The environmental project will benefit both students and residents of surrounding communities.
By Institutional Communications
In recognition of Earth Day, the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón presented yesterday Sagrado Bosque Urbano (Sagrado Urban Forest), a project aimed at preserving and strengthening the “green lung of Santurce.” The project is made possible through a grant awarded to the institution by the Hispanic Access Foundation.
The project integrates best scientific practices in arboriculture to improve the health of existing trees across the campus’s 34 acres, expand tree coverage, maximize ecosystem services, and promote safety for the entire community.
The initiative is led by a team of natural resources experts and is guided by an advisory council composed of Pedro J. Rodríguez Anadón, Chief Facilities Officer at Sagrado; Dr. Sofía Macchiavelli Girón, professor and academic leader in Science; student Ilenis F. Pérez Rivera from the School of Health and Sciences; and Perla Sofía Curbelo Santiago, community representative, alumna, and founder of Agrochic.
During the project’s first phase, more than 600 trees were identified on campus. Each tree was evaluated to determine its condition and maintenance needs, including pruning, fertilization, and other treatments. For the first time in Puerto Rico, technology capable of generating internal images of trees was used to detect structural issues during the assessment process. The second phase will begin in the coming months with a progressive planting plan that will extend through 2027. The project aims to plant 200 trees during the first two years and 50 during the third year.
Beyond reforesting areas lost to past weather events, another key sustainability component of the project is the use of all usable wood materials. According to Cristina Cabrera Barros, manager of the Sagrado Bosque Urbano project, the goal is to salvage all usable material and convert non-usable wood into compost, preventing it from reaching landfills.
The project also includes a key educational component within the university, as students and faculty from all disciplines will actively participate in its various phases, contributing their knowledge and strengthening experiential learning.
A Project Rooted in the Campus’ Natural History
During the project presentation, the president recounted how members of the Society of the Sacred Heart envisioned preserving an urban forest on the Santurce hill where the campus now stands. At the time, the land was known for its green spaces and was frequently visited by people walking or jogging. Years later, the vegetation suffered significant damage from Hurricanes Hugo (1989), Georges (1998), and María (2017).
Beyond the campus history, the Sagrado Urban Forest also builds upon the legacy of previous initiatives, such as those led by Professor Emeritus Francisco José Ferrer, and reflects the institution’s mission by integrating education, sustainability, and community service.
Any student or member of the university community interested in learning more about the project may contact bosqueurbano@sagrado.edu.