SINT-MARTIN (FRENCH QUARTER) - The Les Fruits de Mer association will launch a new book this Saturday, Trees for Me and My Island. The bilingual book showcases native trees, which are trees originally from this island.
It features 18 native trees that are ideal to plant in your backyard or neighborhood. The public is invited to the launch, where free copies of the book will be given away. Seedlings of native and heritage plants will also be available. The free event will be from 9am to noon on Saturday, June 27th at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House.
“This book is about trees that are great for people,” said author Mark Yokoyama. “It includes trees that provide delicious fruits and beautiful flowers. Every tree in the book has traditional uses in local culture. And they are all adapted to the conditions on St. Martin because they are native. So, they grow well here!”
For each tree in the book, readers learn where and why to plant it, its cultural connections, and how it helps our local wildlife. The book is full of color photographs. It is bilingual in English and French.
“Many of our native trees really benefit people, and they have for centuries,” said Les Fruits de Mer President Jenn Yerkes. “This book can help you find the right tree for any spot: one that doesn’t get too big, or can handle salty sea spray, or gives shade even during the dry season!”
During the event, the association will be giving away seedlings of some of the trees featured in the book and of other plants, while supplies last.
The book is available as a free download from http://lesfruitsdemer.com, and for purchase on amazon.com worldwide. Teachers and youth group leaders interested in copies are encouraged to contact Les Fruits de Mer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Companies, organizations or individuals interested in sponsoring copies for schools are also encouraged to contact the association.
Since 2020, the Les Fruits de Mer association has published over 60 books about St. Martin and has distributed over 60,000 books to students, schools and the public. The association’s book programs are supported by the Collectivité de Saint-Martin, France and other funding partners.
Les Fruits de Mer will be distributing free native and heritage plant seedlings at the event.
Trees for Me and My Island shares practical, cultural and ecological information about each featured tree.
