1) The Department of Forestry held a successful summer camp for 60 students from various schools despite rainy weather. Students learned about medicinal herbs and bird watching. 2) The department welcomed a new Japanese volunteer, Mika Sasaki, who is studying Chinese language and culture. 3) Invasive green iguanas from Soufriere threaten the native Saint Lucia iguana. The Forestry Department is working with communities and volunteers to educate the public and capture invasive iguanas.

1. D E PA RT M E N T O F F O R E S T RY J U LY / A U G U S T 0 9
E N V I RO N M E N TA L E D U C A T I O N U N I T BU L L E T I N
What’s been going on ?
Summer Camp 09 !! Hailing from Japan !
This summer, camp went off Welcome! Welcome! To Mika Sasaki
without a hitch despite the our new JOCV (Japanese Overseas co-
rain but I guess they don’t operation Volunteer). She hails from
Ehime Prefecture west of Japan.
call it a rainforest for
nothing. Students were good
natured and had great fun ex-
ploring the forest, doing
bird watching, and especially bathing in the Mahaut river among
other things.
Below students can be seen listening attentively as they’re be-
ing taught about medicinal herbs by our very own Magaret Severin
and Chris Sealys who made
the trip down to La Porte
especially for this activ- This bright, smiling young woman ma-
ity. Students later planted jored in Chinese language and culture
various herbs on site. and loves to play the piano and make
confectionaries.
Approximately 60 students She is here with us for two years to
attended the two 3 days camp learn and share and is presently at-
from various schools such as tached to the Environmental Education
Forestiere Combined, St. Jo- Unit. She has come from very far from
seph’s Convent, Vide a completely different culture so let’s
Boutielle Secondary, St. make her feel at home.
Mary’s College, Sir Ira Simmons etc. The setting was perfect WELCOME MIKA !!!
for developing and strengthening new and old friendships.
We’re pleased to say that the donations received by the various
private businesses assisted greatly and we thank them. Notice
Hey, organizing summer camp takes a
lot of hard work and cooperation, ap- The Ministry of Agriculture,
plause to all the persons involved Fisheries and Forestry has re-
especially those of the Quillese launched the government web-
range.
site. Giving it a brand new and
exciting look.
So everyone check it out @:
www.maff.egov.lc
Phone: 468-5648/5
E-mail your suggestions/ ideas to:
eeunit@gmail.com
Done by: Nicole La Force.

2. D E PA RT M E N T O F F O R E S T RY J U LY / A U G U S T 0 9
E N V I RO N M E N TA L E D U C A T I O N U N I T BU L L E T I N
What’s been going on ?
Are you afraid of Invasive Aliens ?
I don ’ t know about you but they sound like bad news to me. These invasive
alien green iguanas which have been spotted in Soufriere in places like Ze-
non and Fond St. Jacques are spreading quickly. We can ’ t allow their popu-
lation to go unchecked or it ’ s bye bye to our unique Iyanola , St. Lucia ’ s
iguana. Talk about major competition and lots of interbreeding. If nothing is Invasive Iguana
done, then bye bye to farmers crops as well.
Community participation is a must in eradicating this alien invasive iguana . In light of this a series of commu-
nity meetings have been planned by the Forestry Department. One has successfully taken place in Zenon
where more than 35 persons from the community attended along with Department of Forestry ’ s chief, dep-
uty chief and forest officers of Soufriere, Quillese and Castries. Also in attendance were volunteers from
Durrell Conservation Trust who are here to study and help in the capture and possible eradication of these
invasives.
Point persons from these communities will be selected to work directly with the
Forestry Department in catching these invasive iguanas or at least report to the
department iguana sightings for quick response and capture.
CAUTION !! : Don’t mistake our cuter St. Lucia iguana (Iyanola)
with the invasive.
St. Lucia iguana
We have to protect our own.
Iyanola
Reception Anyone!!
(468-5638)
Everyone knows the bubbly, Affable Linda. Can you tell where she is sitting
in this picture? Well for your information she is our new receptionist
and we know she will do a great job warmly receiving and disseminating
information to all requiring it.
Congratulations Linda as we support you in your new
post !!
Phone: 468-5648/5 Done by: Nicole La Force.
E-mail your suggestions/ ideas to:
eeunit@gmail.com