The B.A.M. Program is Pretty Cool

May 31, 2016

Written by Guest Author

, Shania Roberts

Mangrove Education and Restoration Program Blog

A guest blog by Shania Roberts, Grade 11, Forest Heights Academy and participant in the Bahamas Awareness of Mangroves (B.A.M.) program.

During this whole mangrove experiment with the Bahamas Awareness of Mangroves Program (B.A.M.) I have become more aware of the benefits of the mangroves all over Abaco as well as how we could be doing more to protect them. I think the B.A.M. program is pretty cool and gives many a chance to experience things they wouldn’t normally. Personally, before starting this project I did not know much about mangroves besides the basic four types and a few facts. It is even cooler to go out and actually observe the mangroves when learning about them.

Our aim in the project was to see if mangroves grew better in pebbles, dirt, or sand. We had each previously picked six propagules to plant in our substrates from the mangrove field trip. Over the course of a few months we would record weekly how much our propagules had grown and if they started getting leaves. It was awesome to grow our own young mangroves. During this time, we would learn more and more about the growth of mangroves.

Measuring and recording the growth of our mangrove propagules.

Just a few weeks ago we went out to the mangrove wetland to plant our baby trees. It was a very memorable moment walking through the sinking mud and planting them. We also got to see what substrate the mangroves are normally growing in (mud in this case). The smell and texture is not the best. The few field trips we went on in this project were very beneficial. Each time, I learned new things.

Here I am planting mangrove propagules in the stinky mud.

I would definitely do this project again if I got the chance. The B.A.M. project was a very eye opening experience. Now that I have done this project I have been more self-conscious of littering. My outlook on the mangroves is more cognizant as well. Next year, I really hope to participate in this project again.

From Mangrove Mud to Meaningful Work: Desta’s J.A.M.I.N. Journey

Some students I remember for their grades, their quick answers, or a moment that made the whole class laugh. Others I remember for the way they stepped into the mangroves.

Desta was the kind of student who thrived outdoors. While some students hesitated at the edge of the mud, he walked right in. And when he inevitably got stuck — because everyone does — he didn’t get frustrated. He laughed. Covered in mud, holding mangrove propagules in his hands, he embraced the experience fully.

Even then, it was clear that he was connecting with the environment in a way that went beyond the lesson plan…

From Students to Stewards: A Full-Circle Moment for J.A.M.I.N.

There are certain faces you never forget.

Over the years, hundreds of students have stepped into mangrove forests with us through the Jamaica Awareness of Mangroves in Nature (J.A.M.I.N.) program. I may not always remember every name, but I remember the expressions — the hesitation before stepping into thick mud, the laughter when someone loses a shoe, the look of surprise when they catch that unmistakable sulfur smell rising from the mangrove soil…

Related Posts

From Mangrove Mud to Meaningful Work: Desta’s J.A.M.I.N. Journey

From Students to Stewards: A Full-Circle Moment for J.A.M.I.N.