A Decade
Behind Us
An Ocean Ahead
The Early Years
Tracing Isla Mar’s journey from vision to impact, or How it All Started
Isla Mar began with two students who met on a field course in Puerto Rico in 2008. They returned to the island in 2011 as graduate students at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, where they discovered a shared love for teaching in the field and introducing visiting students to the island’s beauty. That passion grew into Isla Mar. Guided by a “slow and steady” philosophy, we’ve grown organically—where and when it’s been needed. Thank you for being part of the journey.
2024
We became Isla Mar Inc., officially stepping into our nonprofit role and expanding our service to include the most important future - our youth!
From First Steps to Lasting Impact
A timeline of growth, learning, and commitment to island science
2022
We planted the Seed Fund, designing and selling Isla Mar merchandise to help support local college students pursuing island science.
2015
While still in graduate school, we took a leap and started Isla Mar Research Expeditions, hosting our very first field course.
2018
We invested in ourselves and our work by purchasing a research vessel, giving our research and time on the water a true home.
Rooted in
Puerto Rico
From attending outreach events with a little table passing out lionfish ceviche, to becoming a household name. Ten years of work shaped by place, persistence, and purpose
Ten years, all year
A full year of events and activities honoring Isla Mar's first decade
Throughout the year, our 10-year celebration will feature a diverse mix of activities that reflect the many ways Isla Mar shows up in the field and beyond. These include youth education workshops, BioBlitz events, citizen science appreciation gatherings, community learning experiences, student mentoring opportunities, and moments to recognize and thank our donors—along with other activities that bring people together around island and marine science.
Grant Writing SeminarTue, Mar 17Google Meets
Rincon Under Pressure: An Urban Ecology BioBlitzSat, Apr 18Rincón Domes Trail
The Reserve After DarkSat, Apr 18Reserva Marina Tres Palmas
Breakfast with the BirdsSun, Apr 19Reserva Marina Tres Palmas
An Ocean Ahead
The next chapter of Isla Mar
01
In-School Youth Program
Building a staff and plan to bring to our youth education program into local public and private schools.
02
More Volunteer Opportunities
New ways to get involved in collecting real scientific data without heavy training or long-term commitments to a project.
03
More Field Courses, All Year
Further developing our field course program to offer unique Ridges to Reefs experiences throughout the year, not just the summer.
04
A Place to Call our Own
Yes, that's right - we are dreaming big and working to finally create our own physical facilities for education and research!
05
Summer Camps + Continued Ed
Finally, summer camps for the kids and fun, continued education and professional development programs for the parents and adults!
Show us some love
As we celebrate 10 years of Isla Mar, we’d love to hear from you.
Whether you’ve joined us in the field, learned alongside us, supported our work, or simply followed our journey, your messages mean more than you know. Share a memory, a note of encouragement, or a few words of love as we look back with gratitude and move forward with purpose.
Achieving Growth
thank you
Thank you for being part of our journey. Stay with us as we grow!
With love,
Chelsea & Evan Tuohy
