Sandy Point Camp Explores the Mangroves!

We took an in-depth field trip in the Sandy Point creek to find out exactly what animals and plants live in the mangrove ecosystem. We found fiddler crabs, pufferfish, damsel fish, houndfish, barracudas, a Blue Heron, a Yellow Crested Night Heron, sea anemones, upside-down jellyfish, and many other interesting things! The junior camp had a chance to try kayaking for the first time!

Blue Hole Presentation and a Visit to Sawmill Sink

On July 18th, the Marsh Harbour campers were lucky to have a presentation on blue holes from Mrs. Nancy Albury of the Bahamas' Antiquities Monuments and Museums Corporation. After the presentation, the group visited Sawmill Sink to study the vegetation surrounding it, then to take a swim inside!

Mrs. Albury explains what it's like to dive into a blue hole.

Later in the afternoon, Mrs. Albury visited the Sandy Point Junior and Senior campers to give a presentation on blue holes and caves. Thanks Mrs. Albury!!

FRIENDS Camp - more photos

Here's the Marsh Harbour group in the FRIENDS Classroom doing some activities from the Treasures in the Sea handbook. A creative bunch of kids!

A full class!

Friends Environmental Camp Visits Mermaid Reef

The Marsh Harbour chapter of FRIENDS Environmental Camp made a recent visit to Mermaid Reef. Mermaid Reef is easily accessible by boat or land, being just off of Pelican Shores, Marsh Harbour.

Mermaid Reef is the site of FRIENDS Reef Ball Project. Currently there are 19 reef balls on site.

Summer Camps Underway!

Last year, Environmental Summer Camp proved to be a popular activity with approximately 166 participants! Campers enjoy interactive classroom lessons with environmental topics, then venture into the great outdoors for a field trip that re-emphasizes the classroom topic. FRIENDS Environmental Camp focuses on Bahamian Biodiversity; important local habitats such as mangrove creeks, coral reefs and pine forests; Conservation and Recycling. The camp teaches skills and provides opportunities for Bahamian youth that may not already be available to them: snorkeling, birdwatching, kayaking and camping to name a few.

Dates for this summer:

Marsh Harbour
Senior Camp (ages 10-13): June 23rd - July 4th
Junior Camp (ages 7-9): July 14th - August 1st

Cooper's Town
Senior Camp (ages 10-15): June 23rd - July 11th
Junior Camp (ages 7-9): July 14th - August 1st

Sandy Point
Senior Camp (ages 10-13): July 3rd - July 11th
Junior Camp (ages 7-9): July 14th - August 1st

Stay tuned for camp updates and photos!

Check out the BMMRO Blog

The Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation is currently undertaking a month long survey in the Great Bahama Canyon to study beaked whales. For updates from the boat, visit: www.bahamaswhales.blogspot.com .

Recycle Bins for Community Events

FRIENDS now has a number of portable recycle bins available for community events and parties. These bins are designed for recycling aluminum cans and come with clear bags, so you can see what is going into them. If you are in Abaco and are interested in borrowing the bins for your event, please call our office. We also have further information if you are interested in purchasing a bin.

The bins have already been used successfully at Heritage Day and the Abaco Rage fundraiser in Hope Town, and are soon to make an appearance at the Island Roots Heritage Festival in Green Turtle Cay (May 2-4, 2008). Please support community groups who are doing their part to keep our islands clean.

For more information on recycling in Abaco, please visit www.friendsoftheenvironment.org