To say Mr. Marlon Francis has a world view of the environment is an understatement.  As he is helping his students learn, the Trinity teacher assists his homeland, Barbados, find solutions for coastal erosion.

After teaching at Fern Creek and Seneca, this is Francis’ second year at Trinity, where he teaches anatomy/physiology and space & earth science.

Of his Trinity experience so far, Francis said, “In one word, wonderful. I had a wonderful year last year with the seniors, and this year has been a great experience — just a wonderful   experience.”

Francis said he enjoys being part of the Trinity community.  “I feel very at home at Trinity,” he said. “I feel very comfortable. I enjoy the staff very much. I enjoy the programs. I enjoy the leadership, great leadership here. Of course, I enjoy being able to participate in almost anything I want to.”

In Barbados, Francis lived near the center of the island by St. George, but he said what he misses the most are the beautiful beaches he is working to protect. In his last trip to Barbados, Francis stayed in a hotel near the beach to observe coastal conservation work.

He said, “Staying at a hotel right on the beach gave me the opportunity each day and each morning to go walk and take photographs and pay attention to what was being done for coastal management.”

Francis uses his knowledge of earth science to study how Barbados manages its coastal resources. “We are aware that because the Earth is getting a little bit warmer and the polar caps are melting, there is evidence of increased sea level around Barbados,” he said. What this has done is cause severe erosion along some beach properties.”

Instead of watching this environmental erosion from afar, Francis tries to do his part for his homeland by making recommendations to a coastal conservation unit run by the Barbados government.

One suggestion presented to the group was to continue utilizing plants that adapt to the beach environment. The plants are meant to grow over the sand and hold the sand in place using their roots. Francis suggested using coconut palms for stabilizing the beaches.

To help expose Trinity students to a small Caribbean island with a temperate environment, Francis plans to have his juniors join him in a pen pal-like exchange. His idea is to have his students via Skype connect to Barbados students who are studying environmental science. He also hopes some Trinity students will be able to visit the island, record what they see, and share the information with others after returning home.