1/23/22

Second week of classes completed! Work kicked in this week and I already have some research projects and papers to begin. I also started volunteering with a Mangrove nursery at the Marine Science Center. The nursery focuses on rehabilitating mangrove ecosystems from human impacts and the hurricanes that struck the island in 2017. I've learned how to 'neem' the mangrove saplings and collect basic metrics on their growth and health (Neem is a type of insect repellant used to reduce pests and herbivory on the saplings). This week I also checked out a unique beach called Mermaid's Chair on the west end of the Island. It had a bunch of giant waves crashing against large boulder formations and foamy turquoise water.