This year marks the 20th anniversary

Transcription

1 The Newsletter of The Bahamas National Trust December 2011 Issue 7 No.5 Twenty Years of Dedicated Environmental Advocacy This year marks the 20th anniversary of one of the BNT s most dedicated officers. Lynn Gape became involved with the BNT as an enthusiastic volunteer in 1985, when she was still employed at Bethell Estates as a property manager. She was named volunteer of the year in 1989 and appointed public relations and education officer on November 11, 1991, also serving as secretary to the Board. At the time, the BNT had a staff of less than 10. A former history, geography and social studies teacher at St Augustine s College in Nassau, Lynn is an amateur ornithologist who combined her teaching and birding interests to help produce and coordinate some of the BNT s most effective environmental education initiatives. These have included the award-winning Wondrous West Indian Wetlands programme for high school/primary school students, and Treasures of the Sea teachers resource, as well as her leadership role on the Bahama Parrot Conservation Committee, which ultimately led to the creation of the Abaco National Park in Lynn worked with the Ministry of Tourism to develop a nature tour guide training programme, and is a natural history instructor for the Ministry s Bahamahost programme. She was also closely involved with development of the BNT s Discovery Club for youngsters. There are now almost 30 of these groups around the country. During her time as education officer the BNT developed a close partnership with the Ministry of Education leading to the development of interactive environmental programmes for schools, said BNT President Neil McKinney. This relationship was instrumental in ensuring that thousands of Bahamian schoolchildren benefitted from the work of the Trust. Lynn coordinated the production of a number of highquality teaching resources, supported by key Ministry of Education officials like Beverly Taylor. This team effort produced public school teachers who are much better prepared to deliver environmental education to Bahamian children, he said. Lynn s dedication to conservation education led to her appointment as Director of Education and Communications in She became Deputy Executive Director of the BNT in 2006 and has made an invaluable contribution to our growth and development over the past six years, Mr McKinney said. Recently, the UN s Global Environment Facility featured a regional initiative sponsored by Birdlife International as one of its 20 best projects. The project - Sustainable Conservation of Globally Important Caribbean Bird Habitats - ran from 2003 to 2007 in partnership with conservation groups in the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Lynn was the lead coordinator for this project in the Bahamas. The BNT worked to identify, map and monitor 38 Important Bird Areas throughout the country, considered a major contribution to biodiversity conservation. The project also helped the BNT to develop public infrastructure at Harrold and Wilson Pond National Park on New Providence. In addition to her role as an environmental educator, Lynn has provided key support to important BNT initiatives under a long succession of BNT presidents from Lynn Holowesko to Neil McKinney, according to Executive Director Eric Carey. Her contributions helped to significantly advance our reach and I have enjoyed working with her over the years. Lynn Gape Deputy Executive Director Lynn is an active member of the BNT Ornithology Group, the Native Flora Group and the Wildlife Committee. She has also provided support to the Bahamas Avian Records Committee, and has been recognized by the Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds for her outstanding contributions to bird conservation in the Bahamas and the region. Her institutional memory predates her years at the BNT because she is such an avid historian and researcher, Mr Carey said. She has had to sit through countless hours of discussion with leading experts from a variety of fields, and has stored all of that information in her magical brain, ready to be retrieved faster and more accurately than any computer could do. He said this special talent was especially evident during preparations for the BNT s 50th anniversary celebration in Lynn was able to track down key individuals who were involved in the early work of the BNT, and led the organization of many successful commemorative events. Her tireless efforts to organize the BNT s annual fundraisers - such as the Wine and Art Festival, the Art for Parks Festival and the Christmas Jollification - are legendary, and contribute in no small way to their huge success. These events raise hundreds of thousands of dollars every year for Bahamian conservation, Mr Carey said. Lynn balances communication with volunteers, committee members, staff, sponsors and vendors to pull these important events together. In the 1990s Lynn worked on the Heritage Fund - the BNT s first funding campaign. More recently, she and Carey launched the BNT s Capi- Continued on page 2 Trust Notes December

2 Continued from page 1 tal Campaign to devise prospects, secure solicitation meetings, and prepare stewardship packages. Whether serving in her capacity as organizational leader, mentor, pet advisor, pastry chef Lynn is a treasure - one of the most hardworking, dedicated and talented persons working in environmental conservation in the Caribbean. Her contributions and accomplishments are signifi cant and innumerable. It has been an honor and great pleasure to have been able to work with her for so many years. The BNT and the Bahamas are truly fortunate to have her! Lisa Sorenson - SCSCB We have worked closely with Lynn and the BNT for practically all the time she has been there and everyone at Media Enterprises loves her sparkling personality and generous nature. It has been fun, even when she calls after 9pm to get me to do something URGENTLY! Some projects take longer than they should, but we know the prize at the end is when we agree on the best image presentation for the BNT. Three cheers for Lynn! Joanne and Larry Smith Great Wine, Great Art & Great Food 2 December 2011 Trust Notes On Saturday, October 29th, the Bahamas National Trust opened its gates for the 21st Annual Wine and Art Festival. The Annual Festival featured over 50 talented artists, a selection of over 50 wines from Bristol Wines and Spirits and a new feature this year a wine and food pairing area sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism s Culinary Tourism Division. BNT members got a special preview of the art and a chance to bid on unique marine themed silent auction items at the Wishing Fish Auction on the Friday evening. This special evening for BNT members was sponsored by Gourmet Market and Food Art by Cacique and Bristol Wines and Spirits. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors said Eric Carey, BNT Executive Director. Their support allows to show our appreciation for our members. The Wishing Fish Auction provides artists with the opportunity to design and decorate wooden fish in their own unique style. All proceeds from the auction will be used in support of the BNT s marine conservation initiatives. A new feature at this year s Wine and Art Festival was a food and wine pairing demonstration sponsored by the Bahamas Ministry or listening board, Lynn continues to be the glue that binds the BNT together, Mr Carey said. It is truly her life s mission to take the BNT and conservation in the Bahamas forward, upward and onward. Lynn is the heart of the Bahamas National Trust. Always generous and caring, Lynn has the gift of making each person feel good about themself, which then inspires them to accomplish their best. Lynn has always been there for us, increasing the success of our sea turtle studies and the fun. We have one message for Lynn: You are GREAT!! Karen and Alan University of Florida Lynn is quite simply a loveable inspiration, and it has been - and continues to be a privilege to work alongside her. Humbling sometimes, infuriating at others, but always the greatest of pleasures. Colleagues aside though, it is the birds and biodiversity in the Bahamas (and indeed the wider Caribbean) that are the true beneficiaries of Lynn s unstoppable, can do dedication to conservation. David Wege BirdLife International s Caribbean Programme Manager Lynn is always ready to drop whatever she is doing to give a listening ear to a concern that a colleague may have always sharing ideas and giving encouragement. Lynn is very dependable and always comes through - even on short notice. Lynn has been a mentor to many BNT Staff and has been an inspiration in my life for more than 15 years. Lynn s drive and tenacious approach to her tasks inspired me to always work harder. So thank you, Lynn, for your support, and I salute you for your commitment and service of excellence to Conservation. Kadie Mills BNT Colleague Oh I ll do that is what comes to mind when I think of Lynn. I first met Lynn some 15 years ago. However, our professional and personal friendship has truly blossomed over the last fi ve years. Lynn is truly hardworking, selfl ess, naïve yet astute, and always willing to lend advice and assistance to get the job done a true poster child for of Tourism s Culinary Tourism Division. Featuring three of the finest Chef s in the Bahamas, all members of the Bahamas Culinary Association, the area offered patrons the opportunity learn what wine should be served with what dish. A number of well known caterer s and restaurants provided food throughout the day: Gourmet Markets and Food Art by Cacique; August Moon Café; Konfetti Kreations; Glorious Foods, Citrus Catering and a special booth featuring Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream. We were once again thrilled to have many outstanding artists participating in the Festival said Lynn Gape, Deputy Executive Director of the BNT. New Artists participating this year are Judith Papillon, Tori Hermann, Kandice Eldon, Candis Marshall, and Shelby Knowles. We work hard to invite artists from all over The Bahamas and we were thrilled this year to have a large contingent from Abaco said Gape. According to Lynn Gape the festival began 21 years ago with just 20 artists and each year it has grown. Today, the festival features Lynn is a member and past president of the East Nassau Inner Wheel Club, a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, vice president of the Bahamas Kennel Club, and a registered birding tour guide. She is married to Andrew Gape. dedication to her beloved Bahamas National Trust. Congratulations Lynn here s to 20 more years! Natasha Wright BNT Colleague Lynn came to The Trust after a career in education and a short one in business to help develop the education department. During her time at BNT she built the Department to be one of the best in the Caribbean. She is instrumental in bringing the attention to the environment to schools and other youth organization throughout the Bahamas and she has also helped develop the environmental aspect of the Bahama Host training program. Lynn as Deputy director continues to build the Trust from strength to strength, and I congratulate her on her accomplishments and wish her all the best in the future. I question to the 20 years though, feels more like 25!!! Johnny Bethell BNT Deputy President and BNT Past President BNT Wine and Art Festival 2011 over 50 artists and is a great place to see a variety of artistic styles. Many mediums are represented and not surprisingly the Bahamian environment is the subject of many of the paintings.

3 Discovery Club Discovery Club Awards Ceremony Discovery Club Participates in Energy Awareness Week Concluding the National Energy Awareness Week Discovery club students participated in a seed planting and tree transplanting exercise held at The Retreat. Minister of the Environment, the Hon. Earl Deveaux joined the young people and assisted them with the seed planting. He also read them a special story The Giving Tree which highlights how mankind tends to take advantage of nature without remorse or regard for its importance. The closing presentations reiterated the importance of trees to our environment and what we must do to conserve energy. Discovery Club Awards Ceremony, 275 New Providence Discovery Club Members gathered at the Uriah McPhee auditorium for the awarding of their badges for the fall term. Students from 10 schools (St. Andrew s, Queen s College, Kingsway Academy, Temple Christian, Our Ladies, Albury Sayles, Garvin Tynes, Nassau Christian Academy, St John s College, St Augustine s College were awarded their Environment National Parks, Fish and Camping badges. Additionally, members of the NCA Navigators programme received certificates for having completed the level one (Chimmies) of the Bird Certification course. According to Larissa Ferguson, Discovery Club Coordinator, the BNT formerly did individual ceremonies, but felt that one large ceremony would allow, Clubs to visit and share their experiences. We were very pleased with the participation at the ceremony said Ms. Ferguson. Club leaders gave presentations on their programmes which were enjoyed by all who attended. Discovery Club Volunteer s Work as Litter Patrol at BNT s Christmas Jollification Trust Notes December

4 GEF Small Grants Exuma As part of the GEF Small Grants Project: Improving coastal habitats through removal of invasive species at Moriah Harbour and Bonefish Pond, Education officer, Shelley Cant traveled to Great Exuma to introduce students and the general public to Invasive Species and why we need to control them. On November 14 th sixth grade students from each primary school (Williams Town, George Town Primary, Rocker s Point, Moss Town and The Forest) on Great Exuma were bused to the Exuma Resource Centre where they received a presentation on Invasive Species and played several interactive games on Invasive Species. Approximately 60 students participated in the programme. Teachers received and we started promptly at 10am with the following activities: a general Invasive species poster, Lionfish Factsheet, Casuarina Factsheet, Melaleuca Factsheet and Brazilian Pepper Factsheet. On November 15, twenty-five students from L. N Coakley s grade 12 Geography class and 15 members of the general public attended a special morning Public Meeting on Invasive Species. After the presentation, there was a general question answer session. The main concerns brought up revolved around whether the BNT and or Government intended to ban any of the invasive plants from being sold. Several students showed an interest in wanting to help out with the removal process on Moriah Harbour Cay National Park and the Exuma Garden Club also showed an interest in wanting to help out with the propagation and growing of the native plants needed for the restoration side of the project. Once the Meeting was adjourned the students remained for a native plant tour at the Exuma Resource Centre. Islands of Life Premiers at BIFF Islands of Life a new fi lm by Bo Boudart premiered at the Bahamas International Film Festival on December 1st. The fi lm was made in partnership with the Bahamas National Trust and highlights the history of the national park systems. Producer Bo Boudart created Islands of Life because he wanted to tell the story about how the Bahamas was the fi rst nation to form land and sea parks at a time in the 1950s when conservation was still a novel idea. After three years of production, this one hour documentary in high defi nition video highlights the wildlife success stories in the Bahamas that include species unique to the islands such as land crabs, parrots, iguanas, coral reefs with their grouper, sea turtles, sharks, conch, and lobster. It also features the amazing comeback of the West Indian fl amingo, and how its endangered fl amingo colonies and nesting sites have been restored. This fi lm explores the spectacular wildlife and habitats on the islands, the rich history of the nation and the vibrant culture of the people who live there. For more information check out ife.org. 4 December 2011 Trust Notes

5 BNT Interns Participate in Marine Research Brandon Jennings and Ann Marie Carroll are interning at The Retreat and the Rand Nature Centre in Grand Bahamas respectively and have been assisting with school presentations and field trips to national parks. Brandon was also able to assist with the Kerzner Foundation s BLUE Project as a participant in AGRRA (Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment) exercises at several sites in waters around New Providence. According to the interns, the highlight of their experience at BNT so far has been their two week work trip with Steve Connett, BNT Volunteer and Sea Turtle Researcher with the Archie Carr Centre for Sea Turtle Research. Their expedition traveled from Spanish Wells to Cape Eleuthera and Davis Harbour and then on to Little San Salvador. There they met up with Dr. Ed Brooks who was tagging sharks as a follow-up to a research conducted 30 years ago. The interns assisted with tagging twenty sharks that included Silky, Tiger and Caribbean Reef Sharks species. By the time the Turtle-research Expedition reached its end in Cat Island, the team had The BNT s education office had a busy fall season beginning in September and continuing through November. Over 1000 students and teachers participated in field trips coordinated by our education office. Most popular destinations were Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park and Bonefish Pond National Park. These two parks showcase freshwater and mangrove wetlands respectively. Students are able tagged 30 sea turtles, mainly Green. The areas they surveyed around Cat Island included Bennett s Harbour, Orange Creek and Hawks Nest. When asked to describe the experience Brandon Jennings said it was simply Awesome! According to Brandon the trip helped him clarify what he wants to study, already interested in a career in marine biology, Brandon is now sure that he wants to focus on sharks. Our interns have been able to participate in these memorable expeditions over the past three years thanks to the Steve Connett who generously provides his boats, expertise and give of his time. BNT interns have enjoyed similar opportunities as participants in the ongoing work of researcher Caroline Stahala in Abaco with Bahama Parrot. Brandon and Ann Marie are 2011 participants in the Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholars Programme (BESS). The BESS programme is a unique opportunity for graduating Bahamian high school students ages to experience and see wetland birds at Harrold and Wilson Ponds and Bonefish pond with its shallow waters is an excellent environment for students to snorkel and experience a coastal mangrove wetlands up close and personal. It is very exciting and gratifying to see educators taking advantage who have a keen interest in the environment and want to learn more as they transition from high school to university studies. Successful applicants participate in a 14-week academic semester at The Island School in South Eleuthera and a six-month paid internship at an environmental conservation-related organization. Upon completion of high school, students can use BESS as a gap year experience before pursuing further studies abroad. The BESS Program is administered in collaboration with BREEF. The BNT has been participating in the programme since it began in Schools visit the National Parks of these parks with their new infrastructure which makes visitation so much easier than in the past. Said Portia Sweeting, BNT Director of Education. The BNT has focused efforts for the past five years on installing boardwalks and interpretive signage on New Providence National Parks. Work has continued this year specifically at the Primeval Forest which is expected to open in March Trust Notes December

6 Walk on the Wild Side The Bahamas became the first country to celebrate in Walk on the Wildside an initiative coordinated by Environment for the Americas. Over 100 persons gathered at The Retreat to show their support for Migratory Birds and their amazing journeys on October 8 th at 6 am by running or walking the 2 mile course. Participants were afforded the opportunity to solicit sponsorships for restoration of migratory bird habitat. William Pinder raised over $900 and was biggest earner for the day. All monies raised from the walk will be used to support cattail removal at Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park. Participants when they completed the walk could spend time learning about Migratory Birds at the Mini Bird Fair or they could shop for fresh vegetables, breads and desserts at Da Market the BNT s popular monthly event. The BNT hopes to make this annual event celebrating the return of migratory birds to The Bahamas in the fall. 6 December 2011 Trust Notes

7 FundraisinG Jollification The 20th Annual Christmas Jollification kicked off with a wonderful, well attended Member s Evening on Friday November 18. Over 80 vendors showing designer jewellery, handmade soaps, beautiful straw work and an amazing selection of gift items helped create the Caribbean Christmas feling. Chef Ellie s Catering Service prepared tasty hors d oeurves for our members with Bristol Wines and Spirits providing Christmas cocktails. Bristol Wines & Spirits was once again the major sponsor for the event, while Bahamas Brewery premiered their new BushCrack Beer. Caribbean Bottling, Sky Bahamas and Bahamia Rental were also sponsors. Commonwealth Bank joined the Jollification this year as a sponsor and bank employees provided assistance at the bank, the gate, the raffle and several other areas. Gardeners who attended the event were not disappointed as The Potting Shed and Flamingo Nurseries outdid themselves this year with an amazing selection of orchids and bromeliads. The Greenhouse Nursery once again offered a unique plant selection and Garden Eden featured great herbs, vegetable seedlings and native fruit trees. If you were hungry, Jollification was the place to be with a large number of food selections. Jolly attendees could travel to Greece for gyros, the Phillipines for Chicken Satay and then to the Bahamas for conch chowder, conch salad and cracked conch. Children s Crafts was busy and the new Conch Conservation Corner was very popular. This area receives support every year from Asa H. Pritchard and the BNT is grateful for their ongoing support of this popular area. Many thanks to the BNT Staff, Volunteers and our sponsors for working so hard to support this fundraiser for The Retreat Gardens, ad helping to make it a great success! UPCOMING EVENT Art for the Parks - Abaco January 27, 28, 29 Abaco Beach Resort Marsh Harbour, Abaco Trust Notes December

8 Festival Noël a Sparkling Success The 17 th Festival Noel was indeed a sparkling success on December 2. Festival Noël is the annual fundraiser for the Grand Bahama branch of the Bahamas National Trust. Primarily a wine tasting affair, this event was sponsored by Bristol Wines and Spirits, who featured 33 different wines from around the world for to sampling. For those who did not want to partake of wine tasting, the Bahamian Brewery Beer Garden provided three of their signature beers, High Rock, Sands Light, and Strong Back. Another highlight of the evening was Student Chef Noël contest which pitted high school culinary students against each other in a cook-off that patrons got to enjoy. This year s competition was between Grand Bahama Catholic High School and Sir Jack Hayward High School. Three judges scored the culinary delights based on creativity, taste and presentation. In addition all attendees got to vote for their favourite school. The College of the Bahamas hospitality department also were there to show off their incredible skills at two booths. This presentation of food would not have been possible without Sawyer s Fresh Market, a major sponsor who provided all of the top quality ingredients for the students. Festival Noel featured artists, Trevor Tucker and Marco Mullings, from Nassau who filled the Glory Banks Art Gallery with their vibrant work. Their art is inspired by nature and Junkanoo and greatly impressed the attendees at this annual celebration that is the start of the Grand Bahama holiday season. Local artists from Grand Bahama also showed off their best work and were stationed all through the grounds so that patrons could view this fantastic art while sampling the wines. At the end of the evening a raffle was drawn. There were four amazing prizes, each featuring a trip, including airfare and accommodation, to Bahamian islands where the Bahamas National Trust has national parks, winners will be visiting the Abaco National Park, the Levy Preserve on Eleuthera, the Inagua National Park and the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. An event such as this cannot be held without the generous help of sponsors and each year the Bahamas National Trust is impressed by the local corporate generosity. Freeport Advertising, one of the earliest supporters and organizers of this invent, produced all of the posters, tickets, wine guides and signage for the event. Bristol Wines and Spirits provided the many wonderful wines that were the real highlight of the evening. Bahamian Brewery was extremely generous in providing the beer for patrons to purchase in order to further the work of the BNT. Sky Bahamas provided airfare for the visiting feature artists, plus for the raffle prize winners and Pelican Bay Resort provided accommodation for the visiting artists. Sunny isles provided water that was much needed for patrons to cleanse their palates and their glasses in between wine tasting. Cool 96, Grand Bahama s very own radio station, was the generous marketing sponsor for the event. Columbian Emeralds brought out an impressive display of jewellery to add true sparkle to the evening. Many other supporters made this event a success, including Barefoot Marketing, and Freeport Container Port. Bahamas National Trust P O Box N-4105 Nassau, The Bahamas Tel: bnt@bnt.bs 8 December 2011 Trust Notes Printed on 30% post-consumer waste product