With pandemic restrictions easing, the EPIC Sint Maarten Foundation was able to get out and join our partners and volunteers in providing three socially-distanced events to care for natural areas in the last few months.

In honor of Earth Day in late April, EPIC joined CC1 and the Nature Foundation of Sint Maarten for a beach cleanup at Mullet Bay. Approximately 50 people participated and collected 1,881 pounds of trash.

In late May, and thanks to local sponsors and bird guide Binkie van Es, a birdwatching and cleanup event was held at Little Bay Pond as part of the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival. This year’s theme was “Sing, Fly, Soar Like a Bird.” Participants experienced a bird walk, learned how to recognize bird sounds, and viewed unique and beautiful birds found at this rare freshwater pond. They also left the site better than they found it by removing 230 pounds of garbage.
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Also in late May, SXM DOET sponsored their annual volunteer mobilization event and EPIC took part by coordinating DOET volunteers to paint and repair the Little Bay Pond birdwatching hut. In addition, members of the group cleaned up litter and removed 110 pounds of garbage. Additional thanks to sponsor Island Gems, who provided support to weld the railing back onto the ramp.