Fondes Amandes Community Reforestation Project (FACRP)

Forest Fire Prevention and Suppression Program 

This program runs from December 1st to June. This period is known as the fire season as well as the dry season. Activities included in the program are cutting and clearing fire traces, fire patrols and fire supression. 

Gayap - Annual Dry Season Event in March

The essence of Gayap is working together for a positive cause. At FACRP the focus during the dry season remains forest fire prevention, awareness and forest fire suppression. 

The celebration lasts for 3 days whereby schools, community groups and the general public get an opportunity to participate and learn about practical action at FACRP. FACRP also provides fire prevention services to community groups as well as private residents to reduce the spread of forest fires as well as  assist with developing and hosting Gayaps in various communities in Trinidad and Tobago. 

Tree Planting and Organic Nursery session

FACRP has created a beautiful green Clean Tree Organic Nursery in the hills in Fondes Amandes to facilitate the reforestation activities in the hills. Some of the trees are fruit, ornamental, herb and hard wood trees. 

Visitors can have an opportunity to learn about FACRP, see examples of land management techniques, visit the clean trees organic nursery  and learn about our Climate resilient species research project. Each person will get an opportunity to select a plant from the FACRP’s Clean Trees Organic Nursery and with the assistance of a guide plant it in the hills of Fondes Amandes.

Herb Sessions 

Herb Kits 

Session on herbs and usage,  herb walk and herb kit making session. Participants will be able to take their completed herb kits home at the end of the session.

Herb Tea

Session on herbs and usage,  herb walk, herb selection and herb tea session. Participants will enjoy an aromatic tea making and tasting session.

Herb Bread

Session on herbs and usage,  herb walk, herb selection, herb bread making session and bread tasting session. Participants will enjoy the taste and smell of freshly baked herb bread made at FACRP.

Herb Shampoo

Session on herbs and usage,  herb walk and herb selection. Participants will participate in making the herbal shampoo as well as using the shampoo to shampoo their hair. Session highly recommend for persons who are treating hair due to hair loss caused by cancer. This shampoo is 100% organic and contains 1 ingredient which is herbal and indigenous in nature.

FACRP Annual World Environment Day Celebrations 5th June

Since 1991 we have been celebrating this special day. Every year we invite diplomats, schools, community groups, musicians and the general public to participate in our 

fun filled event.

Fora and Workshops

Some of the services offered are:

• Disaster Awarness Caravans
  
• Annual Forest Fire Foras
  
• Forest in Focus Foras
• Climate change adaptation 
• Surface water management workshops 

Eco-Tours

Educational & Fun

Eco-Educational Workshops/Tours 

Participants will get an opportunity to learn about FACRP and the importance of the watershed management work we do. Special requests and areas of interest will be considered and sessions will be tailored to suit age group and physical capabilities of visitors. Below is a list of topics we cover at FACRP:

• Reforestation
• Understanding the importance of the forest
• Organic tree nursery (visit to nursery)
• Tree planting and biodiversity
• Forest fire prevention
• Forest fire suppression (demonstrations included)
• Managing surface water fun off (demonstrations included)
• Community Forestry
• Climate change talks (mitigation and adaptation), with examples of adaptation measures taken at FACRP       
• Fun hikes and scenic views

• The importance of our watersheds
• The importance of conservation
• Negative impacts of forest fires within their communities 
• How they can make a differences
• They participate in quizzes and develop environmental programmes in their schools
• At the end of the schools year they present their projects, showcasing their creative environmental awareness projects.
  

Field School at FACRP Launched in 2016

Bridgewater State University celebrated the launching of a field school. The event was held on BSU campus during Carnival Week, which was sponsored by Latin American & Caribbean Studies, to mark the official launch of the field school. On hand was Akilah Jaramogi, co-founder and managing director of FACRP who signed a memorandum of agreement concerning the field school, further cementing FACRP's partnership with BSU. This initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Fox, who has visited Trinidad for research several times since 2004. The field school is meant to be interdisciplinary, with all BSU departments encouraged to make use of its facilities and to include it in course offerings as an elective overseas research opportunity.  “It’s really exciting,” said Dr. Fox, expressing her appreciation for the support the project has received from university officials, including President Frederick W. Clark Jr., and Dr. Karim Ismaili, interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. Dr. Fox piloted the school during trips to our community with students during the past two spring break periods in 2016 and 2017. The school will officially debut in the summer of 2018. The field school “fits well with the goal of many disciplines to work collaboratively with communities,” Dr. Fox said. “I’m thrilled about it.”  

Eco-Culture Vacation Camps

Each year during the July-August vacation period (summer time) we host an eco-culture camp which focuses on connecting children to nature as well as some of our culture and traditions in T&T. Great opportunity for young people to volunteer and for children to benefit from an authentic out door experience.

More Fun things to experience at FACRP

Hike to the Lady Chancellor Ridge Top

Drumming sessions

Participants will learn about the different drums and have a practice session with a master drummer. 

Gift/Craft Shop

Visitors can get an opportunity to purchase FACRP merchandise, hand made art (made by staff and volunteers) and ecological local made jewelry. Profits from sales will go towards assisting our NGO with operational costs. The shop is open for all tours/sessions, Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm, interested persons can call 1868-689-7794 or 1868-471-2051 to purchase items.

Refreshments

Refreshments are based on personal requirements and our menu base on availability of ingredients.  Most of our dishes are vegetarian, however meat or fish orders can be arranged. All food orders will be served in dishes that are bio-degradable or non-single use wear plates, cutlery and glasses. 

Special Events

Corporate retreats, team building exercise, company volunteer day for staff, space rentals for meetings and workshops, space rentals for dinners and events are also welcomed at FACRP.

Bookings

Please email us at [email protected] to book your tour in advance. Please include the following in the email; contact person and details, name of group or institution, numbers of persons, type of tour/area of interest, study or research as well as special request such as interviews, meals, combined programmes, extended hours, etc. These factors often influence the per person cost of tours or sessions.

We are unable to facilitate walk-ins therefore it is advised that you make your bookings at least 1-2 weeks in advance. Please make bookings as early as possible to ensure they are secured.

Prices of Tours and Eco-Sessions

Prices ranges between $60 to $600 (Trinidad and Tobago currency) or $10 to $100 American dollars per person based on a 2-3/5 hours time period.  Special request, repeat visitors and number of persons, will be taken into account and costed accordingly.

Please note: Prices are subjected to change

Tour dates

Mondays to Fridays – Times 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. On weekends the FACRP Resource Centre is closed, however you can still email us to see if we’re available on weekends. Weekend – TBD based on request and availability of guides.

Carrying Capacity

Number of Persons per tour or workshop: No less than 5 persons per group and no more than 120 persons.