I put a shell on a pile of rocks because I feel one with the ocean more than the land! Where the shell guy was. (I don’t remember the name)
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
Almon’ gonna reach for the sky! This almond tree sprouting a crop of new leaves two weeks after Hurricane Irma slammed on to island gave me heart. It made me stop and admire Mother Nature for her force that snap off the branches scattered are tree’s base and for her gentleness to call on the survivors to regrow, reach … be reborn.
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
Sunshine
The beginning of a new day. Rays of hope.
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
There’s more time to share your interpretation of Rebirth. The deadline for the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest has been extended to December 31st to allow more people to share their photography and ideas about the island.
The Heritage Photo Contest and Exhibition was developed by Les Fruits de Mer to showcase local photography, and to engage residents—especially kids—in thinking about their heritage.
The theme of this year’s contest is Rebirth. It was chosen to inspire entrants to explore the nature, culture and people of this unique island through the lens of recovery and reinvention. Dozens of photos have been submitted so far this year, featuring animals, landscapes, historical buildings, local events and much more.
“There are some amazing images and stories in the online gallery for the 2017 contest,” says Les Fruits de Mer President Jenn Yerkes. “We’re excited to see so many different ideas about what rebirth looks like, so we’re giving folks a little extra time to contribute.”
The contest is free and open to every age, and everyone is welcome to enter as many times as they like. People who want to enter should submit their entries to [email protected] by December 31, 2017. Each entry should include an original photo taken on St. Martin/St. Maarten by the person entering, a brief statement explaining why the photo was chosen, the entrant’s full name, and age if under 18.
All qualifying entries will go on display in the online Heritage Gallery, and selected entries will be featured in the Heritage Photo Exhibition, which will be held this winter. Awards will be given for the winning entries in three categories: Adult, Under 18 and People’s Choice.
For more information about the Heritage Photo Contest and Exhibition, including the full rules and a sample entry, visit: https://www.lesfruitsdemer.com/category/rebirth/
Hurricanes have shaped Caribbean ecosystems for millions of years. Any plants or animals that couldn’t survive the periodic damage from these storms would have disappeared from islands like St. Martin. The native species that live here today are hurricane-ready by design.
But things have changed in recent centuries. Humans have altered the island tremendously. We have cleared forests and filled ponds. We have brought new plants and animals, and some of these compete with or consume native species. Wild spaces have become smaller and more vulnerable. Already pushed to the edge, our local habitats can use a helping hand.
Irma was a world-class showcase in the raw destructive power of nature. Somehow, in Irma’s aftermath we also became closer to nature. We were humbled by the storm. We were astounded by the speed of nature’s rebirth, especially compared to our own labored steps towards rebuilding. We realized that our existence here is a partnership with nature.
In the last few months, amidst the surviving and struggling and rebuilding, so many St. Martiners have found time to help nature. Hundreds came to get bird feeders so they could help local birds survive. Hundreds have participated in clean-ups all around the island, from the beaches to the hills. Dozens have helped plant local trees to restore habitats.
Most of these efforts existed before Irma, but have gained momentum recently. The Clean St. Martin Facebook group was started in 2016, but only began organizing weekly clean-up events this fall. Environmental Protection in the Caribbean has done a series of habitat restoration projects through the years. Their current work planting native trees on hillside and wetlands sites has captured the interest of many volunteers eager to make a difference right now.
Joining in as we clean the island and restore habitat is a great way to help nature recover from Irma. In the long term, healthier habitats are stronger when facing future hurricanes and other threats.
We also benefit when we work for nature. Healthy native forests prevent erosion. Healthy wetlands keep our seas clean and our coral reefs alive. Beautiful hillsides and beaches boost the tourism value of the island. On a more personal level, a morning outdoors planting or cleaning can make you feel really great.
Elle a disparu, rayé de la carte…
On espère qu’elle renaîtra, encore plus belle qu’elle ne l’était.
Photo prise avant Irma. #remember
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
I was in Marigot and stopped to take a few photos of houses and other buildings there. As you can see, there is a lot of interesting local design and architecture there. There are also a lot of buildings at risk. Take a look, and get in touch if you have any interesting stories about houses in Marigot.
Little Key is a tiny island in the Simpson Bay Lagoon. We visited the other day to take a look at how it is doing after Hurricane Irma and document some of the plants and animals living on the island. Meanwhile, EPIC, the Nature Foundation and a bunch of volunteers were planting mangroves near the islet. Below are some photos and a short video from Little Key.
Wherever my story takes me, however dark and difficult the theme, there is always some hope and redemption, not because readers like happy endings, but because I am an optimist at heart. I know the sun will rise in the morning, that there is a light at the end of every tunnel.
Shot taken in Nettle bay, in the destroyed homes ..
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
Tu n’es pas tout seul l’ami.
Cette route est une des plus belles routes de Saint Martin. La route de la Baie Lucas longe le bord de la mer, et cette zone est entièrement sous réserve naturelle, il n’y a donc quasiment aucune construction et la nature y est sauvage.
Photo prise avant Irma. #remember
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
Un endroit beaucoup bien reposant, l’observatoire des baleines.
Cette image est ma première tentative de photo des étoiles ! Ce qui est vraiment cool, c’est qu’une voiture à fait demi-tour, éclairant l’observatoire comme il le fallait !
Si vous aimez la nature, les belles couleurs, le calme, cet endroit est un must !
Photo prise avant Irma. #remember
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
“La vie va renaître ! on s’y emploie !”
Cette photo montre que la nature reprend toujours le dessus même après les pires catastrophes naturelles.
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
Shot taken of kids in Sandy Ground. The look in their eye says it all. The future is in the hand of our future generations and we shall do anything to make their life as easy as possible.
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
Oyster Pond´s Rebirth : SALVAGING
After a major hurricane cat 5++ nature started its rebirth and with each day we could witness that our beloved island became green again. With each boat that was salvaged the marina became cleaner, with each crane the process was quicker and with each barge the salvaging went faster.
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
J’ai pris cette photo en rentrant du travail. Je me demandais “À quoi peut bien ressembler Quartier depuis le haut de cette antenne ?”. Ni une ni deux, je me suis arrêter et j’ai grimper là-haut pour voir ça. La gendarmerie c’est arrêté quelque minute après, j’ai bien failli avoir beaucoup d’ennuis ce jour ci ! Mais pas de regret, je voulais voir Quartier de ce point de vue absolument avant mon départ.
On espère que Quartier d’Orléans retrouvera toutes ses couleurs. Pour la joie de vivre des habitants, je sais qu’elle sera toujours présente !
Photo prise avant Irma. #remember
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
Photo prise en haut de la colline Red Rock. On peut voir le spot de surf connu “Wilderness” ainsi qu’un bout de la plage des Petites Cayes.
Je me souviendrai de cette marche à vie, les herbes mesuraient entre 1 et 2 mètres de haut, et nous avions dû marcher à travers pendant plusieurs heures pour se rendre sur cette pointe là !
Photo prise avant Irma. #remember
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
Sunrise photo !
Le club Aquarius fut détruit en 1995 par le cyclone Luis et abandonné par la suite.
Pour la jeunesse d’Oyster-Pond, c’est notre parc de jeux, on y est tous allé découvrir les sous-sols, la piscine vide, construit des rampes pour faire du skateboard et du vélo !
Comme quoi, aucun endroit ne meurt.
Photo prise avant Irma. #remember
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
Avant Irma, j’allais me promener souvent à Pic Paradis, et je méditais tranquillement sur le point le plus haut de Saint Martin, une des antennes France Telecom.
Elles reviendront dominer le sommet de Saint-Martin avec leurs petits point rouge la nuit !
#remember
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
Behind every difficult situation of life : There is always a way to turn things upside down and especially by using Sarcasm to deal with it. I don’t know who put that Teddy bear on that chair but I’m sure that it was a way of taking a step back after everything that had happened.
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
Papa et maman ont survécu à Irma ! Nul doute qu’ils repeupleront l’île au printemps prochain !
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
Picture taken during a electricity cut on the french side, we can clearly see the stars because there was no light pollution and a really beautiful sky.
To me it proves that behind darkness is always light .. Hope behind tears
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
This photo reflects the hope after the destruction. At the beginning after Hurricane Irma everything was darkness, desolation and anguish. However, if you pay attention and see the future, the light will start to appear, showing that even after a tragedy is possible to stand up and find a new way that will help us to overcome and build everytime a stronger sxm.
And this picture is exactly what happened, I took the picture in the darkness during the midnight, but after 2 minutes you can star seeing what is invisible to the eyes, the light, the new hope.
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
How did Edward take a photo like this at night? The technical information is not required for the contest, but he shared it with us, so we will share it with you. It looks like the exposure was over two minutes long:
The picture was taken before Irma.
Place: Mont Vernon (Orient Bay – French side)
Is possible to see St. Barth in the right corner.
Camera: Nikon D7100
Lens: 15-55 mm
Focal distance: 55mm
Focus mode: Manual
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure time: 123.4s
ISO: 100
Color Temperature – manual: 4760k
Hurricanes are a great force of transformation. In the Caribbean, they are often the milestones in our collective memory: before Donna, between Luis and Lenny, after Irma. Towns change after a hurricane and nature does, too.
There are many natural changes that are associated with Hurricane Luis in 1995. Many will tell you that the bright red Oleander Moth arrived at this time. Others add the Green Iguana and the Giant African Land Snail, too. Some trace today’s Vervet Monkey population to individuals that escaped during Luis. Many recount the lack of birds after Luis, particularly hummingbirds and Sugar Birds.
It is hard to tell how accurate these stories are. Some may be coincidences. It is natural to connect events from the same time period with a major event like Luis or Irma. In other cases, these stories can be true. Hurricane winds and waves do bring animals from island to island on occasion. Huge amounts of material are also shipped in during the rebuilding period. New species often hitch a ride with building materials and trees for landscaping.
At this very moment, there may be changes happening that will change nature on the island forever. But we will never know exactly what they are.
Nature on St. Martin is special. There’s nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world. There are species that live only here. There habitats that don’t have an exact match on any other island. It should be something worth studying, but we don’t really study it a lot.
To understand the impact of a hurricane like Irma, we need to study the plants and animals of St. Martin all the time. We need to know what a normal year is like and what a dry year is like. We need to measure changes over time. Scientists might call this the baseline data—the normal, the before.
Ideally, there would also be research teams on the ground immediately after Irma to study what is happening to natural systems. How are trees and plants growing back? How did bird numbers change after the storm? How has debris changed water quality in ponds? Are invasive species spreading? This work would be in addition to rescue efforts to help the people of the island, and some of the information might help keep people safe and healthy.
We missed an opportunity to learn about nature, and it happens all the time. As our most urgent recovery needs are met, we should work towards understanding our own island better. We will never know exactly what Irma did to nature on St. Martin, but perhaps next time we will.
Trampled by Turtles
Over sixty sea turtles hatched the night before December 1st. It was a great way to go into the holiday season: with a renewed spirit and tiny trails across the sand. This photo captures their exit from the nest, as many still have sand covering their faces. It was a quick few minutes to army crawl their way to the water, before they vanished into the sea.
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
Turtle Plunge
In November, we witnessed the birth of many sea turtles. Debris was strewn across the nests, so we made sure to uncover and clear what we could. This eager, little guy was up and ready to make his journey at sunset. (Early turtle gets the seagrass?) Once he entered the water the waves quickly greeted him and swept him on his way.
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
The sound of hammers and saws fills the air in Grand Case and around the island. But many homes and buildings are still exposed to the elements. How many of these buildings will deteriorate past the point of saving if they are left uncovered. How will that change the look and character of streets and towns on St. Martin?
We are hoping to document this aspect of the Hurricane Irma aftermath and recovery. Which homes and buildings best reflect local architecture and building traditions? How can we recognize and protect buildings that may not be old enough to qualify as “historical” but do represent part of St. Martin’s unique heritage? We aren’t sure exactly what form this project will take, but we are starting to document local buildings with a focus on homes. We will also work on cataloging some of the elements that best reflect unique local traditions. Down the road, perhaps we can follow a selection of buildings over the coming months and years to see how they are saved or lost, and how streets and towns are transformed as a result.
We welcome anyone who would like to get involved with this project. Just get in touch!
Nature lovers—and perhaps even casual observers—may have noticed some unusual animals on St. Martin after Hurricane Irma. There are a few different reasons why animals we don’t usually see here may be on the island, or more visible than usual.
Hurricanes can bring animals with them, especially birds. Birds can be trapped in the eye of a hurricane for hours or days, forced to move with the storm. There have been many cases where hurricanes have deposited birds far from their home or migratory destination.
Some unusual sightings after Irma could be birds brought from islands the storm passed on its way here. However, this would be difficult to know for sure because those islands—like Barbuda—mostly have the same birds that live here.
Migratory birds can be thrown off course by hurricanes. Needing rest after flying near or through a storm, they may stop in unfamiliar destinations. A small flock of American Golden Plovers was seen for the first time on Statia just after Irma. This species prefers wetlands, which Statia lacks, so they moved on quickly.
Birds can also change their behavior after a hurricane in ways that make them easier to see. Scaly-naped and White-crowned Pigeons have been seen in urban areas on several islands after Irma, including St. Martin. While these species are native, they prefer forested hilltops. The destruction of their habitat may have brought them down in search of food.
Domesticated animals set loose by the hurricane aren’t exactly wildlife, but they could become wild. Free-roaming pigs made headlines several times before they were recaptured. We were visited by a Cockatiel and a Lovebird during the weeks after Irma. Like many native birds, they had come to us for food. Friends saw a rabbit hopping around Simpson Bay.
Native species tend to find their way after a storm. They will continue their migration or head back to their homes in the hills as the forests recover. Hopefully lost pets and livestock will find their way home as well. If they don’t some—feral pigs, for example—can have the potential to become dangerous to both man and nature.
After another fun and successful Migratory Bird Festival, we would like to give a quick “Thank you!” to the press for supporting the event by getting the word out. We appreciate it greatly, and we encourage St. Martiners to support their local press, particularly during this challenging economic time.
Here is some of the press coverage from the event:
The Daily Herald, November 2017
97150, November 2017
Le Pélican Journal, November 2017
97150, November 2017
SXM Fax Info, November 2017
Le Pélican Journal, November 2017
Soualiga Newsday
St. Maarten News
St. Martin Network News
The Daily Herald
BirdsCaribbean
SXM Island Time
Soualiga Newsday
St. Martin Network News
Le Pélican
SXM Island Time
St. Maarten News
SXM Fax Info
Soualiga Newsday
St. Martin Network News
Caribbean News Service
Le Pélican
People of all ages flocked to Friar’s Bay to celebrate St. Martin’s nature and enjoy fun activities at Les Fruits de Mer’s 2017 Migratory Bird Festival, which was held this past Saturday at Kali’s Beach Bar.
The festival’s 2017 theme was “Welcome back!” to the island’s migratory birds and habitats that are recovering from the hurricane. The event also welcomed people back to the natural beauty of Friar’s Bay, and brought some to the French side of the island for the first time since Irma.
“It was a gorgeous day, and there was fantastic birdwatching on the pond! People were able to see migratory species like Greater Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpipers and Blue-winged Teal ducks, and year-round resident species like Snowy Egrets and Caribbean Coots,” said Les Fruits de Mer co-founder Mark Yokoyama.
Professional birding guide Binkie van Es helped event-goers discover local birds at the festival’s birdwatching station. Adults and kids also learned how to use binoculars and wildlife-spotting scopes to get up-close views of the birds.
The event’s calabash bird feeder craft was also a big hit. Festival guests painted their own feeders to take home with free birdseed to help provide food for birds while habitats continue to recover.
The Portable Pond Discovery Station drew a constant crowd as well, showcasing the tiny creatures that migratory birds come to the island to eat. Visitors young and old were surprised to learn how many flying insects, like dragonflies, begin their life in the water.
Event-goers found out how native trees and plants protect shorelines, and provide habitat for birds, from EPIC volunteers at the Restoration Station. Volunteers from Anguilla National Trust came over for the day to assist and share their knowledge about birds and nature. A team of youth volunteers from the Rotary Interact Club of St. Dominic High School also came to help out at the event.
“We were thrilled to have so many people come out to the festival, and we’re super grateful that we had so many volunteers at a time when everyone’s so busy with their recovery work. We also couldn’t have done it without our event sponsors, BirdsCaribbean, BZSE, Caribbean Paddling, Delta Petroleum, Lagoonies Bistro and Bar, Tri-sport and Van Dorp,” said Les Fruits de Mer President Jenn Yerkes. “People really came together to make this event happen for the island when times are tough for everyone, and it was amazing.”
We were lucky to have a beautiful day, a great location and a wonderful crowd at this year’s Migratory Bird Festival. We also had some talented photographers capturing the moment. Enjoy these photos from Tim Cam and Chanchal Sharma!
We just want to give a special thanks to the members of St. Dominic High School Interact Club who volunteered at this year’s Migratory Bird Festival. They gave us a lot of help setting up the event and taking photos as well. Here are a few photos from Interact President Naisha Lalwani and Interact member Jonaliza Matinguha.
Every fall, birds come to St. Martin—thousands of individual birds from dozens of different species. These migratory birds come from North America. As it gets colder up there and food begins to get scarce, they head to the Caribbean. Many of them will stay until April or May.
Migratory birds that were already here may have left before the storm. Although they can’t read the weather report, birds can sense changes in air pressure. Feeling the storm coming, they may have traveled to another island out of Irma’s path. For these long distance voyagers, hopping over to a nearby island is easy.
Although birds tend to avoid storms, some do get caught in hurricanes. They can be trapped inside the calm eye of the hurricane with high winds forming a wall around them. In some cases, there are so many birds they can be seen in the radar images of the storm. When this happens, birds that survive may end up well off course.
Thanks to tiny satellite trackers small enough for a bird to wear, we have actually seen what happens when birds get stuck in a hurricane. Several Whimbrels—a medium-sized wading bird that eats small crabs—have been monitored as they passed through major storms. Some skirted the edge of a hurricane, while others struggled against strong winds for hours before eventually making it out. After their ordeal, they will often stop to rest, even if they are not at their usual destination.
Many birds have also arrived after Irma. Visiting St. Martin’s ponds, one can see a variety of different species. Shorebirds, like the Whimbrel, Lesser Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper and Black-bellied Plover can be seen foraging along the shore. Out in the water, Blue-winged Teals mingle with local ducks. High above, the Osprey hunts for fish.
Although most of our usual migratory friends are here, it does look like they are fewer in number this year. Some may have found less food if they arrived right after the passing of Irma. Others may have been disturbed by human activity. Large piles of debris were made near many of the ponds, with the constant activity of heavy machinery.
For those birds that are here, rapidly recovering ponds and mangroves should offer quite the buffet of fish, crab and other foods. We welcome them back to our island to share in its recovery.
While St. Martin waits for tourists to return, the island’s other seasonal guests have been quietly arriving. Migratory birds travel thousands of miles every year to spend the winter here. The fifth-annual Migratory Bird Festival celebrates these birds from 9am to noon on Saturday, November 25th at Kali’s Beach Bar in Friar’s Bay. The event is free and open to all.
“Welcome back! is our theme this year,” explained Jenn Yerkes, President of Les Fruits de Mer, the association that organizes the festival. “We’re welcoming back the birds, and after the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma, we’re also welcoming back the natural spaces of the island as they recover.”
The location at Friar’s Bay was chosen because it offers excellent viewing access to Guichard Pond. At the Birdwatching Station, festival-goers will get to see the migratory birds that live on the pond and explore how the mangrove trees are recovering. Attendees will learn more about native trees and their recovery at the Restoration Station, hosted by EPIC (Environmental Protection in the Caribbean). The Portable Pond Discovery Station will offer an up-close look at the aquatic critters that many migratory birds eat. These tiny, fascinating creatures are another important part of the wetland ecosystem.
The event’s Art Activity Station will have fun wildlife-themed coloring for kids, as well as a special bird feeder craft for people of all ages. Guests big and small are invited to paint bird feeders made from calabash, and bring them home along with bird seed to help out birds throughout the year.
The 2017 Migratory Bird Festival will be held on Saturday, November 25th from 9am to noon at Kali’s Beach Bar in Friar’s Bay. The festival is brought to you by Les Fruits de Mer, and the 2017 edition is made possible thanks to our sponsors: BirdsCaribbean, BZSE, Caribbean Paddling, Delta Petroleum, Lagoonies Bistro and Bar, Tri-sport and Van Dorp. It is a free event and people of all ages are invited to attend. Get all the details at: https://www.lesfruitsdemer.com/events/migratory-bird-festival/
We are grateful to have such a great team of partners this year. EPIC will be hosting a Restoration Station where you can learn how native trees can help the island. You can even learn how to participate in the restoration projects EPIC is doing right now. Anguilla National Trust is joining us for the third year in a row as part of our volunteer team. Environment for the Americas contributes materials and support for migratory bird events throughout the Western Hemisphere. Kali’s Beach Bar is our location this year.
Kali’s Beach Bar
A St. Martin institution since 1980, Kali’s Beach Bar on Friar’s Bay is well-known for great food, cold drinks and its full moon parties. When you come to the festival, be sure to bring your swimsuit and enjoy the beach at Kali’s.
Kali’s Beach Bar
Environmental Protection in the Caribbean
Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) is a non-profit organization registered in St. Maarten and the United States. Founded in 2000 with the mission to protect the Caribbean environment through research and community-based action, EPIC has conducted long-term studies on the birds of the island while working to raise awareness of bird conservation issues.
http://www.epicislands.org
Anguilla National Trust
The Anguilla National Trust (ANT) was founded in 1989 with the mandate to sustain the island’s natural and cultural heritage through active management and education for the benefit of today’s and tomorrow’s generations. It has been instrumental in the creation of Anguilla’s national parks, conservation areas, and heritage sites and continues to be involved in their day-to-day management. It conducts essential research and conservation work, including habitat and species monitoring. It works year-round to raise public awareness about the fragility, complexity, and beauty of the island’s natural and cultural resources. Above all, it acts as voice for Anguilla’s national heritage.
http://www.axanationaltrust.com
Environment for the Americas
From Argentina to Canada and the Caribbean, Environment for the Americas is on the ground, working with diverse partners to help participants protect our shared natural resources and to train the next generation of conservationists. Environment for the Americas is the coordinator for International Migratory Bird Day events across the Western Hemisphere.
http://www.environmentamericas.org
Our garden was a lush tropical jungle before Hurricane Irma.
After Irma, the garden was broken, brown, and dead.
Mother Nature took it all away but Mother Nature is now giving it back and plants are beginning to bloom again.
This is a Calliandra, commonly called powder puff.
I am seeing pink in the garden in many places now.
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
We’re excited to have BirdsCaribbean as a returning sponsor of the Migratory Bird Festival! They are a regional organization that has really stepped up to support work in the Caribbean at a time when it is harder for local sponsors to do so.
You can join us for the festival on Saturday, November 25th from 9am to noon at Kali’s Beach Bar in Friar’s Bay. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors the festival is free for all. Come learn about the birds that travel thousands of miles to come here each year and the habitats that they depend on. There will be fun activities for people of all ages. Get all the info on our website or on the Facebook event page. Invite your friends and family!
About BirdsCaribbean
BirdsCaribbean is a vibrant international network of members and partners committed to conserving Caribbean birds and their habitats. They raise awareness, promote sound science, and empower local partners to build a region where people appreciate, conserve and benefit from thriving bird populations and ecosystems. They are a non-profit (501 (c) 3) membership organization. More than 100,000 people participate in their programmes each year, making BirdsCaribbean the most broad-based conservation organization in the region.
http://www.birdscaribbean.org
We’re going to be on Island 92 today (Tuesday) at 9:15am. Tune in to find out about the event and probably many other interesting things!
We’re excited to have Van Dorp as a new sponsor of the Migratory Bird Festival! It makes us feel great that even during difficult times, they still feel this is an important event to support.
You can join us for the festival on Saturday, November 25th from 9am to noon at Kali’s Beach Bar in Friar’s Bay. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors the festival is free for all. Come learn about the birds that travel thousands of miles to come here each year and the habitats that they depend on. There will be fun activities for people of all ages. Get all the info on our website or on the Facebook event page. Invite your friends and family!
About Van Dorp
Whether you’re stocking your office or getting ready to paint your masterpiece, you’ll find what you need at Van Dorp. They carry a wide selection of high-quality office, school and art supplies. Van Dorp also a great place to find local books written on or about St. Martin and the Caribbean. Stop by their stores in Madame Estate or Simpson Bay.
Van Dorp
Rebirth of Paradise
This photo was taken on September 23, 2017 while walking the Guana Bay trail from Pointe Blanche to Guana Bay and back.
For me this photo shows the rebirth of nature. This photo shows the beauty and resilience of Sint Maarten 17 days after the passing of Irma and 3 days after Maria. It shows a bizarre variety of the elements compared to two weeks and two days earlier. It shows rebirth in all her beauty.
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
La nature quelques semaines après le passage d’ IRMA .
Sur les hauts de Concordia .
This is an entry in the 2017 Heritage Photo Contest. Our theme this year is Rebirth. View all the entries in the online gallery, learn more and find out how to enter here.
