The Delta Epsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity volunteered this past Saturday at Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park to remove invasive cattails. Working alongside Bahamas National Trust (BNT) President Larry Glinton and park staff, the Sigma teamed cleared a large area of cattails which are threatening to take over the park, an Important Bird Area. (Photo courtesy of BNT)
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Nassau, Bahamas – The Delta Epsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma
fraternity volunteered this past Saturday at Harrold and Wilson Ponds
National Park to remove invasive cattails. Working alongside Bahamas
National Trust (BNT) President Larry Glinton and park staff, the Sigma
teamed cleared a large area of cattails which are threatening to take
over the park, an Important Bird Area.
“Cattails occur
naturally in wetlands and can become aggressive and invasive,” said Lynn
Gape, Deputy Executive Director of the BNT. “What has happened at
Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park is that the cattails have become
so thick that the lack of air circulation around the boardwalk has
caused major maintenance issues.”
During a recent visit with
representatives from Caribbean Landscaping to discuss a strategy for
dealing with the cattails. Shanley Toote, manager at Caribbean
Landscaping, went to his fraternity and told them about the problem and
they immediately pledged $2,000 to help with supplies needed to manage
the cattails plus volunteered to assist with the manpower needed to help
manage the cattails once a quarter.
“Perhaps the most impressive
aspect of the Sigmas' effort was the spirit of comradery that was
displayed as they tackled the difficult task of cattail removal while up
to their waists in water and mud,” said Larry Glinton, BNT President.
“Their commitment to service is both refreshing and remarkable.”
According
to Cameron Saunders, BNT New Providence Park Warden, who has been
dealing with the cattail problem on an ongoing basis, “these guys really
did a great job. I cannot believe how large an area they cleared in
just one morning. I am looking forward to working with them on a
continuing basis and we thank them for their commitment to our
environment.”
As the day came to a close members of the BNT
thanked the Sigmas for their hard work. One fraternity brother was
heard to saying “It’s no problem. We are all about service and giving
back to the community.”
“Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Sigmas' effort was the spirit of comradery that was displayed as they tackled the difficult task of cattail removal while up to their waists in water and mud,” said Larry Glinton, BNT President. “Their commitment to service is both refreshing and remarkable.”
(Photo courtesy of BNT)
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During a recent visit with representatives from Caribbean Landscaping to discuss a strategy for dealing with the cattails. Shanley Toote, manager at Caribbean Landscaping, went to his fraternity and told them about the problem and they immediately pledged $2,000 to help with supplies needed to manage the cattails plus volunteered to assist with the manpower needed to help manage the cattails once a quarter.
(Photo courtesy of BNT)
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