Artie – Mangrove Maniacs

Retirement has not slowed Artie de Vries down. It has done the opposite. It has given him more space to be outside, to move, to help and to stay connected to the island that keeps him grounded. His motto guides everything he does. If you do not use it, you lose it.

Artie is a long-time volunteer with the Mangrove Maniacs, a group restoring the mangrove forests that protect Bonaire’s coast. His hands are often busy with propagules, the young seeds that will grow into trees strong enough to shield the shoreline. He collects them, sorts them and prepares them for planting. Slow work. Careful work. Work that shapes the future. On Sundays, you will find him on Klein Bonaire, clearing paths and giving young trees the room they need to grow. He speaks about the island the way some people speak about family. With respect. With gratitude. With a quiet sense of duty.

Cleaning beaches has become a meditation for him. The waves. The wind. The simple act of turning around and seeing a stretch of sand restored. It is the kind of reward that cannot be bought. Only earned. Artie also leads MiVaBo, where he helps make homes more accessible for people with mobility challenges. Ramps. Paths. Small repairs. Small changes that make a big difference. His message is gentle and firm at the same time. We do not need to wait for Bon Doet to help each other. Pick up a few bags. Clear a small patch of road. Care a little. It all adds up.

Artie’s life shows what happens when movement and purpose meet. The island grows stronger. And so does he. 

Help protect Bonaire’s mangroves

Artie shows that caring for Bonaire starts with showing up. Collecting propagules, clearing space for young trees, and helping the coast grow stronger step by step. Want to learn more about the work of Mangrove Maniacs or help restore Bonaire’s mangroves yourself? Read more about Mangrove Maniacs on this website or go straight to their volunteer page.