Estudiantes Conservando la Naturaleza: Protecting Today to Inherit a Better Future
In the January–March 2026 edition of Vallarta Lifestyles, the article Beyond Philanthropy: 7 Associations Driving Significant Impact in the Destination brought together initiatives transforming the region through various causes. Among them was Estudiantes Conservando la Naturaleza (Students Conserving Nature), a non-profit organization that has turned environmental conservation into an opportunity to inspire new generations.
Since its inception in 2019, the organization has worked to protect the Vallarta Mud Turtle (Casquito de Vallarta), the world’s smallest micro-endemic freshwater species, whose survival directly depends on the preservation of our destination’s urban lagoons. The project originated from the doctoral studies of Taggert Butterfield, now the association’s scientific director, who found an ally in Alejandra Monsiváis, general director, to solidify a mission integrating science, education, and youth development.
Over the years, the association has spearheaded monitoring, rescues, and habitat restoration actions while strengthening environmental education among children and youth. Its programs have reached nearly 9,000 students, while the Guardianes de la Casquito initiative has promoted murals, comic books, and school talks that foster knowledge and protection of this unique species.
One of its most iconic projects takes place at Laguna Tomasa, located in the Villas Universidad neighborhood—one of the key habitats for the Vallarta Mud Turtle. Thanks to conservation efforts, this space is moving toward becoming established as an ecological and educational park that will connect the community with the region’s natural wealth.
“Conserving nature means conserving the legacy we will leave to those who come after us,” shares Alejandra Monsiváis, general director of Estudiantes Conservando la Naturaleza. It is a vision reflecting how protecting the environment also means investing in the future of Puerto Vallarta and the generations that will continue to enjoy its extraordinary biodiversity.
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