Below is a message from my friend Andrew Robinson who is doing amazing things for the environment with his team in the hills of Antigua. Adventure Antigua and the Antigua Conservation Society are happy to promote this effort. This is a fantastic story and you can be part of it. Here is what you can do for our country. Join them:
Here’s a call for assistance with a big push to progress the reforestation project at body ponds. The Project is part of a gef and SIRMM project in conjunction with the Min Environement, EAG and GARD Center. As you may be aware a few months ago there was a bush fire that burnt a large area of re-planted land. The positive side of the fire is the greater access to the lemon grass fields to replant and spread seeds.
To get back to basics the reforestation is to stop the spread of the invasive lemon grass and soil erosion and subsequent super accelerated desertification and to promote biodiversity. The eroded soil ends up in the ocean, further destroying reefs.
Taking advantage of the temporary increase in access to the fields, a small but dedicated cadre of volunteers have, for some time now, been planting trees and seeds every Saturday morning. So if you want to feel good (studies have shown how reforesting releases endorphins!), exercise your muscles, take in some of Antigua’s finest natural heritage then you can, every Saturday morning; call Andrew Robinson (Woodstock boatbuilders) on 725 2345 or email him at andrew@candw.ag for details or to arrange transport.
Children are especially welcome, the work spreading seeds is very light, and when they are older they’ll have a legacy to look back at!
Community Groups are sought and arrangements can be made for visits on any day of the week.
If help actually planting trees or spreading/planting seed is not possible, people could really help by collecting seeds. In season now are clamon cherries, wild tamarind, ackee, guava, mango, ginnep and citrus; almost any seed is useable.
Andrew