Let's Build Gonave, Haiti!

With the grant that we are hoping to secure we are going to improve the existing park (Public Plaza) with some landscaping as well as adding a few trees to the property.  While a small amount of the grant money will go towards the Public Plaza (some 10-15%), the vast majority of funds will go towards the new pollinator park. With that said, the parks have to be protected and cared for.  While the newly formed La Gonave Wildflower Association will plant and maintain many of the plants and trees, it leaves a very critical element.  That is having someone that will make sure that goats and other farm animals, as well as theft and vandalism doesn't occur.  Also emptying out trash bins and keeping the parks clean would be required.  Having a parks department would not only keep both parks clean and maintained, but any new parks that are added, will have the staff needed to properly take care of them. These parks are public assets and will help the local economy ...

As we are developing the pollinator Garden, we understand that the project will have to be done in phases.  The park itself will be rather large as the first of four section will be some 25 ft. wide by 50 ft. long.  The park will be designed, planned, and built by Hurko Co.  We are look at the company as it will make its introduction to Haiti for the first time in 2016. The funding for the pollinator garden will be determined by Jan. 2016.  The project is being looked at from a few different perspectives.  The project would be drastically cut down in size if the grant is denied.  Part of the pollination/honeybee highway, the pollinator garden will introduce many new types of plants to La Gonave such as the kiwano and Date Palm Tree.  Existing plants and trees such as the Flamboyant Tree would also be grown.  From a conservation view, this park will educate the public on what each plant and tree does for the environment.  Also it will stres...

The pollinator garden/park is now in the design phase.  We are looking at what features the park will have, the dimensions of the park, and just the general layout.  As you know we applied for a grant to build the park in Anse-a-Galets on La Gonave island.  The pollinator garden will serve as a hub of activity for insects and birds, but also will be a year round park.  Below is a general idea of what we wanted our pollinator garden to look like. We want to also have art features throughout the park which will add to the overall appeal to the garden.  So not only do you see insects and birds but also art along the way.  We intend on having a main path through the park, and some secondary paths as well.  We will have an onsite tool storage facility that will also act as a water catchment.  There will be an area for composting as well as education about the importance of composting.  Any vegetables or spices grown on the property could b...

I received an email today asking additional questions from the group behind the Pollinator Grant.  This would be a $1,000 grant that would be used to beautify the existing Public Plaza, create pollinator gardens, and help with the current deforestation and erosion issues on the island of La Gonave. This is an opportunity to push this project further than ever.  This grant will allow us to go full steam ahead and build up the areas near and around Anse-a-Galets.  Anse-a-Galets will be the starting point for most of our projects from the honeybee program, the honeybee highway, to our reforestation efforts. I will specify in the language we provide to the pollinator grant group that we will purchase Vetiver from Haitian suppliers, which will then be planted by locals.  Vetiver is very important as it will establish a strong root system that will go deep into the soil.  This will help prevent soil run-off, but also help to prevent areas of heavy flash flooding....

Let's Build Gonave Haiti is ending the year on a high note.  We have seen so many developments and have laid a good foundation to build on.  We have and will continue to support building up the local plant and tree population on the island of La Gonave.  Not only to support our current honeybee program, but future programs. We will look into rabbit rearing when we visit the island of La Gonave to see if this would be a viable industry.  We talked about Talipia farming, which is still something that we are interested in, however the lack of water is a major concern.  Finally we are hoping to put programs in that will allow for more sustainable farming, and ways to overcome issues with the poor soil. By this time next year we will talk about visiting the island next year and harvesting the honey.  Our hope is to start building a marketing campaign that will get locals involved and understand honey and beekeeping.  If our partner organization obtains...

Moving honeybees from the mainland of Haiti (Arcahaie) to La Gonave will be the longest movement of honeybees that we have even undertaken.  Currently we are researching ways to move the honeybees from the distance.  Logistically it is a major challenge due to moving the bees across water.  Simply put we see this as a challenge but one that we are very excited about. The hives could be several hundred pounds each.  Moving the bees have to be done at the right time of day, right temperature, and right weather.  We also want to make sure that we move the bees with the most amount of forager honeybees.  These are the honeybees that search for nectar, pollen, and water.  Without these bees, the hive will die.  Loosing a few isn't a big deal, but loosing too many foragers is disaster. So what is the best solution?  Moving the honeybees at night.  While this still has to be done with care, night offers cooler temperatures, honeybees are t...