Ranger Review – June 2023
From Cayman Islands Mangrove Rangers
In this news letter:
– Central Mangrove Wetland Research Trip
– End of School Year statistics
– 2023 Mangrove Ranger Recruits
Upcoming events:
– 2023 Mangrove Art Festival
– New Junior Ranger Program 2023/24
Central Mangroves Research Trip
The Mangrove Education Project (MEP) continued its research program in the Central Mangroves earlier this month when it revisited its research plot on the National Trust land deep in the wetlands together with year 12 students from St Ignatius and trust scientific experts.
Science teacher Jennifer Artuch together with four students – Nazili Clarke, Emma Collins, Kai Hulse and Ethan Whittaker – were joined by the Trust’s Environmental Programs Manager, Catherine Childs, and Environmental Policy and Development Officer, “AJ” Andrew McGovern, together with MEP Executive Director, Martin Keeley.
The previous expedition with students from Cayman International School in 2021 established a research plot in the densely packed mangroves some 50 yards east of the eastern end of the most northern dyke trails.
“The first expedition in 2021 was held earlier in the year, March, when the conditions were somewhat drier,” describes Martin Keeley. “This time we encountered an accumulation of the extensive rains we’ve been experiencing over the past few months. It was wet, very, very wet!”
Following the clearly defined plot lines the team carried out a series of observations and measurements whilst wading through water which was knee deep in places. Peat depth varied between 4 and 5 feet close to the previous trip’s depth of 9 ft 3 ins. Eleven species of birds were spotted, and an unusual six-spotted Fishing Spider, also a Cuban Blue Anole mating with a Cayman Brown Anole. Remaining data can be found in the document below:
CMW Research Findings
End of School Year Statistics
With the 2022/23 school year coming to a close next week, we would like to share some statistics on our lessons and field trips carried out by the Mangrove Education Project.
Number of Participating Schools – 13
Number of class lessons completed – 14
Number of field trips completed – 17
Number of Students taught – 573
Student age range – 3-19
| 2023 Mangrove Ranger Recruits Over the weekend the Mangrove Education Project (MEP) hosted their 6th recruitment event for their Mangrove Ranger program. The training session consisted of a two day workshop attended by 18 participants. The workshop included a day in the classroom, learning all about Cayman’s wetlands, followed by a day in the field to experience them first hand. The classroom session covered topics ranging from Mangrove, Seagrass and Coral Reef ecology, to policies and laws surrounding Mangroves in Cayman, presented by Lauren Dombowsky from the Department of Environment. The field day was the highlight with participants having the opportunity to snorkel amongst the red mangrove roots of the coastal mangroves in the North Sound. “This weekend’s Ranger training session was highly inspirational.” says Ranger Em Decou, who has been working with the program for the past 7 months . “Adding more Rangers to our team translates to a more positive impact on our Islands from the work that we do, so I’m very excited to see our new team members continue our work in our community, deepening Cayman’s collective appreciation for our vital coastal lagoon ecosystem.” Joshua Weaver, a participant of the recent workshop also added that “The training was very informative and well-delivered. It was such a pleasure meeting so many people who share a concern for and a will to protect our island’s mangrove ecosystems. I thoroughly look forward to being a ranger.” In addition to the adult Mangrove Ranger Training, MEP will also be hosting a Junior Ranger Recruitment for ages 8-14 on September 23rd 2023. Please see further details below. |
Upcoming Events
The Mangrove Rangers would like to invite you to participate in this years Mangrove Art Festival on July 29th from 10am – 4pm!
This year the event will be held at the Cayman Turtle Centre’s Courtyard and Box-office (please note admission to the Turtle Centre is not included with this event). There will be art on display all day, a mangrove investigation station, craft table, face painting and everyone’s favorite, the 50ft inflatables shark!
If you are interested in submitting an art piece, please complete the registration form linked below. Please note there are two categories, “Student” and “Adult”.
All entries must highlight the environmental, economical and/or cultural importance of mangroves and coastal lagoon ecosystems.
Art of all mediums is welcomed, however we unfortunately will not be able to accept any forms of digital art or media this year. Please also note all art must be family friendly and appropriate for all audiences.
This is a free event with all donations going directly to the work of the Mangrove Education Project.
We’d like to take this opportunity to announce our next Junior Ranger Recruitment day will be held on September 23rd 2023. Registration for this event is now open to youth ages 8-14 and the registration form can be found at the link below.
