CHANT - Crucian Heritage And Nature Tourism

05/07/2025

🌴📣 WE'RE LAUNCHING IN ST. CROIX TOMORROW! 📣🌴
Join us TOMORROW, July 5th in Frederiksted aka Freedom City for a powerful Black Heritage Tree Project Listening Session during Freedom Weekend—honoring 177 years since the 1848 Emancipation Rebellion! ✊🏾🔥

This is currently the only site in our Black Heritage Tree Project outside of the mainland U.S. , and it’s where our dream first took root—carrying forward the legacy of the late Dr. Robert Nicholls and his work documenting the island’s Big Remarkable Trees and the work of Veronica Gordon aka the Bush Lady whose work as a horticulturalist is the reason why many of the big trees we are documenting are still standing.

We’re gathering under the shade of Baobabs, Tamarinds, Crucian Mahogany, Kapok trees, and more—living witnesses to Black freedom, culture, and resistance.

Come meet our St. Croix Team members - Frandelle Gerard, Chenzira Kahina, Olasee Davis, and Justin Dunnavant

🗓️ When: July 5th 10am -12pm
📍 Where: CHANT (Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism)
217 Custom House St, Frederiksted
🔗 RSVP: Scan the QR Code or visit https://forms.gle/ZHWGRRGP4wv7Ah31A

🌐 More info: blackheritagetrees.com
📧 Questions? [email protected]

Let the trees speak and let’s listen. 🌳💚

National Geographic Society
CHANT - Crucian Heritage And Nature Tourism
AST Speaks
University of the Virgin Islands
St. Croix Hiking Association
Virgin Islands Source The Virgin Islands Daily News

03/07/2025

🎓 Vetiver Workshop & Presentation at UVI

Earlier this week, Conservation Corps members participated in an educational workshop at the University of the Virgin Islands. Led by erosion control expert Magaly Tangauy, the session focused on vetiver planting techniques and site-specific applications for the VI’s coastal zones.

The presentation helped Corps members understand the science behind their hands-on work, including vetiver’s role in sediment reduction and slope stabilization. A follow-up field session at Whale Point allowed them to put theory into practice.

🌱 Vetiver Planting at Whale Point

The CHANT VI Conservation Corps team continued their coastal restoration efforts with a vetiver grass planting along the Whale Point trail. Vetiver’s deep roots help prevent erosion and stabilize soil, making it ideal for vulnerable coastlines.

Working in teams, members measured spacing, planted slips, and watered the newly installed rows. This effort supports both environmental resilience and job skill development. Plus, the ocean view wasn’t bad either.

🪑 Benches Installed at Whale Point
Two hand-built wooden benches were installed along the Whale Point coastal trail—constructed by Conservation Corps members and set securely in concrete footings. These benches offer a place for reflection, rest, and community connection while overlooking the sea.

From design and cutting to sanding and anchoring, Corps members gained hands-on experience in woodworking and public space design, all while improving access and comfort for trail users.

03/07/2025

02/07/2025

🐓 Cox Farm Livestock Support – Conservation Corps VI 🌿

This week, the crew worked on restoring turkey and goose pens at Cox Farm.
They learned about animal husbandry, plant identification, and how to integrate local vegetation into livestock diets for healthier animals.
Great experience combining farming, construction, and sustainability!


Lotus Farms 🌱💩 = 💰

From coop to compost to cash! The crew collected, shoveled, and bagged rich, ready-to-sell fertilizer—learning how waste management and sustainable farming go hand in hand. Another step toward local food security and circular economy skills.

02/07/2025

01/07/2025

❗The (Territorial) USDA Julie Mango in Every Yard Program is back!! [Application Deadline July 18, 2025]❗

❗The (Territorial) USDA Julie Mango in Every Yard Program is back!! [Application Deadline July 18, 2025]❗

During the territorial Julie Mango Program, you will learn mango tree grafting, pruning, and tree maintenance, and receive a mango tree upon completion! (Note: This is an opportunity for those who have not participated in previous workshops.)

Applications are due on Friday, July 18, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Please access the application at the following link:https://doa.vi.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Julie-Mango-Project-Application-2nd-Phase-.pdf

Download the application and turn it in to the VIDA Marketing Department from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., or submit it via email to Marketing Director Shantel Douglas at [email protected]. If you are experiencing difficulties accessing the application via the link above, please email Ms. Douglas to receive an application via email.

For more information, please call Ms. Douglas at 340-778-0997 ext. 3327.

01/07/2025

01/07/2025

CHANT Conservation Corps – Daily Report

1. Coconut Tree Removal Training 🌴🪚
Today, the crew tackled the safe removal of a 40ft. coconut tree. They learned how to assess the fall zone, make precise angle cuts, and use rope knots and pulley systems to control the tree’s descent. Hands-on experience with connecting and tying quick-release knots made for an efficient and successful job. Proud of their teamwork and attention to safety!



2. Bench Build for Whale Point Project 🪑🔨
Our team built and stained a brand-new bench as part of the Whale Point Project. This task gave them a chance to sharpen their carpentry skills—from measuring and cutting lumber to staining and finishing. The finished bench is solid, functional, and a beautiful addition to the space.

01/07/2025

Taj James: June 2025 Conservation Corps Training Program Monthly Report

Overview:
This month, the trainees participated in a diverse range of activities focused on environmental restoration, community service, skill development, and sustainable farming. The combined efforts have contributed to ecological preservation, community engagement, and the development of practical skills.

Activities & Achievements

1. Environmental Restoration & Community Projects
Land Clearing for Mangrove Planting:** Cleared large areas at The Nature Conservancy to prepare for mangrove planting, supporting coastal ecosystem resilience.
Native Tree Planting at Whale Point:** Planted indigenous trees with Horsley Witten Group to combat erosion and promote biodiversity.
Elderly Yard Cleanup (EHP):** Assisted seniors by clearing two yards, collaborating with CHANT and Farm Education For All to provide free property cleanup.
Trail & Playground Maintenance:** Fixed the swing set at Claude O. Marcko School, and cut grass to maintain the school grounds.
Garden Preparation:** Cleared and prepared the Eulalie Rivera School Garden for the upcoming farm pod and garden installation.

2. Masonry & Construction Training
Kingshill Cemetery Masonry Training: Under the instruction of Johnny Smart, trainees learned detailed measurement techniques, the deconstruction of tombs, and the creation of material lists.
Material Purchasing Exercise:** Trainees participated in a timed challenge at Home Depot STX, where they collected and purchased materials to build tombs, securing and packing them properly for transport.
Tomb Construction:** Successfully completed three tombs this month, applying skills learned during training.

3. Farm & Livestock Activities at Lotus Farm
Chicken House:** Built and maintained chicken houses, learning proper construction, cleaning, and maintenance practices.
Raising Animals:** Gained hands-on experience in caring for chickens, including feeding, watering, and general livestock management.
Coconut Harvesting & Processing:** Harvested coconuts, learned proper harvesting techniques, and engaged in bottling and sales.
Banana & Plantain Cultivation:** Planted, harvested, and sold bananas and plantains, gaining knowledge in crop management and marketing.
Cooking & Sales:** Prepared farm-fresh food from harvested produce, promoting farm-to-table practices and engaging the community through sales.

Summary & Impact
This month, trainees developed practical skills in masonry, construction, agriculture, and community service. Their efforts contributed to ecological restoration, the preservation of local history, community support, and the adoption of sustainable farming practices. The diverse activities fostered teamwork, technical expertise, and a strong sense of community engagement.

Prepared by:
Taj James
Date: June 24, 2025

29/06/2025

We're getting back on the road next week to continue hosting listening sessions in all 4 of our Black Heritage Tree Project sites, and this time we are headed to the Virgin Islands.

So far, this is the only community that we are working with outside of the mainland United States and it was here on the island of St. Croix that our project director and several members of our St. Croix team, led by Frandelle Gerard first dreamed of carrying on the late Dr. Robert Nicholls work documenting the island's "Big Remarkable Trees". Based on the photograph exhibits, research, and Tree mapping that Dr. Nicholls started over 20 years ago, along with years of cultural ecology research by and the culture bearing work of Dr. Chenzira Davis-Kahina and decades of applied historic plant and forestry research from the great Olasee Davis, our project in St. Croix already has a wealth of tree stories to share. We can't wait to get started!

Come join our listening session on July 5th during Freedom weekend as St. Croix celebrates 177 years of freedom taken by force during the Emancipation Day Rebellion on July 3, 1848. This special gathering will honor the Baobab, Crucian Mahogany, Tamarind, Kapok trees, and many other culturally significant species that stood as silent witnesses to this movement of Black Freedom.

There is still time to reserve your spot and meet us in Frederiksted, on the West End of St. Croix at CHANT (Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism) located at 217 Custom House Street.

See you there!
To RSVP Scan the QR Code or visit us at
https://forms.gle/ZHWGRRGP4wv7Ah31A
Find out more at www.blackheritagetrees.com or email us at [email protected]

29/06/2025