FORESTRY DIVISION HOSTED SHOOTING STARS SUMMER CAMPERS
On Wednesday, July 5th, the Forestry Division of the Ministry of Agriculture hosted a contingent of twenty-five summer campers, ages ranging from 4 to 16 years, from the Shooting Stars Summer Camp at the Body Pond locale. The day’s program was conducted under the guidance of Forestry Officer, Mrs. Camellia Wallace-Tonge, with support from Forestry Tour Guide Jenel Warner, Shakcroy McKenzie, and Forestry Ranger Vashawn Jarvis.
The participants were initially familiarized with the Body Pond region, and the significance of tree conservation, and were provided practical demonstrations on the proper methodology of tree planting. Subsequently, they were partitioned into two cohorts for a hands-on experience, wherein they successfully planted and irrigated fifteen mahogany saplings.
The campers’ next engagement was a scavenger hunt, which was designed to be an immersive approach to environmental education. The activity encouraged the exploration of the region and facilitated learning about invasive species and their detrimental impacts on ecosystems.
During this interactive exercise, the campers were tasked with locating various environmental elements and artifacts. The items of interest included seeds and seed pods, human-generated litter, examples of alternating and opposite leaf arrangements, and identifying different tree species in the vicinity. This exercise highlighted locating a specific thorned tree and capturing a group photograph alongside it. The first team to complete these tasks was acknowledged with friendly competition accolades (bragging rights).
The excitement of the campers escalated when they were informed of the final activity for the day—a guided hike to the hill’s ridge led by Forestry Ranger, Vashawn Jarvis. Throughout the hike, Mr. Jarvis identified various tree species and elucidated the ongoing forestry work in the Body Pond region.
The Forestry Division has been actively combating the invasive lemongrass since 2008, a battle that is ongoing. With the successful reclamation of fifty-two acres of land from the invasive species, the long-term objective is to transform the Body Pond area into an arboretum—a testament to the department’s commitment to environmental conservation.




