Ridge to Reef Eco Camp held on Tinian

Participants of the 2016 Tinian Ridge to Reef Eco Camp pose for a group photo. (Contributed Photo)

The 2016 Tinian Ridge to Reef Eco Camp was held last June 13-16. Students and high school volunteer counselors participated in a series of half-day activities to learn more about watersheds, and how our actions on land impact our oceans and reefs.

Eco camp participants explored their watershed from ridge to reef through learning about agricultural best practices, hiking and exploring in a limestone forest, conducting a beach cleanup at Long Beach and learning about the detrimental impacts of marine debris, and finally spent a morning learning about our coral reefs and snorkeling at Tachonga Beach.

This 2016 Tinian Ridge to Reef Eco Camp would not have been possible without the support of all event partners.

The CNMI Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality-Division of Coastal Resources management staff would like to thank and recognize our co-coordinator, Keith Nabors, of the Tinian Community Guidance Center, Prevention Unit.

BECQ-CRM would also like to recognize the staff from Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research, Extension and Education Service-Tinian who led “Agriculture” day—organizing presentations, a farm visit, and a healthy cooking class; BECQ’s Recycling coordinator Aileen Benavente, who gave a presentation on recycling and waste management, Tony Castro from the Ecology of Bird Loss project, for facilitating a limestone forest hike and scavenger hunt; Jolly Ann Cruz and Wayne Dawe of the Micronesia Islands Nature Alliance for facilitating a cleanup at Long Beach and related marine debris programming, and finally the Tinian DLNR director Gil Borja for presenting on the importance of marine protected areas.

BECQ-CRM would also like to recognize our various other supporting and sponsoring agencies: the Tinian Health Center; the Tinian Municipal Council, which provided snacks for the participants throughout the camp; DCRM’s Tinian staff member, Edwin Hofschneider for providing on-site logistics help; Tinian Fire and EMS, who were on-site at Tachonga Beach for our snorkeling activity; and finally the Typhoon Sports Association for providing water for the duration of the camp.

“Camp was yet again a great success and learning experience! Thank you to the Office of Insular Affairs, Department of the Interior for continuing to fund this opportunity,” said BECQ-CRM.