The Miguel A. “Papo” Vives Heyliger Arboretum is named in honor of this self-taught educator and expert on the flora of the Puerto Rican islands. Born in the town of Quebradillas, Vives Heyliger has extensively contributed to advancing knowledge and raising awareness about the conservation of native flora in the Puerto Rican archipelago and the Caribbean. In recognition of his deep knowledge and commitment to the protection of nature, he has been dubbed the “Priest of the Forest.” His numerous discoveries and contributions to the flora of Puerto Rico earned him the prestigious Honorary Doctorate degree awarded in 2012 by the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus.
Mission
The mission of Miguel A. Vives Heyliger Arboretum is to promote the conservation of trees and native flora of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, through a collection that demonstrates the importance of protecting ecosystems. The arboretum serves as a tool for conservation, as well as education and research, with an interdisciplinary approach that studies seed propagation, plant-animal interactions, soils, phenology, life histories, landscaping, conservation biology, and planting protocols for different species.
The Collection
This collection contains over 1,000 scientifically documented trees, shrubs, and plants, representing more than 46 families and 160 species from the Seed Bank of Puerto Rico (and the Virgin Islands) and other parts of the insular Caribbean. More than 25% of the endemic tree species of Puerto Rico are grown in the collection, several of which are endangered. The collection includes plants from different ecological life zones and regions of Puerto Rico. The seeds and propagules for most of the plants are primarily obtained from natural wild populations, some located in small forest fragments with highly threatened populations.
Education
This space develops and maintains an educational and interpretive program that showcases all aspects of the plant collections and promotes knowledge about the various habitats of the Puerto Rican islands, with the purpose of supporting an ecological culture and a sense of belonging among neighboring communities and visitors. The arboretum fosters programs and publications in conservation, horticulture, botany, and natural history.
Research
This project supports and conducts research in areas such as ecology, botany, natural history, and conservation biology, among others. The arboretum’s research emphasizes long-term ex situ conservation studies and supports conservation practices.
Conservation
The arboretum advocates for the maintenance and enhancement of biological diversity within the Hacienda La Esperanza Natural Reserve. This space also plays a prominent national and international role, as it houses species of interest for conservation efforts, and maintains an exemplary representation of the genetic diversity present in natural populations. The arboretum prioritizes the ex situ conservation of plants of interest mostly from wild populations.
Interpretation of the Collections
The arboretum aims to maintain, evolve, and interpret well-documented plant collections for teaching, research, public dissemination, and public enjoyment. These initiatives are managed in collaboration with the Botanical Institute for Nature.
Recreation
The arboretum offers a place where visitors can enjoy passive recreation and where they learn, reflect, and connect with the natural world. It also enhances the overall visitor experience of the natural reserve, allowing them to enjoy the offerings of the space at their own pace.
Visit Us
To visit the arboretum, we are open from Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can call 787-722-5834 for more information.
Address: Hacienda La Esperanza Natural Reserve, 616 Cll La Esperanza, Manatí, 00674.