This project brought me back home to Jamaica’s Blue Mountains after more than six years, and it provided me with a valuable opportunity to work alongside a few cousins(whom are archeologist). This reconnection drew me closer to my roots while also providing a multidisciplinary perspective on my studies. When faced with extreme weather and equipment breakdowns, I realized the importance of introducing buffer days for more flexible sampling. The unexpected lower abundance of coffee plants at mid-elevations challenged my initial hypotheses, hinting at more complex ecological dynamics. This experience deepened my awareness of the importance of adaptation, rigorous planning, and a combination of qualitative and quantitative data in ecological research. For those who don’t know. The Blue Mountain coffee plantation is located on the east side of Jamaica, which lacks infrastructure and access. Future research on sustainable practices and the region’s socioeconomic structure should provide more information. This trip’s hardships and surprises have strengthened my appreciation for the Blue Mountains’ diverse natural tapestry. And I’m grateful to the locals who helped.