French Quarter;--- The Les Fruits de Mer association invites the public to the Endemic Animal Festival from 9am to noon this Saturday, April 26th at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House. The festival will feature a book launch and giveaway, a craft activity, and the chance to learn about the special animals that live only on our island or only in our region. The festival and all of the activities are free.
“Endemic animals and plants are the most unique part of local nature,” explained Les Fruits de Mer president Jenn Yerkes. “They are the species that live only on this island, or only on a few islands in our area. It’s amazing that there are plants and animals that can only be found here, and nowhere else in the world! They’re an incredible part of St. Martin’s natural heritage. Come out and celebrate them at this free, fun festival!”
St. Martin Unique Nature, a new bilingual coloring book and nature journal, will be launched at the festival. Attendees can take home a free copy. The book presents 40 plants and animals that are unique to St. Martin or our region. The last section of the book features word searches, mazes, storywriting, and other activities starring these special species.
“We are thrilled to launch this book,” said author Mark Yokoyama. “It’s a great way to learn about animals and plants that live only here, like the Bearded Anole and the St. Martin Milk Pea. These are some of our most precious treasures.”
The new book also includes a fun endemic species scavenger hunt. Festival attendees are invited to explore the Amuseum gardens and grounds to find the plants and animals in the hunt. Kids and adults will also enjoy the event’s craft station, where they can decorate canvas pouches with endemic animal designs to take home.
The festival will be from 9am to noon on Saturday, April 26th at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House on the hill above Coconut Grove in French Quarter. The free festival is sponsored by Delta Petroleum. Development and printing of St. Martin Unique Nature was supported by BirdsCaribbean, and the Collectivité de Saint-Martin.
