ASSOCIATION: Endemic Animals Festival this Saturday morning

The Les Fruits de Mer association invites the public to the Endemic Animals Festival from 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday, April 27 at the Amuseum Naturalis located at The Old House, Quartier d'Orléans. The event is free and open to all generations.

Completely free, the festival will include a book launch and distribution, a craft activity, a plant distribution and the opportunity to learn more about the special animals that live only in Saint-Martin or only in our region. “The endemic animals and plants are the most unique part of nature on this island,” explains Jenn Yerkes, president of the Les Fruits de Mer association. “These are species that only live here, or only on a few islands in our area. Many people don't know that there are plants and animals that can only be found here, and nowhere else on the planet! They constitute such a special element of the natural heritage of the island of Saint-Martin. We invite everyone to come and have a good time celebrating them during this free and fun festival! ". 'Endemics Autour de Moi', a new bilingual coloring book and nature journal, will be launched at the festival. Participants will be offered a free copy to take home. The book presents 40 plants and animals unique to Saint-Martin or our region. “It’s a great introduction to the animals and plants that only live here, like the Anolis de Saint-Martin and the Galactia de Saint-Martin. These are some of our most precious treasures,” explains author Mark Yokoyama. Young and old will also benefit from the craft station, to decorate canvas pouches with endemic animal motifs to take home. There will also be a free distribution of Latanier Balai seedlings. This magnificent palm tree is native to Saint-Martin. Attendees will have the opportunity to see some of St. Maarten's endemic animals and plants during the event sponsored by Delta Petroleum. There will also be an oral history station, where people of all ages can share their stories about life on St. Martin. The festival will take place from 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday, April 27 at the Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House on the hill above Coconut Grove in Quartier d'Orléans. _VX Info: www.lesfruitsdemer.com/