San Patricio State Forest, State forest in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
San Patricio State Forest is a woodland covering 68 acres in San Juan, featuring diverse tree species and geological formations within the Northern Karst region of Puerto Rico. The land displays multiple landscape zones with sediment deposits, weathered limestone, and fossil-rich rock layers.
The land began as Finca San Patricio, an agricultural farm that later came under U.S. Army management. In August 2000, it was officially designated as a protected forest reserve.
Local environmentalists, scientists, and residents worked together to protect this natural space for research and community learning. The forest now serves as a gathering place where people can connect with nature and understand the importance of conservation in an urban setting.
Visitors can explore the forest by appointment for activities like birdwatching, guided walks, and picnicking. The site has an information center and restroom facilities available for guests.
The forest is a secondary woodland that naturally regenerated after agricultural use was abandoned on the land. This regrowth demonstrates how nature can reclaim space even in urban areas and represents an active example of forest regeneration in action.
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