Three hundred Red Mangrove trees were planted on Grand Ilet in the Simpson Bay Lagoon on Saturday, April 24, 2004.  Environmental Protection In the Caribbean (EPIC) led the effort in partnership with Reserve Naturelle St. Martin.  Funding was provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation of the United States.  Technical assistance was provided by Greenfingers, NV.  The trees were planted by 22 hard-working and spirited volunteers from around the island and the world.  Many children from boats in the lagoon lent a hand as well, especially with placing rocks around the base of the seedlings to deflect waves.  The next phase of the project will be to monitor the growth of the seedlings and ensure their survival.  Boaters were encouraged to limit wake along the side of the island facing the Juliana airport, as large waves would knock over the young trees.

Unfortunately, the majority of mangrove forests which historically lined the lagoon have been cleared.  There are a few pockets remaining, but even these sites are not yet protected by law.  By planting mangroves, EPIC hopes to improve the natural environment of the lagoon while raising awareness of the importance of mangrove trees to fisheries, water quality, and shoreline stabilization. 

EPIC would  like to thank our hard working volunteers, without whom we would still be planting!!!

Glyn and Paul Frost of "Caribbean Compass" newspaper

Bogart of Island 92 FM Radio

Gary Brown of "Dock Talk" newspaper

Eric and Carleen on "Island Time"

Chris on "Altarial"

Barney and Patty Heath

Christopher Eulert

Eric Dubois-Millot

Maya, Marianne, and Michael Marchant

Mizael Ristuccia

And all the kids from the boats around Grand Ilet