Are you looking for a nature-oriented summer camp where your child can explore, learn, and make unforgettable memories while learning about nature conservation?
Look no further — the Nature Foundation’s Nature Scout Summer Program 2025 is the perfect outdoor experience for young adventurers!
- Dates: July 14 – July 18, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
- Meeting location: Nature Foundation Office, Cole Bay
- Open to kids ages 9–13
- Registration fee: $190 USD for the full week (includes lunch, all activity-related costs, and transportation from the Nature Foundation office to each day’s location!)
Every day, the nature scouts will immerse themselves in a different local ecosystem, learning about the incredible nature of our island while experiencing it firsthand!
Here’s a few thing you can expect:
- Wetlands day — Set off on a guided kayak tour and explore the unique ecosystems of our wetlands
- Coral reef day — Snorkel among colorful marine life and discover the importance of coral reef conservation
- Rocky shores day — Investigate tide pools, crabs, and other fascinating creatures living along our rocky coastlines
- Seagrass day — Discover the underwater world of seagrass beds and learn about these important habitats through snorkeling and exploration
- Beach and coast day — Spend a day at the beach learning about coastal ecosystems, ocean life, and how to protect it
Led by our passionate and experienced Nature Foundation team, this program blends outdoor adventure, environmental education, and loads of fun — creating memories (and friendships!) that will last a lifetime.
Don’t miss out — spaces are limited, and they fill up fast!
For more information or to register, email gaia@naturefoundationsxm.org or WhatsApp +1 (721) 581-6365.
See it on Visit St. Maarten: https://www.visitstmaarten.com/explore-the-wild-side-with-nature-scout-summer-camp/
Are you into challenging and rewarding hikes, the chance to conduct ecological research, or bilingual immersion opportunities? The Nature Foundation Sint Maarten and managing organization of the Réserve Naturelle Nationale de Saint-Martin are conducting cactus monitoring this year, and we need volunteers who are up to the task!
Here are the details:
🌍 Dates: Week of January 19; to be determined in February — let us know your availability and we will match you with a date and time
🌵 Location: 4–6 hours across 3 spots on Sint Maarten and 3 spots on Saint-Martin
💪 Qualifications: Physical fitness and outdoor confidence; bilingual French/English is a plus
🥾 What we offer: Guided hike, fieldwork experience, language immersion
To learn more about volunteering for this opportunity, email reservenat.aude@yahoo.com. A 10 EUR registration with AGRNSM is necessary.
In 2025, the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten was able to respond to over 25 wildlife calls!
🦜 In the absence of a qualified rehabilitation organization on the island, our non-profit takes in injured or sick wildlife for short-term care or to relieve their suffering. For those that stand a fighting chance, nursing these sensitive animals fully back to health is a difficult and complex task, and it’s not always successful.
🐙 But with the help of partnering local veterinarians, wildlife specialists, and incredible donors, we’re getting better at giving these souls a worthwhile chance of survival on our island.
💚 This year, we’re thanking Abri voor Dieren for their significant donation to our efforts, and wildlife specialists Réserve Naturelle St Barth - ATE, Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary, and Pelican Harbor Seabird Station. Their technical and financial support has been invaluable in improving our capacity to respond to wildlife in need.
Learn how you can support us at naturefoundationsxm.org/donate.
REGULATORY REMINDER: On Sint Maarten, it is illegal to intentionally catch, harm, or harvest sharks and rays. This is strictly prohibited under national regulations.
In recent weeks, we have received reports of apparent abrupt declines of “resident” sharks that tend to frequent dive sites. Just a few days ago, resident and tourist scuba divers were disturbed to find a decapitated and de-finned shark at one of the most popular dive sites on Sint Maarten, which appeared to have been hooked on a line and had its remains discarded.
If a shark is accidentally caught, it must be released safely for your safety and theirs. Despite common fears, sharks play a vital role in maintaining healthy reefs and marine ecosystems, and rarely cause human fatalities.
🚨 We need your help:
If you live on high ground with a view of the Man of War Shoal Marine Park and notice suspicious boat activity at night (such as unusual lingering lights), please report it. Send us a WhatsApp message at (+1) 721-581-6365.
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RAPPEL RÉGLEMENTAIRE : À Sint Maarten, il est illégal de capturer, blesser ou prélever intentionnellement des requins et des raies. Ceci est strictement interdit par la réglementation nationale.
🚨 Nous avons besoin de votre aide :
Si vous vivez en hauteur avec une vue sur le parc marin Man of War Shoal et remarquez une activité suspecte de bateaux la nuit (comme des lumières inhabituelles qui persistent), veuillez le signaler. Envoyez-nous un message WhatsApp au (+1) 721-581-6365.
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RECORDATORIO REGULATORIO: En Sint Maarten, es ilegal capturar, dañar o recolectar intencionalmente tiburones y rayas. Esto está estrictamente prohibido por las regulaciones nacionales.
🚨 Necesitamos tu ayuda:
Si vives en una zona alta con vista al Parque Marino Man of War Shoal y notas actividad sospechosa de embarcaciones por la noche (como luces inusuales que permanecen), por favor repórtalo. Envíanos un mensaje por WhatsApp al (+1) 721-581-6365.
🎅 Holiday season schedule:
Our office will be closed from December 24 until December 28, 2025 and again from January 1st until January 4th, 2026.
Regular hours will resume on Monday, January 5th.
For urgent matters, contact us on WhatsApp at (+1) 721-581-6365.
Happy Holidays everyone! ✨ 🎄
Thecadactylus, a genus of geckos present on the island of Saint Martin known for their thick tails. Two species are believed to live here - T. oskrobapreinorum and T. rapicauda. Locally they are known as “giant woodslaves,” though this term is also colloquially used for a different genus of house geckos as well. They tend to prefer old fruit trees and other natural areas rather than human-frequented buildings. 🦎 💙
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