J.A.M.I.N.

In Awe of J.A.M.I.N

Written by

Today’s guest blog comes from Sandra Turner, who works to promote the equitable advancement of climate literacy and ocean conservation. The Geography of Awe is the name of her latest National Geographic Society grant project, where she integrates her fieldwork and expertise in cartography and multimedia storytelling to share her love for the Caribbean’s rich culture and biodiversity. Here’s what she had to say about working with us on our J.A.M.I.N. program:

Every so often, we get the rare chance to experience genuine awe and inspiration. This was the case when Amy Heemsoth extended the invitation to join her this past April at William Knibb High School as she concluded her Jamaica Awareness of Mangroves in Nature (J.A.M.I.N.) program. I was in Jamaica conducting conservation research and fieldwork on another part of the island. Still, after months of phone calls, I could not resist the opportunity to meet Amy in person and learn more about the incredible work she does in the region, teaching students about marine ecosystems.

As a National Geographic Certified Educator and Explorer currently working to increase the equitable advancement of climate and ocean literacy to students in vulnerable global communities, Amy and I converged on the idea of deepening student citizen science and storytelling engagement. As I reflect on the impactful day spent with Amy, the students, and the staff, there are a few unforgettable moments worth sharing…

2022-2023 B.A.M. and J.A.M.I.N. Teacher Spotlight

Written by

Often, we share comments about our B.A.M. and J.A.M.I.N. programs from the students’ perspectives. This year I would like to highlight our remarkable teachers. Teachers are the backbone of our mangrove education and restoration programs, and their crucial role cannot be overstated. Over the years, we have come to realize that the success of these programs hinges on the teachers’ willingness to embrace and seamlessly integrate them into their classrooms. Their dedication and passion for teaching have enabled us to achieve our goals of educating students about the significance of mangroves and instilling a sense of conservation in them.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the teachers who have been part of our programs, both the veterans who have been with us since the beginning and the new members who have recently joined our educational family. It is their incredible commitment that empowers us to make a lasting impact on the lives of students and cultivate a future generation that will protect and preserve our precious mangroves. It’s time to meet and celebrate our dedicated B.A.M. and J.A.M.I.N. teachers who make a significant difference every day!

J.A.M.I.N. Student Voices

Written by

Throughout the B.A.M. and J.A.M.I.N. programs, we evaluate each program by surveying students in each of the three phases of the mangrove education and restoration process. We use this information to gauge how much information the students initially know regarding mangroves and their attitudes toward them before we begin the programs. After we start the programs, we continue to survey the students. This data helps us to determine whether our education programs are effective and whether we know our audience. It also allows us to measure how much knowledge is retained and whether their attitudes and actions about mangroves change as they continue through the program.

During the final survey, we ask the students for their input about the program. We want to know things such as: How we can improve the program; What was their favorite part of the program; and What did they learn from participating in the program?

One of my favorite things to do after the programs have ended is to read the students’ written responses. Below you will find select responses to the final survey. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

J.A.M.I.N. Alumni Spotlight: Where Are They Now?

Written by

Every once in a while, life presents us with heartwarming moments that reaffirm the impact of education. Such was the case when I receive updates or cross paths with former B.A.M. and J.A.M.I.N. students. On my final trip back, former J.A.M.I.N. student and William Knibb Memorial High School alumna Nastacia Linton emerged as a beacon of inspiration. While pursuing her degree, Nastacia has taken on the role of Assistant Librarian at her alma mater — a testament to her dedication to both education and science. I vividly recalled Nastacia’s calm demeanor, her quiet yet inquisitive nature, and her genuine interest in delving deeper into the world of mangroves.

It is with great pride that I shine a spotlight on this exceptional alumnus, who is not only pursuing her own career in science but giving back to her beloved high school. After reviewing Nastacia’s answers from our program evaluation, it should be no surprise that she wanted to pursue a career in STEM education when she said her favorite part of the program was “working in the field, collecting samples, recording data, working more closely with mangroves, and working in their environment.”

Nastacia’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring impact of programs like J.A.M.I.N. Join me as we delve deeper into her inspiring path, celebrating her achievements and exploring the ways in which she continues to make a difference in the world of science…

Happy Graduation J.A.M.I.N. Students!

Written by

I am happy to announce that we are graduating our first group of J.A.M.I.N. students in Port Antonio, Jamaica! It’s hard to believe that it has been three years since I first starting planning the program with our partners at Alligator Head Foundation (AHF). As the saying goes, “Time flies when you’re having fun!” These past two years have given me countless wonderful memories while working with my partners at AHF. Sometimes it feels like they have been with us since the program’s inception. It is incredible what two like-minded organizations can accomplish when they work together. Thank you to all of the staff at Alligator Head Foundation for your tremendous work ethic and determination throughout the program. Special thanks to Denise Henry, who led the program for AHF. I couldn’t have done it without you. The Living Oceans Foundation looks forward to partnering with AHF in the years to come.

Mangrove Tannin: What is it?

Written by

In January, our second-year J.A.M.I.N. students were tasked with collecting a variety of growth measurements from the mangrove trees that they tagged and identified inside their quadrats. Before we started, I wanted to review the characteristics that are unique to each species of mangroves, a skill they learned previously during the first year of the program. I decided to quiz the students instead. “How can we identify the red mangrove?” I asked. The replies came quickly. “Prop and drop roots.” “Pointy, thick leaves.” “Green bean-like propagules.” All correct. But among the flurry of eager replies, one stood out as several students shouted in unison. “Red tannin!”

Mangrove Education and Restoration Program Expansion A Success

Written by

With the help of our partners FRIENDS of the Environment in the Bahamas and the University of the West Indies Discovery Bay Marine Lab in Jamaica, we have successfully completed the third year of J.A.M.I.N. and second year of B.A.M. …

Seville – The Birthplace of Modern Jamaica

Written by

This past year in collaboration with the University of the West Indies Discovery Bay Marine Lab, we partnered with Seville Heritage Park to deliver the J.A.M.I.N. program to students in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica. The partnership with Seville Heritage Park …