General Information

Health Issues

Malaria and yellow fever are absent from Puerto Rico, but dengue fever and schistosomiasis are present in lowland areas. Neither is much of a problem in the area of El Verde. Rabies shot are recommended for those that have to handle mammals. No dangerous snakes occur in Puerto Rico. The sap of some plants (e.g. Comocladia glabra) can cause a severe reaction similar to poison ivy. Falls from slippery rocks or trees are dangerous and care should be taken in choosing footwear. Bees and wasps are sometimes found in the forest, researchers should bring their own medicines.

Recommendations for visiting researchers

What to Wear?

• Falls from slippery rocks or trees are dangerous and care should be taken in choosing footwear. Appropriate footwear should be waterproof (or easily dried) and give adequate traction on moss-covered rocks and in mud. The high temperature, rainfall and humidity should be borne in mind when selecting clothing. Umbrellas may be preferred over waterproof ponchos because of the humidity and temperature. A long-sleeved shirt or sweater may be needed at night or in air-conditioned rooms. Flashlights and batteries are necessary items and should be brought by the researcher.

Housing

• The dormitory is a “rustic” historic building that has large rooms shared by several visitors. Each room has a single bathroom with shower. We will provide bed sheets and pillows, but please bring your towel and personal items. 

Meals

• The station has fully equipped kitchens that you can use to prepare your own meals.

Internet & Mail

• Wi-Fi is available to researchers at El Verde Field Station, but speed fluctuates according to the volume of users.

• The mailbox is located at the Stream House. Anyone who gets the mail should distribute it to each person or leave it in the Administrator Office.

Personal Property

• Please know that any items you bring to El Verde Field Station are your responsibility. El Verde Field Station is in no way responsible for lost, missing, stolen, or damaged items.

Maintenance Access

• Maintenance staff is allowed access at all times to common areas for occasional and routine maintenance (e.g., kitchens, living rooms, porches). Tenants will be notified beforehand, if access to personal space (e.g. bedroom) is needed for repairs or maintenance.

Common Areas

• Please leave the space the way you found it.  Communal areas should be cleaned on a regular basis. Please make sure that communal areas are clean before you depart. Dishes should be washed and bathrooms should be clean. Outdoor areas should be kept tidy. If common areas have not been cleaned at the end of the season, all co-habiting residents may be charged the cleaning fee.