Volunteers needed!

Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) is looking for volunteers! Volunteers are needed to monitor plant survivability on a regular basis from October 2017 to February 2018.

With support from the European funding program, BEST 2.0, EPIC will be restoring the biodiversity of three key areas on St. Maarten. Biodiversity is the variety of life at a specific location. By reintroducing a variety of native tree species, we aim to increase plant diversity to attract a wider range of animals to the sites. By increasing biodiversity, we increase the natural resilience of an area. The restoration sites are located at Seaside Nature Park in Cay Bay, Rockland Estate in Cul de Sac (next to Emilio Wilson) and Little Key in the Simpson Bay Lagoon.

We are currently working on identifying and sourcing native plant species which will be planted at the sites in November 2017. Prior to this, in October 2017, volunteers will be trained about the importance of native biodiversity, the identification of native species, and how to monitor and care for the health of tree saplings. From November 2017 to February 2017, volunteers will be recruited to help with weekly plant monitoring and maintenance. Initially, the plants will be monitored on a twice weekly basis. This will decrease to once weekly and then to once every other week as the plants become adapted to their new environment.

Registered volunteers can sign up for workshops and/or to help on scheduled monitoring days . This is ideal for person interested in learning about botany, restoration ecology, and conservation issues... or for those who simply want to help a good cause! Drinks and snacks will be provided to keep our volunteers happy and hydrated!

** Stay tuned as more opportunities and activities are added! **

Overview of Activities:
July/August: Conduct plant and animal assessments, source native plants.
September: Clear sites and prepare for planting.
October: Train citizen-science volunteers.
November: Plant native species. Start volunteer monitoring.
December: Volunteers monitor plants.
January: Volunteers monitor plants.
February: Volunteers monitor plants.
End February: Final plant monitoring and conclusion of success/survivability.

Location
- Seaside Nature Park in Cay Bay - Rockland Estate (in Cul de Sac, next to Emilio Wilson) - Little Key in the Simpson Bay Lagoon