ritual, if needed.

Wishing you all peace and health,

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage 1

Volume 5 Issue 3 (September 2020)

If we had to describe in one word this ecotreasures ® magazine issue, it would be “motivation”. Though you need to take precautions and make adjustments in view of COVID-19 pandemic, don’t miss out on nature, history and culture as these can help nourish your mind, body and soul.

We are sharing tips to fire up those who need a push to get going on or restart nature encounters, extreme adventures, water sports and eco-oriented activities. Also, we are encouraging spontaneous outdoors recreations as we let you in on a great item: the ready-to-go-outdoors bag. Read our feature article to find out about the latter.

In addition, we are motivating you take advantage of some nature’s gifts that may help improve physical health, particularly food from the earth that helps fortify the immune system. Also, we are urging parents to do a home garden along with their kids in view of great benefits for the children beyond the crops.

Last, but not least, we share a valuable bonus of history-and-culture enlightenment.

Where there is a will, there is a way. You may just need to be sparked up.

Enjoy!

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage 1

Volume 5 Issue 4 (December 2020)

Since Puerto Rico is a great place for outdoors recreations and proper outfit for this kind of activities is important, this ecotreasures ® magazine issue suggests a variety of Puerto Rico shops that sell clothing and other gear for nature encounters, extreme adventures and water sports, including those for nature-or-water-sport enthusiast kids.

Also, you will benefit from lists of others pinpointed Puerto Rico stores that sell goods for those who want to create or maintain a home garden, for eco-or-fair-trade conscious buyers, or for those who wish to purchase quality Puerto Rican arts and crafts in honor of Puerto Rico’s nature, culture and history.
Last but not least, our feature article entitled “Seeing More than Nature’s Beauty” may guide you into gaining insights of something you may have been looking for.

So read and take advantage of this ecotreasures ® magazine issue.

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage 1

Volume 6 Issue 1 (March 2021)

Every one of our experiences discovering nature or culture is memorable. Yet, the adventures and attractions that ignited ecotreasures ® magazine as we published the first publication will always hold a special place in our heart. As we celebrate ecotreasures fifth anniversary, we honor our first publication by reviving its articles in this issue.

We invite you to join us as we go back through time.

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage 1

Volume 6 Issue 2 (June 2021)

For a long time, you have been resilient during COVID-19 pandemic and trying to enjoy life as circumstances have allowed. Though we all need to keep taking proper precautions, generally we are in a better position worldwide. The present is the time to enjoy your life because, as we all know, the past is past and the future is not and will never be your present. So let’s keep celebrating life: yours and your companions’ (that of humankind in general and nature).

With great determination as the green heron’s (highlighted in this issue’s feature article) and against all odds, we are thrilled to present an ecotreasures ® issue full of exciting discoveries and enriching content about our connections with Puerto Rico’s nature and culture.

As we want you to be astonished by this magazine issue’s articles, we won’t advance any details. Immerse in reading and let us transport you to the places we delved into.

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage 1

Volume 6 Issue 3 (September 2021)

Outdoors recreations may be rewarding in a variety of ways. Sometimes these experiences soothe the soul, or they might even be described as magical. In other occasions, a nature exploration activity can end up being very educational beyond environmental interpretation. As you read this ecotreasures ® magazine issue, you will find out how this is a testament of our most recent experiences.

Do not miss reading our feature article as it highlights a gift from the universe everyone can treasure.
Also, you will find tips on how to continue doing your bit for Mother Earth, and to prepare for a pleasant kayaking adventure.

Enjoy the reading,

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage I

Volume 6 Issue 4 (Dec. 2021)

Besides sharing with friends or family, outdoor recreations are a way to share with nature. By that, we refer to much more than taking pictures of scenic views, flora or fauna. When you are exploring nature, you are having an experience along with natural resources and living organisms besides human beings. So acknowledge their presence as if they were family or friends—respect these, enjoy their company, laugh with them, and be grateful for their existence and contribution to Planet Earth, humankind, and you.

As you read this ecotreasures ® magazine issue, notice how diverse outdoor experiences have had a positive impact in others’ lives. Joy, fun, greater appreciation of life, relaxation, pride, and learning about nature’s gifts are among the common rewards nature explorers can be thankful for.

Also, cultural amusements amazed once again. The Museum of Popular Art in Caguas, Puerto Rico, proved to be a shelter of excellent handcrafts that showcase this tropical island’s culture. You may read about this in one of the articles.

In consideration of travelers’ impact on their destinations, we also published an article for the benefit of Mother Earth and voyagers. You may read about practical waste reduction tips to follow while planning and during a trip.

Have a good time reading!

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage I

Volume 7 Issue 1 (March 2022)

As you check out this ecotreasures ® magazine issue, you will find how three Puerto Rican outdoors aficionados appreciate nature in their own special way. Also, you will be guided into our experience in Old San Juan Natural Farmers Market, and a trail to find yummy Puerto Rico mofongo.

Eco-consciousness and peace are highlighted in this magazine issue. You will find the related articles in “eco” category and the feature article.

Finally, families may have a great time reading an article about basic tips on how to create sand sculptures.

Hope you enjoy this issue!

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage I

Volume 7 Issue 2 (June 2022)

Advice, lessons, experiences, and opinions led the way for this ecotreasures ® magazine issue’s content.

Dig up and read articles that may inspire you to plan a bird-watching trip or even take lessons on how to do bird census. Content about amusing walks on two farms in Puerto Rico may entertain and even influence you to schedule guided tours, including one where kids can bond with cows.

Those who like more adventurous recreations may be interested in reading articles about sport climbing courses given by Puerto Rican well-known instructor, or Puerto Rico’s amazing dive spots suggested by a marine geologist.

If you are into seafood and are or will be in Puerto Rico, check out the article in “culture” category. You won’t regret it.

Planning a beach day? The feature article gives you hints on what else to do on the beach besides traditional amusements.

Enjoy the summer!

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage I

Volume 7 Issue 3 (September 2022)

As nature can be explored in different ways, this ecotreasures ® magazine issue lets you immerse in reading about an interesting off-road trip, landscape painting workshop for kids, curious facts about an animal seen in caves, and volunteer work programs to help nature. You may also read about Puerto Rican plantain dishes that travelers should savor during their stay.

This issue’s feature article is a special tribute to nature—we believe you will love it.

Keep exploring,

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage I

Volume 7 Issue 4 (December 2022)

Enjoy reading this ecotreasures ® magazine issue which renders a special tribute to Mother Earth.

We are grateful for the numerous outdoors experiences, and the opportunity to share them with you. We are grateful for the present as it is the only time we are living right now, and the bridge for our next moment, our next present, and our next experiences.

Happy New Year!

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage I

Volume 8 Issue 1 (March 2023)

Reenergized, uplifted, and happy—those were the general feelings as a result of our latest outdoors experiences in Puerto Rico. As you read this issue of ecotreasures magazine, you will be transported to the places we explored.

An easy-to-walk path along a river in the metro area, a not-so-difficult climbing adventure, a fantastic kayaking trip, a close encounter with plants to help them out, and a discovery of an amazing fresh sugarcane water (guarapo) filled us with joy and wonder. Also, the adventurer kid had an exhilarating experience in an extreme adventures park.

These are just examples of the topics you may read about in this magazine issue. Hope you enjoy reading it just as much as we did when preparing for this publication.

Start the adventure by discovering ecotreasures !

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage I

Volume 8 Issue 2 (June 2023)

A variety of recreations that enable appreciating nature or learning about the history and culture of communities may lead to happy memories. As commemoration of such gift of happiness granted by Mother Earth, this ecotreasures magazine issue transports you back in time while republishing certain experiences that distinguish for the nature’s beauty, grandeur and majesty admired, nature-and-history immersion, appreciation of love for culture manifested through art, and volunteers’ care for nature—pathways to find joy. In relation to this, we find valuable to republish the feature article titled “Bonding Power Driven by Nature”.

Take pleasure in reading, and search for your next pleasant and delightful adventure.

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage I

Volume 8 Issue 3 (October 2023)

As a gesture of gratitude, we pay tribute through this ecotreasures ® magazine issue to Mother Nature and the wonderful smiles she brings. We highlight the happy faces while exploring the outdoors through diverse activities or savoring delicious artisanal food mainly made of agricultural products. Also, we unveil nature’s impressive ability to smile at us.

This issue’s feature article serves as a general guide to attain the goal of delighting kids while learning about a place’s culture or history.

Hope you keep smiling and having fun.

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo

Voyage I

Volume 9 Issue 1 (March 2024)

Whether you explore the outdoors, culture or history or do a bit for Mother Earth’s well-being, the experiences are worth remembering. Laughs, challenges overcame, new knowledge and peace of mind are among the positive things you may benefit from engaging in any of these activities. That is why we cherish each of our meetings with nature, culture, and history.

After taking a trip down memory lane, we found valuable highlighting certain articles about recreations we engaged in that we believe may be relaxing and in some instances paths for introspection thanks to nature’s gifts and a historical site. Enjoy this ecotreasures ® magazine issue as you read for the first time or again these stories, and think about how the corresponding environments may be good for your mind and soul.

N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo