Birds are beautiful, melodious and, in the Caribbean, abundant over land and sea. This makes these feathered friends the perfect tool to teach kids about topics such as science and conservation. Enter BirdSleuth Caribbean, a non-profit international program that over the last five years has educated almost 50,000 people on 22 islands. On St. Martin, over 1,000 youth have participated in BirdSleuth Caribbean thanks to teacher trainings and student activities, like Bird Bingo and a Habitat Scavenger Hunt, led by volunteers with organizations such as the Les Fruits de Mer Association. These events are free to classes and groups visiting Amuseum Naturalis, a nature, history and cultural museum created by Les Fruits de Mer and located at The Old House in the French Quarter.
“This program is really special because it was adapted specifically for the Caribbean,” says Les Fruits de Mer co-founder, Mark Yokoyama. “It features local birds and local habitats so it really helps kids connect to the program. It also has lots of activities that get kids out interacting with nature, which is wonderful to see.” For other upcoming programs and events offered by Les Fruits de Mer Association, visit: www.lesfruitsdemer.com
