Casa Pueblo, Butterflies, and Change

Today was a travel day that ended up being so much more than that.

We started our morning bright and early — bags packed and ready to go by 8:20 a.m. After breakfast, we headed to Casa Pueblo in Adjuntas, where we were welcomed into a space that’s been central to Puerto Rican environmental activism for decades. There, we had the privilege of meeting Alexis Massol González, co-founder of Casa Pueblo with his wife, Tinti Deyá Díaz. He shared the story of how, back in 1980, they started this grassroots movement to protect Puerto Rico’s mountain forests from destructive mining efforts. Their work led to the creation of Bosque del Pueblo in 1996, and in 2002, Alexis was awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize for his environmental justice work.

During our time there, we also toured their solar energy project and saw Tinti’s butterfly garden project—she was passionate about butterflies and saw their transformation as a symbol of change and regeneration. This is a physical reminder to them of the change that they are working towards, and how despite the newness of solar power in the town, it is still the same Adjuntas.

One of the most powerful moments came when someone in our group asked Alexis what the hardest part of his journey had been. He paused for a moment and said something none of us expected: the hardest part wasn’t the science or the activism—it was changing people’s hearts and challenging a colonial mentality. Getting people to listen, to care, and to take action was the biggest battle. He reminded us of the importance of leaving a footprint wherever we go — of doing work that matters.

After our visit, we were given time to explore Adjuntas. Some of us relaxed at La Placita, others grabbed coffee or wandered through the town. Later, we returned to the hotel for lunch, then hit the road again for Salesianos in Aibonito, where we unpacked, got dinner, and had class.

It was a long day, but deeply inspiring. Casa Pueblo taught us that resistance can be peaceful, rooted in community, and driven by love—for the land, the people, and the future.

By Dani and Kat