A Guided Journey into Borikén’s Lush Rainforest, Its Endangered Beauty, and the Sacred Plants of the Caribbean
- Alexandria Cruz
- Mar 29, 2024
- 4 min read
Exploring the Wisdom of El Yunque with Brandon Ruiz of Yukayeke Farms
On a recent journey into the heart of Borikén, our group embarked on a guided tour of El Yunque National Forest, led by Brandon Ruiz of Yucayeke Farms. This immersive experience offered participants an in-depth look at the rich biodiversity of the Caribbean, focusing on native plants and their culinary and medicinal applications.
El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, spans nearly 29,000 acres and is renowned for its immense biological diversity. It is home to over 200 species of trees and plants, 16 of which are endemic to the forest. The forest's unique ecosystem is a sanctuary for numerous species and is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including many species found nowhere else in the world. Among its notable inhabitants is the critically endangered Puerto Rican Parrot, one of the rarest parrots globally (en.wikipedia.org), and 13 of the 16 coquí frog species native to the island, known for their iconic call, a song synonymous with Borikua culture (en.wikipedia.org). The forest also shelters the Puerto Rican Boa the island’s largest native snake, as well as around 11 unique species of bats that play crucial roles in pollination and seed dispersal. El Yunque’s diverse ecosystem includes reptiles like the Puerto Rican Giant Anole and Ground Lizard, along with over 90 bird species, such as the Puerto Rican Woodpecker and the Elfin woods Warbler (fs.usda.gov). This rich biodiversity highlights our forest’s importance as a sanctuary for Boriken's unique flora and fauna, and reminds us of the imperative of continued conservation efforts to protect these species and their habitat.
During the tour, Brandon Ruiz highlighted several native plants, detailing their traditional uses in Caribbean culture. Participants learned about the significance of these plants in local cuisine and traditional medicines, gaining a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of the forest's flora and the cultural practices of the island's inhabitants that continue today. In an Instagram post, Brandon said of this experience:
"The past week and a half was full of so much beauty and good times spent, thankful for my community and Boriken, the students and faculty at @mit_terrascope from MIT and Diné College and everybody who was involved. I got to teach students about indigenous ecology in El Yunque, our history and explore our sacred sites and be at home... [It was great] talking about tabonuco, ortiga and other native plants in El Yunque to students and the group along with visiting elders and sacred sites has been a gift" (via @yucayekefarms)
El Yunque is also home to a rich collection of Taíno petroglyphs, offering a glimpse into the island's indigenous heritage. These ancient carvings, primarily anthropomorphic, are commonly found along the rivers and streams of the forest. They depict stylized representations of people, spirits, or ancestors, with the most prevalent motif being faces. (Farm Service Agency). One significant site is the Icacos Petroglyph Group, also known as the Río Blanco Petroglyphs. This ensemble comprises carvings on four large boulders located at the confluence of the Icacos and Cubuy rivers, within the El Toro Wilderness section of the forest. The petroglyphs are estimated to date from the Chican Ostionoid period (1200-1492) and include motifs, geographical patterns, local fauna and flora, and anthropomorphic faces thought to represent Taino spirits like Yokahu and Atabey. Due to their remote location and protection by the U.S. Forest Service, the site and its environment are well-preserved (Wikipedia).
It's important to note, however, El Yunque faces significant threats that jeopardize its ecological integrity and sustainability. The sale of land within and surrounding the forest poses the most pertinent risk, potentially leading to habitat fragmentation, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of clean water resources that are vital to the region. Such developments threaten not only the environment but also the cultural heritage and livelihoods of local communities. This story broke in 2021 thanks to the independent news coverage by Bianca Graulau.
A partnership between Friends of El Yunque Foundation and two luxury hotels bordering the forest—despite its claims of supporting conservation—raises concerns about the broader impacts of such arrangements. While these hotels contribute funds to protect El Yunque, their presence highlights the growing gentrification of the island and the creeping commercialization of its natural resources. As more businesses and developers move to acquire land near El Yunque, the risk of habitat destruction, ecological imbalance, and restricted access for local communities increases. This dynamic prioritizes financial gain over sustainable stewardship, endangering the forest's integrity and the long-term health of Borikén's environment.
Efforts to safeguard El Yunque are crucial. Conservation initiatives aim to protect the forest's unique ecosystems, promote sustainable land use, and ensure that the natural and cultural resources of the area are preserved for future generations. Engaging in educational tours and supporting local conservation efforts are ways individuals can contribute to the protection of this invaluable natural treasure, we just ask that you support local guides like Brandon, who offer culturally relevant perspectives.
Brandon Ruiz is a dedicated ethnobotanist and the founder of Yucayeke Farms, an initiative focused on the cultivation and preservation of native Caribbean plants. Through sustainable farming practices and educational programs, Yucayeke Farms aims to reconnect communities with traditional agricultural methods and the rich botanical heritage of the Caribbean.
El Yunque National Forest, located in northeastern Puerto Rico, is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Covering nearly 29,000 acres, it is one of the smallest national forests by size but one of the most biologically diverse. The forest is home to a vast array of flora and fauna, including numerous endemic species, and plays a critical role in the island's ecology and water resources.
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