Asa Wright Nature Centre

The Asa Wright Nature Centre is a combination of research station and resort in the valley of Arima in Trinidad and Tobago. Named is the center according to Asa Wright, a former owner of the area.

History

The grounds of the AWNC was formerly a plantation called Spring Hill Plantation. In 1936, she was due to tax liabilities of the previous owner owned by the British colonial power, when it was acquired by the American couple Joseph and Helen Bruce Holmes. The couple took some renovations before, but returned after the 2nd World War in the U.S. and eventually sold the land in 1949 to the British- Icelandic couple Newcombe and Asa Wright. Around the same time acquired the American biologist Charles William Beebe the adjoining plantation Verdant Vale, as his original research station had been converted in Bermuda during the Second World War an airbase. Beebe renamed the plantation in Simla, an old name of the Indian city of Shimla. The two neighboring plantation originally served the cocoa cultivation, possessed large areas of pristine rainforest.

In the 50s and 60s many famous ornithologists were with the Wrights to host, including David and Barbara Snow. The property was a good base for bird observations from eg the rare fat Schwalm in the nearby Dunston Cave, as well as countless Hummingbird and Manakin species.

Died in 1962 William Beebe, 1967 Newcombe Wright. Subsequently, the privately owned initiative by some ornithologists (including Don Eckelberry and Erma Fisk ) was transferred to a charitable foundation and renamed the site in " Asa Wright Nature Centre". Purpose of the foundation was a preservation of AWNC as a public recreation area, ornithological study center and center for the preservation of flora and fauna in the Arima Valley. Asa Wright continued to live on the plantation, but died 1971. 1974 the neighboring plantation Simla was transferred to the Foundation. In 2001 the adjoining Rapsey Estate was purchased. Thus, the AWNC now has an area of ​​about 500 hectares.

Facilities

The AWNC located at about 370 meters above sea level within the Northern Range and is surrounded by dense cloud forest. Flora and fauna are diverse. Thus, 97 mammal species have been recorded on the site, 400 of birds, 55 reptiles, 25 amphibians and 617 species of butterflies and 2200 various flowers. This biodiversity is unique in the Caribbean. Within sight of the main house food courts with fruits and bread for birds are placed, which are also used by bats in the morning. Falling chunks are captured by Goldtejus and Goldagutis. Are supplemented by nectar feeding grounds dispenser that attract hummingbirds. Botanical trails lead through the spacious grounds, guided hikes are offered for day and night. In the main house film screenings and lectures, where there is also a large library. Visitors can stay in bungalows.

Programs

Currently (May 2013) through five programs:

  • Cataloging the flora and fauna around the Cerro del Aripo
  • Balance of flora and fauna in the Arima Valley with 50 years ago
  • Reintroduction of the red howler monkeys in the Arima Valley
  • Restoration and monitoring of natural habitats
  • Beringungsprogramm for wild birds
Barbara Kathleen Snow El Cerro del Aripo
82374
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