Who would expect to find a beautifully preserved nature
preserve in the middle of the largest resort development in Puerto Rico? But
that’s what we discovered when we entered the Pterocarpus Forest.
The Pterocarpus Forest nature preserve at Palmas del Mar is
a 51-acre swamp forest, one of the largest remaining swamp forests in Puerto
Rico. It serves as a habitat for 44 species of flora and 52 species of fauna, and
this is a relief to see when elsewhere in Palmas del Mar, trees are being razed
to create the latest luxury developments.
This wetland forest is named after the Pterocarpus
Officinalis tree (“Dragonsblood Tree”), which has awesome roots that
spread out majestically. It can grow more than 65 feet tall.
There’s also a lookout tower and a pond, which provide lively bird, turtle and iguana-watching.
Although Palmas is a private development, the Pterocarpus Forest is open to the public. Just tell the guard at the gate that’s where you are going. They have even been known to give out forest maps. There’s also an app that offers a walking tour of the forest.
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