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Visit El Yunque's Punta Yegua Reserve

On 13 August 1990 the celebrated teacher and conservationist, Dona Ines Maria Mendoza Rivera de Munoz Marin, passed away. She is remembered by many Puerto Ricans as a constant and tireless foot soldier in the fight for conservation. She fought for the preservation of land, marine life and all animals. Her great legacy lives on in the walls of the school that was named in her honor and the Ines Maria Mendoza Nature Reserve. Located in the southeastern region of Puerto Rico, the Ines Maria Mendoza Nature Reserve, like many other nature reserves in Puerto Rico, creates a safe and protected haven for many endangered birds and animals of Puerto Rico.

The Ines Maria Mendoza Reserve, or Ines Maria Mendoza de Munoz Marin Reserve, overflows with endangered and rare creatures. It is unique in the sense that it has what few other reserves have. Situated on 290 acres beautiful land, the reserve features rolling, endlessly green hills, lush pastures, breathtaking sandstone cliffs and a stretch of the most endangered species of trees in Puerto Rico: the Ortegon. These trees are evergreen and stand proudly amongst the beauty and tranquility found in the reserve.

Bird species here are of great importance and environmentalists keep a close eye on species such as the Black Whiskered Vireo, the Grasshopper Sparrow, the Puerto Rican Parrot and the Puerto Rican Bull Finch. The Grasshopper Sparrow, in particular, is of great importance to the nature conservationists of Puerto Rico as this breathtaking bird is on the brink of extinction. American Kestrels can also be viewed here and add to the beauty of the reserve. As with many nature reserves in Puerto Rico, the Ines Maria Mendoza Reserve relies on the support of tourists, visitors and locals who appreciate the importance of conservation. Visiting this spectacular reserve is recommendable to all that are planning a vacation to Puerto Rico. Here you are virtually guaranteed a sighting of birds that are rarely seen and a landscape that you will always remember. Your support also assists reserves in continuing the work that is presently being done and brings hope to species like the Grasshopper Sparrow that depend on nature reserves for their survival.