Environmental Protection In the Caribbean (EPIC), St. Maarten Pride Foundation and volunteers will be planting Red Mangroves along Little Key and possibly other locations in the Simpson Bay Lagoon on Saturday February 16th with the support of Isle de Sol marina. Meeting point is in front of "The Taste Factory" across from Kim Sha beach at no later than 8:15am.
Mangrove ecosystems have significant ecological, environmental and socio-economic functions. Mangrove communities usually occur in sheltered shores and in areas where sediment is gradually trapped forming mud banks. In short, the functions of mangroves include:
Soil formation by trapping debris;
Filtering land run-off and trapping terrestrial organic matter;
Maintenance of coastal water quality;
Shoreline protection
Nursery areas and feeding grounds for juvenile reef and pelagic (deep sea) fish;
Important habitat and feeding grounds for a range of other animals.
Those attending are asked to wear slippers, boots or old shoes as "we will be getting a little wet!". Be sure to bring drinking water (in your reusable bottles of course). Everyone is invited to participate in this small but important event!!! To register and for more information about the event please contact EPIC at 5453009 or visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/epicislands
The Foundations extend their gratitude to Mr. Parker Davis of Florida Coastal Mangroves for the generous donation of some 200 mangroves.