contents...you read this 50th anniversary edition of the bellbird. 4 the ﬁ rst edition of spring...

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Message from the Chairman 2

A History of the Bellbird Newsletter 4

The Fortuitous Meeting which Changed My Life 5

A Brief History of Asa Wright Nature Centre 7

Simla 8

The Early Guides 10

50th Anniversary Cocktail Reception 12

Caligo Ventures: A Brief History 13

Celebrity Birders at AWNC 14

Success Stories 15

The Bird Life 16

The Oilbirds of Dunston Cave 17

Our Other Residents 18

Fine Dining at the Asa Wright Nature Centre 19

Planning for the Future 20

ContentsNAI’s Training Comes to Spring Hill 22

A Natural Study Area 23

Readers Remember... 24

Newsletter Archives 25

Commemorative Messages 27

Board of Management 30

Developing an Eco-conscience 31for Trinidad and Tobago

AWNC Staff 32

Thank You to Our Employees 32

References 32

INSIDE BACK COVER:

A Network of Support

Asa Wright Nature Centre Extends Thanksto Our Major Donors

Acknowledgements

Asa WrightPhoto: AWNC Files

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ASA WRIGHT NATURE CENTRE 50TH ANNIVERSARY

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Trinidad and Tobago was already well known as a place of high biodiversity and good for scientifi c study. Our guppy was a household name, popular accounts of our natural history were available (Brooke Worth’s A Naturalist in Trinidad and Lindblad’s Journey to the Red Birds) and there was an identifi cation guide to the birds. For the more serious, there were famous scientifi c studies: the discovery of echo-location in bats, research on mimicry in butterfl ies, guppy life-history evolution, and lekking and frugivory by birds. Such works went on to spark new ecological studies and spread the name of Trinidad and Tobago.

That was 50 years ago. Our economy is now, more than ever, energy based, and nearly all of our coffee, cocoa and sugar are imported. Our lifestyle and entertainment have moved towards the indoor and virtual environment, at home or in malls and movie complexes.

Amongst these changes, the AWNC has remained a constant. An institution rooted in the appreciation

On 21st October 1967, when the Asa Wright Nature Centre (AWNC) Trust was signed into being, Trinidad and Tobago had been independent for fi ve years. Our GDP was US$762 million or US$823 per capita. Our economy was already energy based with agriculture in decline but we still produced a signifi cant quantity of cocoa, coffee and sugar.

A Message fromthe Chairman

2017 volunteers from North Carolina State University at a pool on one of our trails. Photo by Beth Wright

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Graham White presents employee, Juliana Walcott-Stewart, with a token at a Service Awards Ceremony in 2016. Photo by Beverly Noel

Visitors on the verandah. Photo by Johanne Ryan

of natural history, advocating for conservation and sustainability of development. During our 50-year history, almost every local biologist has been associated with and contributed to AWNC in some way. Our staff, our Board and partners have successfully fulfilled the mandate of the trust to: protect the estate as a wildlife sanctuary and nature centre; maintain agricultural potential in an ecologically sound manner; continue the scientific and educational potential of the AWNC and generally support conservation by encouraging the study of natural history by residents and visitors. Today, these objects of the trust are as relevant as ever.

In 2017, we face a slump in the economy. Not only are energy prices reduced but the entire industry is placing the planet’s climate in jeopardy. Nationally, we are again seeking avenues to grow our economy through new

products and services. Fortunately, AWNC has kept a candle burning in the window, demonstrating the value of natural habitats to our quality of life and as a sustainable economic activity.

We will continue to share our experience in ecotourism and expand our message of sustainable land use. This does not mean creating similar entities and sharing existing visitor numbers. This means helping to address national deficiencies in environmental management which undermine our efforts, and our potential. This means managing the swamps so that the birds and wildlife are safe, managing the reefs so that the coral improves and flourishes, managing the forests so that we enjoy all of the ecosystem services that they provide and managing the waterways so that we may have clean water, healthy aquatic life and corridors for wildlife to move between protected areas.

Readers of the Bellbird, and our Facebook followers are our core supporters in the online world. We will expand our influence on Facebook; perhaps initially to 50,000 followers. In the real world, we must increase the participation by the Friends of Asa Wright. Together with the Council of Presidents of the Environment and other environmentally minded non-governmental organisations, we will continue to lobby for, and support, good natural-area management. In the economic realm, we will support ecotourism-related activities wherever we can. What is most important, especially in the longer term, is that we continue to inspire and support young children in their interest in our natural environment, just as Ian Lambie did on 20th April 1974 when he actively encouraged me, at eight years old, in my interest in natural history.

Graham WhiteChairman of the Board, Asa Wright Nature Centre


A History ofThe Bellbird NewsletterBy Johanne Ryan

The fi rst edition of Asa Wright Nature Centre’s newsletter was a typewritten document published in 1968. Then, it was called Spring Hill News. It was sent to

patrons to update them on the developments of our fl edgling nature centre. Later issues of the newsletter were professionally printed. Our name has also changed over time. The newsletter was once also known as Spring Hill-Simla News, until it was renamed the Bellbird after the Bearded Bellbird, the Spring Hill resident featured on AWNC’s logo.

Our newsletter has evolved into the monthly publication that our readers receive in their inboxes today. We currently send the Bellbird to readers not only in Trinidad and Tobago but to regional and international friends in countries including the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, Hungary, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, and New Zealand. Sit back, and enjoy a little journey through time as you read this 50th Anniversary Edition ofthe Bellbird.

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The fi rst edition of Spring Hill News, 1968

The Bellbird Newsletter gets its name from our resident species, the Bearded Bellbird, which makes a loud, metallic callPhoto by Wendell S.J. Reyes

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The Fortuitous Meetingwhich Changed My LifeBy Ian Lambie

In 1973, I was the Customs and Excise Offi cer, in the Ministry of Finance, charged with the responsibility of supervising the operations at the two breweries in Trinidad, the Carib Brewery at Champs Fleurs and the

National Brewing Company, which was situated on the site now occupied by the Grand Bazaar, and assessing the Excise Duties payable on the beer brewed.

With the permission of the Management, I utilised the private road running through the UWI Farm as a shortcut between the breweries. The Farm was subsequently closed and the road was upgraded into the Uriah Butler Highway extension, connecting the Churchill Roosevelt Highway with the Eastern Main Road.

On this occasion, I was driving along Farm Road and stopped when I recognised the birding guide, Jogie Ramlal, accompanying a group of birdwatchers. Jogie introduced me as the Secretary of the Field Naturalists’ Club to the members of the group which included Dr. Joseph Copeland, a founding member and then President of the Asa Wright Nature Centre (AWNC).

Dr. Copeland remembered that I had been nominated by Richard ffrench to be a member of the Board of the AWNC, but without success. Dr. Copeland invited me to dinner at the Nature Centre and following an after-dinner conversation, he assured me that he would nominate me to fi ll the next vacancy on the Board.

At the 1975 AGM on the nomination of Dr. Copeland, which was seconded by Don Eckelberry, I was admitted to membership of the Board. During the next two years, Eckelberry and Copeland took every opportunity to convey to me their vision for the Nature Centre and at the 1977 AGM on the nomination of Copeland, the outgoing President, which was seconded by Don Eckelberry, I became the fi rst Trinidadian to hold the position of President of the AWNC.

At that time, the Board of Management comprised qualifi ed, knowledgeable and experienced persons but lacked the “foot soldiers” to effectively implement the decisions taken and the instructions issued by the Board. There was a manager who was mainly occupied with managing the guest accommodations. He was not a birdwatcher, naturalist or an environmentalist.

An AWNC sta� party in 1992.Photos: AWNC fi les

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Richard ffrench had identified me as someone capable of implementing the decisions of the Board and of furthering the objectives of the organisation in environmental conservation and education while striving to make the Nature Centre financially independent.

From its inception in 1967 and until 1974, as the result of a very low occupancy rate, the Nature Centre operated at a deficit and it became necessary for certain Board Members to provide “interest-free” loans to keep the doors open. It was no surprise that in his speech delivered during the 10th anniversary celebrations in 1977, Don Eckelberry stated that he had never expected the Nature Centre to exist for that many years.

In 1973, Wonder Bird Tours, operated by Manny Arias, became the “front desk” of the Nature Centre in New York, providing the avenue for easy communication between the Nature Centre and its prospective guests. At that time, there was no telecommunication or cable delivery between the outside world and the Nature Centre and it took many weeks for a letter to arrive. In 1984, Wonder Bird Tours was replaced by Mrs. Margaret Schaeffer, a qualified travel agent at Connecticut Travel, who with her husband, Philip Schaeffer, a National Audubon Society executive, soon established Caligo Ventures Inc., which has continued to serve AWNC as its booking agent for the past 33 years. The success of the Centre may be attributed to the good work of Caligo, not only as its booking agent, but in numerous other areas including the sourcing of opportunities for the training and working experience gained by many of our Nature Centre’s Guides/Interpreters in the USA.

I, too, have benefited from opportunities provided by Caligo for me to travel on promotional trips to many places in the US, Canada, Venezuela, Costa Rica and Colombia and to witness the management styles, the facilities provided and the food presentation at the various Nature Centres and other guest facilities visited.

In 1982, having been appointed a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Board, I was given the responsibility of promoting Trinidad and Tobago as an ideal destination to visit by birdwatchers, field naturalists and environmentalists. For the next four years, I delivered illustrated lectures to bird watchers and Naturalists Clubs in cities in Western Europe, in the US and in Canada. I believe that in this role I was very successful in putting Trinidad and Tobago on the ecotourism map.

The word ecotourism was first used in 1983, long after the establishment of AWNC and after I had been assigned to promote ecotourism in Trinidad and Tobago.

While the advancement of the Nature Centre became the second priority in my life, after my family and their well-being, I am grateful for the assistance, guidance and support given to me by so many persons including Don Eckelberry and Joe Copeland in those early days, and later by Dr. Thomas Carr, Dr. Victor Quesnel, Professor Julian Duncan, Professor Julian Kenny, Professor John Spence, Philip Schaeffer, Alexander “Sandy” Sprunt and Raymond Mendez, to name a few,

during my 27 years of service to the Asa Wright Nature Centre. It was Sandy Sprunt whose suggestion was accepted by the Board, that my services be retained, and that I receive a salary after I had retired from government services in 1988.

By 1990, the Asa Wright Nature Centre had been recognised as one of the foremost Nature Centres in the World and Trinidad and Tobago as the best location for birdwatchers to experience an introduction to South American species of birds. More recently, Trinidad has become known for its large congregations of nesting leatherback turtles, one of the topics included in my illustrated lectures in 1982 -1986.

The high level of success of AWNC could not have been achieved without the co-operation of a dedicated staff, and that of Lawrence Calderon, Jogie Ramlal and Roodal Ramlal, the “off-site” birding guides. I greatly appreciated their respective contributions and have pleasant memories of working with them.

My 27 years of service to AWNC has been a period of great achievement, of job satisfaction, of advancement of my knowledge and appreciation of nature and of the need for environmental conservation and environmental education. And I have met many wonderful people. I am to thank all those persons who contributed to my numerous achievements.

And it all began in 1973 with my fortuitous meeting in the UWI cattle pasture with Dr. Joseph Copeland, the then President of the Asa Wright Nature Centre.

Ian Lambie and Freda Copeland, wife of Dr. Joseph Copeland, at AWNC in 1998

(L-R) Geoff Gibbs, Ian Lambie, Margaret ffrench, Kate Gibbs and Richard ffrench at the British Birdwatching Fair in 1996

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Asa Wright Nature Centre

1936

A Brief History of

Asa Wright Nature Centre is a“not-for-profit” trust established in 1967.Here are some highlights of our history.

Joseph Holmes bought Spring Hill Estate. Holmes and his wife, Helen Bruce, employed a crew to restore the Main

House. Holmes piped water and brought electricity to the Main House.

1949Dr. William Beebe,

naturalist, explorer and author, moved to the Arima

Valley. He named his property Simla.

1967Newcome had passed away and Asa’s health was failing. A

group of interested persons, headed by Don Eckelberry, bought Spring Hill for the establishment of a Nature Centre.

1971After difficult early years, AWNC appointed a US booking agent, Wonder Bird Tours,

enabling it to meet its financial commitments for the first time.

1975Ian Lambie became the first

citizen of Trinidad and Tobago to hold the position of President.

1997The Centre’s first Education Officer,

Nicole Leotaud, was appointed.

1906 –1908Charles William Meyer built the Main House at Spring Hill Estate. The house was built from “tapia” and hardwood from the estate. Cocoa and coffee were grown on the land.

1946Asa Wright, an Icelandic nurse, and her husband Newcome Wright, a British solicitor, bought the estate.

1950sBeebe and his colleagues’ research on flora and fauna of the Arima Valley, attracted many visitors to the valley. Asa Wright provided lodging for visitors. Don & Virginia Eckelberry were early guests.

5th November, 1967The Asa Wright Nature Centre was officially opened by Sir Hugh Wooding, Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago.

1984Caligo Ventures Inc. replaced Wonder Bird Tours at AWNC’s booking agent.

2017AWNC continues education and conservation.It conserves approximately 1,200 acres of land.

The official opening of AWNC on 5th November1967. (l-r) Asa Wright, Sir Hugh Wooding, Lady Wooding, Dr. Brian Ainscough, Don Eckelberry and Ginny Eckelberry

1974The New York Zoological Society gifted Simla to AWNC.The property was officially named the William Beebe Tropical Research Station.

William Beebe ~ Photo © Wildlife Conservation Society. Reproduced by permission of the WCS Archives.

Charles Meyer, Asa & Newcome Wright and the Opening of AWNC ~ Photos: AWNC files

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William Beebe’s last home was in Trinidad. But before he came to the Arima Valley, the intrepid explorer had been around the world and “Half Mile Down” in the deep ocean. Here is a sampler of Beebe’s exploits.

By Pat Ganase

On a map drawn on a wall in the tropical research station at Simla in the Arima Valley, you can see a few of the places where William Beebe looked at life: Bronx Zoo (1899-1960); Bermuda (1928-

1961); British Guiana (1916-1924); the Galapagos (1923, 1925); Haiti (1927); Mexico (1904); Venezuela (1942-1948) and Trinidad (1952-1962). On the other side of the world are the countries he visited for his impressive monograph on pheasants.

Charles William Beebe was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1877. His interest in natural life landed his fi rst job as assistant curator of birds at New York Zoological Park (Bronx Zoo). In 1910, an expedition that took him around the world resulted in the four-volume monograph on pheasants published in 1918; and sealed his

reputation as one of the important ornithologists of his age.

His voyages to the Galapagos, and the jungles of South America were documented in his books; his delight in seeing creatures in nature never diminished. Beebe observed life in jungles, on mountains and in the deep sea. When he took up diving, he was with Otis Barton, who set the diving record, 3,028 feet down, in a bathysphere, to the ocean depths off Bermuda (August 1934).

In 1949, Beebe came to the Arima Valley looking for a site for a tropical research station. It is said that he came to Verdant Vale in a fi ne rain under the arcs of twin rainbows. His neighbour a mile up the road was Asa Wright at Spring Hill. Beebe named the estate Simla because it reminded him of the hill country in north India.

Simla

Beebe’s adventures in the “new world” on the wall at Simla.

The graceful old house at Verdant Vale was selected for Beebe’s tropical station in Trinidad.

Photo by Johanne Ryan

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According to Robert Henry Welker, in his book Natural Man, the Life of William Beebe, it was likely that in Trinidad, “Beebe had chosen a place which could be reached by nonstop jet and automobile in about five hours from New York’s Idlewild airport.”

Here was not the extensive impenetrable jungle of continental South America. In the shadow of Morne Bleu, on slopes lush with rainforest growth, the Arima Valley had long been settled for plantations of cocoa and citrus. Even the immortelle had been brought here from Peru. He expanded the estate at Simla to nearly 200 acres; and deeded the property to the New York Zoological Society for one dollar. After Asa Wright’s estate was assigned to a Trust in 1967, the New York Zoological Society gifted Simla to the Trust for the tropical research station to be maintained. Beebe died in 1962 and was buried in the Mucurapo cemetery.

William Beebe was a prolific writer with a quick wit. As told by Henry Fairfield Osborn Jr., Beebe once turned away a scientist because he was bored: “Boredom is immoral. All a man has to do is see. All about us nature puts on the most thrilling adventure stories ever created, but we have to use our eyes. I was walking across our compound last month when a queen termite began building her miraculous city. I saw it because I was

William Beebe’s godson, Malcom Strandberg, and his wife, Delaine, at Asa Wright in 2017. Photo by Johanne Ryan

looking down. One night, three giant fruit bats flew over the face of the moon. I saw them because I was looking up. To some men, the jungle is a tangled place of heat and danger. But, to the man who can see, its vines and plants form a beautiful and carefully ordered tapestry.”

In the 50 years since Beebe, Simla has seen hundreds of student scientists and researchers all encouraged to look up, look down, and also to look beyond the damaged stone face of the valley.

William Beebe at work in his office at Simla circa 1951 Photo © Wildlife Conservation Society. Reproduced with the permission of the WCS Archives.

William Beebe watches Arima Valley circa 1951.Photo © Wildlife Conservation Society. Reproduced with the permission of the WCS Archives.

Through the trees and vines, the view from Simla today is the noisy dusty quarry across the valley. Photo by Pat Ganase

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By Ian Lambie

Lawrence Calderon lived with his wife and family in the Arima Valley and in 1953, long before the establishment of the AWNC, he was employed as a handyman by Mrs. Asa Wright the owner of the

Spring Hill Estate. Whenever required, he chauffeured her in her Land Rover to Arima, to the market in Port of Spain to sell citrus fruit, bananas and other estate produce; to visit friends or to conduct other business.

In 1950, the Tropical Research Station of the New York Zoological Society, was established lower down the Valley and its director, Dr. William Beebe, and his fellow scientists working out of Simla, were regular visitors to Spring Hill. Dr. Beebe had purchased a parcel of land, established the Research Station, and named it “Simla”, after the Summer Headquarters of the British Viceroy of India, in the foothills of the Himalayas.

As the rich natural history, especially the avian fauna of the Arima Valley became known through the writings of Beebe and other scientists working at “Simla”, Beebe persuaded Asa to offer accommodation at Spring Hill to naturalists and other interested persons wishing to visit Trinidad and the Arima Valley in particular. Early visitors to Spring Hill included Don Eckelberry and his wife

Virginia, Erma “Jonnie” Fisk, Dr. Joseph Copeland and his wife Freda, and Russ Mason, Director of the Florida Audubon Society.

Lawrence served as the guide to these early visitors to Spring Hill, who in 1967, became the foundation members of the Asa Wright Nature Centre. Russ Mason led the fi rst group of birders to visit Trinidad and was accommodated at the recently established AWNC.

Lawrence served as the No.1 guide for visitors to AWNC up to the time of his retirement in 1980. Don Eckelberry visited Lawrence at his home but was unsuccessful in persuading him to return. Lawrence spent most of his retirement gardening on lands which he owned at the Heights of Aripo. Unfortunately, diabetes caused gradual deterioration in his health. First, he lost his sight and then he lost the use of his legs. He passed away in June 2002 at the age of 77 years.

Lawrence was the father of 15 children, two of whom, Kenny and later Molly, were to follow in their father’s footpath, becoming guides at the Asa Wright Nature Centre.

The Early Guides

Jogie Ramlal and Phil Schaeffer withFamiliarisation Tour participants in June 2000.

Photo: AWNC fi les

Lawrence Calderon (right) and Don EckelberryPhoto: AWNC fi les

Lawrence Calderon: The First Birding Guide in Trinidad and Tobago

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Jogie Ramlal

In 1950, when Dr. William Beebe established the Tropical Research Station at Simla, Jogie Ramlal, then a young man resident at the nearby Temple Village in the Arima Valley was his fi rst employee.

Jogie remained an employee at Simla for the next 20 years working as an assistant to Dr. Beebe, Jocelyn Crane and other scientists, until its closure in 1970. On one occasion, he was sent to Venezuela to collect specimens required at the Research Station. He held the keys to Simla whenever Dr. Beebe was away.

Following the closure of Simla, Jogie came to AWNC where at fi rst, he accompanied Lawrence Calderon on birding trips. He later began guiding birders on his own and with the retirement of Lawrence, Jogie became the No.1 Birding Guide at the Asa Wright Nature Centre. Jogie was the second birding guide in Trinidad. With the experience gained while working at Simla, he was very familiar with the names of many plants, butterfl ies and other insects, freshwater fi sh, reptiles and amphibians. He continued accompanying guests on birding trips to birding hotspots until his retirement in 2012. His brother Roodal, his son Mahase and his nephew Dave, followed in his

footsteps and at present are guides at the Nature Centre.

Now 86 years old, Jogie and his wife reside in a house which stands on the nine-acre parcel of land, a part of St. Patrick’s Estate, Simla, which in 1974 had been given to him as a gift by the New York Zoological Society in recognition of his 20 years of faithful and dedicated service to the organisation.

Chairman, Graham White (right) and Vice Chair, Phil Schaeffer (left) present Jogie Ramlal with his token at a Service Awards ceremony in June 2017. Jogie’s son, Mahase, looks on. Photo by Pamela Allemany

AWNC Board Member, Raymond Mendez and Jogie Ramlal.Photo © R. Wyatt Mendez

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50th Anniversary Cocktail ReceptionOn 9th June 2017, His Excellency Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona, O.R.T.T., S.C., President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Her Excellency Reema Carmona hosted a Cocktail Reception in celebration of the Asa Wright Nature Centre’s 50th Anniversary. We at the Centre extend our deepest gratitude to the Office of the President for this thoughtful gesture taken to acknowledge the Centre’s work.

Photos by Wendell S.J. Reyes

President Anthony Carmona (front row, second from right) and Mrs. Reema Carmona with some staff and Board Members

President Carmona greets Phil Schaeffer, Vice Chair of the Board and Ann Sealey, General Manager

Former AWNC Education and Community Outreach Specialist, Kenneth Fournillier (left) chats with Susan Lakhan-Baptiste, Managing Director of Nature Seekers,and Raye Sandy, former AWNC Board Member (right)

Chair of the Board, Graham White, makes his address

(L-R) June De Gale-Rampersad, Deputy General Manager, Mike Rutherford, Peg Abbott owner of Caligo Ventures and Dr. Petra Bridgemohan-Kenefick

Naturalist Guide, Jessie Pitt and Hannah Janoura at the display area. Thank you to the UWI Zoology Museum for their items which added to AWNC’s display.

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Caligo Ventures

A Brief History

Caligo Ventures has been closely associated with AWNC for 35 of its 50 years. Revenue from the ecolodge is designed to support the Centre’s conservation and education mission. Serving as

the North American booking agent, Caligo Ventures takes on the challenge of promoting the AWNC’s fine work to keep it at the forefront of natural history travel.

Caligo Ventures works to streamline the myriad logistics required in the booking phase of a major guest services operation. The company was started by Margaret and Phil Schaeffer, who set high standards by contributing their global knowledge of the ecotourism industry for over 25 years. Mark Hedden, Jerry Lower and Larry Lebowitz continued the operations, and then in 2013, Caligo Ventures moved operations to Portal, Arizona where Peg Abbott, Susanne Apitz and their team now co-ordinate operations. In addition to being travel planners for many individuals, Caligo Ventures serves as a bridge for streamlined booking by the many leading bird tour companies and non-profit organisations that run tours at the Centre.

The collaboration with Caligo Ventures has allowed AWNC time to do what they do best, with vibrancy and pride – provide wonderful hospitality and top-rate guiding for visitors from around the world. Each year, over 500 participants enjoy Caligo’s highly successful guided group tours, relaxing lodge stays and independent birding ventures led by AWNC-based guides. Trinidad and Tobago is considered a world-class birding destination and AWNC is the core feature of every programme Caligo offers. Working together, Caligo Ventures and AWNC assure that tours are available year-round at a variety of prices. Caligo Ventures also organises

special holiday tours, and themed tours that widen the focus beyond birding.

Caligo Ventures strives to be more than a booking agent. Each year, they donate optical, research and office equipment, both directly and by working as a liaison for donations by Leica, the American Birding Association and Victor Emanuel Nature Tours. Their efforts to provide for staff enrichment by sponsoring intern programmes in the US, and bringing resource persons to Trinidad to interact and offer workshops for staff have been well received. Their contributions to room upgrades and programme ideas that keep the Centre competitive with other ecolodges worldwide are also important.

It’s been a rewarding partnership and this year, Caligo recognised the Centre’s milestone of 50 years by inviting top celebrities from the birding and birding-art world to visit and provide workshops. Read more about that programme in this issue of the Bellbird.

Commemorative Anniversary Messagefrom Peg Abbott

Caligo Ventures (caligo.com) is proud to congratulate the Asa Wright Nature Centre on their milestone achievement – 50 years’ success in their mission of conservation and education. They have earned their reputation as a world-class ecolodge, a bucket list destination for nature travellers worldwide. The Centre’s impressive blend of a stunning location, quality habitat, amazing birds, top-rated guides and authentic hospitality has claimed the hearts of thousands of visitors, with whom Caligo Ventures has also had the privilege of working. We look forward to many years more!

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Celebrity Birdersat AWNC By Johanne Ryan

This year, we welcomed celebrity birders to AWNC, thanks to the work of Caligo Ventures. We are grateful to Caligo for funding and co-ordinating the valuable programme, which started in March with a

visit by Scott and Amy Weidensaul. Scott is a renowned naturalist, researcher and author, and his wife, Amy, is Director of Community Conservation and Education at Audubon Pennsylvania. Over their week at the Centre, Scott spent time in the field with staff and guests, gave an engaging public lecture on bird migration, and shared his field research, some of which involved tracking the movements of Snowy Owls. Scott’s book, Living on the Wind: Across the Hemisphere with Migratory Birds, was a finallist for the 2000 Pulitzer Prize in general non-fiction.

Activities continued in June when artist Edward Rooks returned to his Trinidad birthplace with his wife, Dr. Janice Edgerly-Rooks. During their stay here, Edward hosted drawing workshops and presentations on Trinidad and Tobago’s butterflies and tropical ecology as art, many of which were open to the public. Janice also provided a series of interesting talks on animals and their behaviour – including webspinners, leaf-cutter ants and birds.

It was a pleasure for AWNC to host these leaders in their field. Staff and guests enjoyed interacting and sharing with them. There are two more visits scheduled in October for our celebratory year. Artist and field guide illustrator, Keith Hansen, and his wife Patricia Briceño, a fibre artist, designer and cultural interpreter, will join the Centre early in the month. And to close off the series, the influential author, illustrator and ornithologist, David Allen Sibley, will visit Spring Hill.

Edward Rooks and Dr. Janice Edgerly-Rooks on the Asa Wright verandah. Photo by Johanne Ryan

Scott and Amy Weidensaul with participants of a Caligo Ventures tour. Photo by Karen Le May

Students at one of Edward’s art workshops learn drawing techniques. Photo by Randell Duberry

Participants attentively listen to Scott’s presentation.Photo by Johanne Ryan

(L-R) Johanne Ryan, Scott Weidensaul, Elizabeth Naipaul, Randell Duberry, Caleb Walker, Natalie Clement, Bob Behrstock and Jessie Pitt. Photo by June De Gale-Rampersad

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Success StoriesAnn SealeyIn January 1979, there was a vacancy for a laundress at the Nature Centre. Bertha Gomez, one of the cooks told the manager, Major Yves de la Motte, that her daughter Ann Radix was unemployed and was at home. Ann was hired as the laundress.

As time passed, she worked at the Nature Centre as a maid, a waitress and a cook. In 2001, she was promoted to the post of Household Supervisor, a position she held until 2008 when she was appointed as the Lodge Manager. She retired in January 2012 but was rehired in August that year to serve in the vacant office of Lodge Manager and to assist the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Upon the departure of the CEO in October 2014, Ann was made the Acting CEO until the name was changed to General Manager in 2016. Ann has climbed the ladder to attain the highest position – our General Manager. I congratulate her on this commendable achievement and on a job well done.

Thanks Ann.

Jason RadixIn this article, I focus my attention on the academic achievements of Jason Radix, a knowledgeable and experienced naturalist and birdwatching guide. Jason is the owner of Eureka Natural History Tours of Tobago.

In 1991, the Manager of the Asa Wright Nature Centre agreed to permit 12-year-old Jason Radix to spend time at the Centre on weekends and during school vacations, where his aunts Ann Julien and Doolarie Ramlal were employed. From 1992, Jason was employed on weekends and during school vacations as an acting guide and began guiding resident guests along the Nature Centre’s trails. He did this for seven years.

In 1998, Jason obtained some overseas working experience when he was attached, for two months, to the Bruckner Nature Centre in Troy, Ohio. On graduating from high school in 1999, he was employed as a part-time Guide/Interpreter.

Meanwhile he continued his studies, and in 2000, enrolled as a student at the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute from which he was awarded an Associate Degree. He then attended The

Ann Sealey at a Service Awards ceremony in November 2016.Photo by Beverly Noel

By Ian Lambie

University of the West Indies (The UWI), graduating in 2005 with a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management followed by a postgraduate diploma in Tourism Development and Management.

He was then appointed to the newly created post of Marketing Manager of the Asa Wright Nature Centre; a position he held until his resignation in 2010 to work at the Blue Waters Inn at Speyside, Tobago. In 2014, he established the Eureka Natural History Tours.

During his period of study at the Hospitality and Tourism Institute and at The UWI, the Asa Wright Nature Centre met the cost of his tuition and books.

We are very proud of all that Jason has achieved to date, and wish him continued success in his future undertakings.

Jason RadixPhoto courtesy Eureka Natural History Tours

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By Martyn Kenefick

At least 174 bird species have been recorded at Spring Hill, of which about 130 are regularly found. However, Asa Wright Nature Centre is probably best known by birdwatchers all over the world, for

its bellbirds, oilbirds and 14 species of hummingbird, including in recent years T&T’s newest addition, the Amethyst Woodstar. It is, by far, the easiest place in Trinidad to watch a calling male Bearded Bellbird and our oilbird cave, with its stable population of approximately 180 birds, is probably the most accessible population in the world.

Over the years, many birdwatching hours have been spent enjoying the array of species that visit our fruit and bread feeders in front of the balcony; and there have been a number of changes in personnel. Back in the 80’s Red-legged Honeycreepers were on view in their numbers whilst Purple Honeycreeper was almost a rarity. How things have changed. During this last dry season, up to 40 “Purples” were tucking into the laid out bananas, papaya, watermelon and indeed, sugar water daily, whilst just an occasional single “Red-leg” could be found atop distant Sip and Poui trees. Celebrity birds have also visited the bench feeders. For several years, both Chestnut Woodpeckers and Trinidad Motmots posed for the cameras and a lucky few were in situ one morning to witness a particularly inquisitive and hungry Gray-necked Wood-Rail.

Whilst up to 12 species of birds of prey regularly soar over the Arima Valley, it’s always a special day when a Hawk-eagle is seen from the balcony. Historically, Spring Hill was quite a reliable place to see the majestic Ornate

The Bird Life

Hawk-eagle which occasionally nested on the property. However, in recent times it has been the Black Hawk-eagle which has stolen the show.

With so many pairs of eyes forever looking, it is hardly surprising that Spring Hill has hosted a number of major rarities for the southeastern Caribbean. From adjacent South America, we have found both King Vulture and Scaled Antpitta. Rare migrants from North America putting in very brief appearances have included Scarlet Tanager, Baltimore Oriole and Rose-breasted Grosbeak together with both Black-throated Blue and Canada Warblers.

Every year, we add to our species diversity, both due to the ever-changing landscape of our valley and of course, the eagle eyesight of both our staff and guests…and the great thing is, there is still plenty more to find.

White-necked Jacobin Hummingbird

Photo by Jessie Pitt

Purple HoneycreeperPhoto by Greg Smith

Blue-grey TanagerPhoto by Sandy Sorkin

Red-legged HoneycreeperPhoto by Barry Ramdass

17

Oilbirds

of Dunston Cave

By Johanne Ryan

When Spring Hill Estate was sold to a group of naturalists 50 years ago, the resident oilbirds were at the centre of conservation talks. The World Wildlife Fund made a monetary donation

to the Centre to purchase a vehicle, under the condition that AWNC protect the oilbird colony. In our opening year, the colony numbered 36 birds. After John Dunston and Jogie Ramlal, Roodal Ramlal and Elliot Olton constructed extra ledges in the cave, the population grew steadily. In July 2017, the colony numbered 170 birds. The Centre’s guides do monthly counts of the oilbirds. The cave was named “Dunston Cave” in memory of John Dunston who conducted signifi cant work with the oilbird (Steatornis caripensis) to assist Dr. David Snow in his studies on oilbirds. Our Dunston Cave is the most accessible oilbird colony on the island.

Oilbirds were fi rst described to the scientifi c world by Alexander von Humboldt. Humboldt observed the birds in Caripe, Venezuela, and noted that oil derived from young birds, was used for cooking and for fuelling lamps and torches.

There are many features which make the oilbird unique. They are the only nocturnal, fruit-eating birds in the world and eat the fruit of palms, laurels and incenses.

Due to this diet, oilbird chicks are heavy – at 70 days old, they can weigh up to 50 percent more than an adult. The fruits are swallowed whole and regurgitated matter is used to make their nest. Oilbirds use echolocation to manoeuvre in the dark but in the light, they use their well-developed sight. They also have a keen sense of smell and use their rictal bristles to feel objects around them. Their call, which sounds like screeches and screams, gave them the names ‘guacharo’ (the one who wails and mourns) and ‘diablotin’ (devil bird).

Oilbirds make for a fascinating subject of study. Recently, the echolocation and movements of the oilbirds at AWNC were studied via GPS. We have worked to actively protect this colony for decades. Visits to the cave are strictly controlled and are reserved for guests who stay three nights or more at the Centre. Through our controls, the population has remained stable.

John Dunston at the oilbird cave in 1971

An oilbird and chickPhoto by Harold Diaz

Dunston CavePhotos: AWNC fi les

18


By Johanne Ryan

The various plants on our estate, form the habitat of our forest dwellers. Trees include immortelles that provide a striking view when they flower at the end of the rainy season. Immortelles were planted on

estates as shade for cacao. Poui, with bright yellow and pink flowers, also dot the hills with colour during the dry season. Wild nutmeg trees at Spring Hill remain from the original primary forest. Cultivated cocoa, coffee and citrus can be seen on a walk through the estate. The plant species are endless.

But what is hidden among the many trees, shrubs and plants that make up the forest here? Though arguably most famous for our avian species, birds are not the only animals that live here. Agouti and Golden Tegu lizards frequent our feeders. Red-tailed squirrels are also seen from time to time.

Other mammals like porcupine, nine-banded armadillo, opossum, silky anteater, various rodents and bats have been sighted over the years. For instance, in 2016, tayra was spotted on about three different occasions. Surveys carried out by Trinibats, have found approximately 22 species of bats at Spring Hill. On 12th February 2016, a pair of White-fronted Capuchin monkeys were spotted near the Oilbird Trail. That was the first sighting of this species in the Arima Valley in possibly over 50 years.

Camera trap studies have allowed us to detect those animals that may otherwise be rarely seen. A project, in collaboration with Mike Rutherford of the UWI Zoology Museum, surveyed small to medium mammals found at Spring Hill between 2013 and 2015. The survey recorded 11 mammalian species/taxonomic groups including the lowland paca (Lappe), southern tamandua, collared peccary, deer and ocelot (Rutherford & Chufoon, 2016). Later, a study set up through a collaboration with the Trinidad Ocelot Project and its several partners, recorded not only a wide variety of mammals here, but possibly three ocelots on the property. One of the female ocelots photographed may even be resident on our property. The cameras were placed at Spring Hill in 2016 and we hope to get more data to expand on the preliminary observations.

Other reptiles that scale our mountains include geckos, iguanas and other lizards, and snakes of many sizes. In August 2011, there was a boa constrictor that measured about 10 feet long. You may catch a glimpse of a Ruschenberger’s Tree Boa high up in a bamboo patch or another snake slithering by; of course, there are many other amphibians. The land crab (manicou crab) is a common sight during rainy weather and we cannot forget all our insects – butterflies, moths, ants, dragonflies and beetles, for example.

Our OtherResidents

Blue MorphoPhoto by Courtney Van Beek

AgoutiPhoto by Pierre-Yves Bilat

The female “resident” ocelot with prey, walks along one of AWNC’s trails. Photo courtesy the Trinidad Ocelot Project

Golden Tegu lizard (Matte)Photo by Noel Snyder

A tayra photographed on 25 September 2016 near the start of the Discovery Trail. Photo by Mukesh Ramdass

19

Fine Dining at theAsa Wright Nature CentreBy Ian Lambie

Whenever I hear or read a complimentary remark about the enjoyable food served at the Asa Wright Nature Centre, I think of the contributions made by former Managers, Rita Iton and Richard

Quamina, in attaining the goal of making the Asa Wright Nature Centre the place to enjoy the best of local creole cuisine in Trinidad and Tobago.

Today, it may be difficult to appreciate that during its first 10 years, the coffee grown at the Asa Wright Nature Centre was sold to Marlay and Co. in Arima and that Nescafé was served to our guests and to staff. Even after the Nature Centre-grown coffee began to be served to our guests, Nescafé, which they preferred, continued to be purchased for and served to members of staff.

Similarly, during those early days, canned fruit from the USA, Canada and even as far away as Australia, was served while fresh fruit, including oranges, grapefruit, guavas and bananas grown on the estate were not the first choice provided for our guests.

About the same time that the switch was made to home-grown coffee, and more local fruit appeared on our tables, freshly baked bread, cakes and pastries prepared in our kitchen became the norm. Freshly squeezed fruit juices, jams, jellies and pepper sauce were prepared from homegrown fruit. I remember that it was the responsibility of Ann Julien, who took great pride in preparing the jams, jellies and pepper sauce.

Our cooks were given the opportunity to improve their skills by participating in various cooking classes and the pastry chef of the Hilton Hotel spent many hours, especially during his vacations, teaching our cooks the skills in making high-quality pastries. I remember Yvonne Lopez, one of our cooks, to be an excellent and innovative pastry maker.

Gradually the Nature Centre attained its reputation as the place for quality creole food and our dining room catered for many visitors especially during weekends and on public holidays. Attention was given, not only to the use of quality raw materials and in their preparation, but also in the presentation of the finished product.

I recall that at the food fairs organised by the Hotels and Tourism Association in 1997 and in 1998, the Asa Wright Nature Centre was awarded the first prize and the prize for the most innovative dish on both occasions. The Manager at the time was Mr. Richard Quamina, a connoisseur of good food.

I am pleased to announce that under the expert guidance of Chef Rickie Hamilton, the Asa Wright Nature Centre continues to retain its reputation as the foremost place to enjoy quality creole food in Trinidad and Tobago.

Dr. Carol James, Richard Quamina & Hospitality Staff in December 1998.

Staff at the Tourism Association’s National Culinary Fair Festival (Feast & Fete) in 1997. AWNC won Best Main Dish that year.

Staff at Feast and Fete in 1996. AWNC also won Best Main Dish that year.

Staff catering a wedding at Spring Hill, in 1996.Photos: AWNC files

20


Planning forthe FUTUREBy Johanne Ryan

If you are thinking a year ahead,plant a seed.

If you are thinking a decade ahead,plant a tree.

If you are thinking a century ahead,educate the people.

(Chinese poem)

This poem certainly rings true for Asa Wright Nature Centre. Our non-profi t trust was established for the protection, study and enjoyment of nature. Education is at the core of our work.

At Spring Hill, the fi rst workshop in tropical ecology and the fi rst in nature drawing/painting took place in 1972 and 1975 respectively. Workshops continued in the 80s and even in 2017, we hosted art workshops by Edward Rooks, a former Assistant Manager for the Centre who personally participated in early art workshops at AWNC.

The Centre welcomes experts to do lectures for staff and the public. This year, both wildlife artist, Edward Rooks and Pulitzer Prize-nominated author and naturalist, Scott Weidensuaul, did presentations at the Centre. AWNC staff have also done lectures and presentations for the public.

Our guided interpretive walks educate persons of all ages on the ecology of our forest. Primary, secondary and tertiary level students on tours use the outdoors as their ‘classroom’. So far in 2017, more than 1,300 students from all parts of Trinidad and Tobago have visited AWNC.

Fun Time Vacation Camp at AWNC in 2015.Photo by Johanne Ryan

21

AWNC has a special focus on environmental education of students. Offsite, we conduct the Valley Schools Outreach Programme (VSOP) for primary schools in AWNC’s catchment area, the Arima Valley. The VSOP aims to instill in students an appreciation for nature, specifically the flora, fauna and habitats of Trinidad and Tobago. Weekly, interactive sessions on environmental science topics reinforce the work taught in schools and also extend students’ knowledge beyond the syllabus. Over 600 students participate in the VSOP annually. As part of the programme, these students also visit the Centre on field trips. In the past, AWNC received a grant from the JB Fernandes Memorial Trust to support the VSOP.

We educate young children because the values and attitudes that are developed in their early years, will guide their values and actions throughout their life. As research suggests, if a child develops positive attitudes towards the environment, it can carry into their adult lives. Additionally, children influence the behaviour of their parents. During the school vacation, the Centre offers special activities for camps that visit the reserve to help them enjoy the outdoors. Last year, over 500 children visited the Centre between July and August.

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has a Memorandum of Understanding with AWNC and our organisation also sponsors prizes – The Julian Duncan Prize, Thomas Carr Prize and Ian Lambie Prize – for students with outstanding performances in the fields of Environmental and Natural Resource Management and Environmental Science at The UWI.

We have been involved in the publication of books, booklets and posters as additional tools to educate the public. These include A Guide to the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago by Richard ffrench, The Oilbirds of Dunston Cave by Ian Lambie, The Old House & the Dream by Joy Rudder and Ecotourism as a Strategy for Sustainable Development: the Experience of Asa Wright Nature Centre, Trinidad and Tobago by Howard Nelson, Jasmin Garraway and Dr. Carol James. Through its project funded by the Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Programme, AWNC created posters on T&T’s wildflowers, birds, bats, insects, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. These posters are given free to the public.

Our organisation is an active member of the Council of Presidents of the Environment, an umbrella organisation for not-for-profit, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs) that are concerned about the environment. And of course, we publish the Bellbird, highlighting the activities and wildlife happenings at AWNC and the wider Trinidad and Tobago.

Through education, we hope to help all connect with and learn about nature, and therefore develop a positive attitude about Trinidad and Tobago’s environment and its conservation.

The forest mammals poster sponsored by GEF-SGP

22


NAI’s TrainingComes to Spring HillBy Johanne Ryan

A language interpreter may explain the meaning of a Spanish sentence in English. On the other hand, a resource interpreter, can explain the meaning behind a natural or cultural resource for anyone

to understand and connect with. This is what nature/interpretive guides do. Enos Mills, the father of the interpretation profession, said that a naturalist was one “who can guide others to the secrets of nature…Touched by a nature guide, the wilderness becomes a wonderland.”

The National Association for Interpretation (NAI), a US-based organisation, is a leader in the interpretive field. Through AWNC Board Member, Corky McReynolds, and his wife Fran McReynolds, the NAI’s professional training was brought to Trinidad and Tobago. We were excited to have Fran McReynolds and Karin Hostetter do the workshops. Fran works for the Oregon Department of Forestry and is the Director of the Tillamook Forest Centre. Karin owns Interpret This, a consulting company focusing on interpretive writing, programme and curriculum development, and volunteer programme management. Both Fran and Karin are Master Interpretive Trainers.

Our four-day Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) workshop hosted 27 participants from AWNC and areas like Brasso Seco, Lopinot, Caroni, Verdant Vale, Matura and Tobago. The Certified Interpretive Host (CIH) training, taught combined customer service and informal interpretation to employees of AWNC. Fran returned to Spring Hill in 2016 for round two – the Certified Interpretive Trainer’s workshop. This time, six participants who had become Certified Interpretive Guides in the previous year, learned how to teach the Certified

Interpretive Guide course. All the NAI programmes were interactive and informative, key ingredients in making them a success.

We would like to thank the US Embassy for funding the programmes. Thank you as well to the family of Mrs. Arlene Buechert, a US-based friend of AWNC, whose financial contribution helped fund the CIG and fully funded the CIH training programmes in 2015.

Certified Interpretive Trainer participants. Photo by Fran McReynolds

Participants of the Certified Interpretive Host training programme. Photo by Corky McReynolds

Participants of the Certified Interpretive Guide training programme. Photo by Corky McReynolds

A group activity during the CIG coursePhoto by Kimberly Chu Foon

23

A NaturalStudy AreaBy Johanne Ryan

At the Centre, we facilitate research and monitoring of the natural area. Oilbirds have been monitored since our inception in 1967 and for over 10 years, these counts have been done on a monthly basis.

We have partnered with The UWI and the Wildlife Conservation Society to tag our resident oilbirds with GPS units. We have also hosted organisations like Trinibats to conduct bat surveys. Camera trap surveys have been done in collaboration with The UWI and the Trinidad Ocelot Project.

We advocate for getting everyone involved in research, through citizen science. Citizen science is generally a collaboration between research scientists and volunteers on scientifi c projects that aim to answer real-world questions. Citizen science provides many benefi ts to conservation research. It allows scientists to collect a larger amount of data than they could on their own. Volunteers can get a better understanding of science and their environment. It is open to all – persons of any skill level can volunteer.

The oldest citizen science project that the Centre has supported is the Christmas Bird Count. Since 1985, AWNC staff have helped to organise the event. For 16 years, Ian Lambie was the organiser and compiler of the event until, 2002, when Vishnu Debie became the new compiler and organiser. For many birdwatchers in Trindiad and Tobago, this is an exciting event.

Keeping pace with technological advancements, the Centre values the input of data on eBird. eBird, an online checklist programme, gives great insight into bird populations. Since 2014, AWNC staff has been uploading regular checklists of birds seen at Spring Hill so we can get a better idea of changes in species’ richness and abundance throughout the year. And, as you can see from AWNC’s data on eBird (ebird.org), many of our visitors upload their sightings from AWNC. Together, we are building a useful dataset that can be seen all over the world.

Our collaboration with Earthwatch on the Trinidad Ocelot Project has given volunteers the opportunity to participate in a camera trapping project to investigate the population status, distribution, and behaviour of ocelots in Trinidad. Cameras were placed on our trails and so far, they have yielded good results.

The Centre was also pleased to be chosen as the base camp for the 2013 Arima Valley Bioblitz, the second

Bioblitz held in Trinidad and Tobago. Simla was another one of the sites surveyed for this Bioblitz. Scientists and volunteers came out, using their keen observation skills to count as many species as possible within 24 hours. The fi nal tally was 771 species.

The Centre hopes to not only continue its research and citizen science projects but to develop and collaborate on new projects as we head into our next 50 years of operation.

The 2013 Arima Valley BioBlitz Tally

88 birds 17 mammals23 reptiles 9 amphibians 6 fi sh

21 molluscs 43 arachnids 5 myriapods 207 insects3 worms

34 fungi7 diatoms 2 crustaceans306 plantsTotal – 771 species

BioBlitz results provided by Mike Rutherford

2013 BioBlitz participants at Spring Hill, searching for insects. Photo by Denise Etienne

A female Trinidadian Whiskered Bat, Cheroniscus minor, with her young attached. These bats were captured during a mist-netting exercise. Photo by Kimberly Chu Foon

A camera trap photo of a Southern Tamandua on one of our trails. Photo courtesy Mike Rutherford

24


Readers Remember…

“I am the youngest daughter of John Dunston, after whom the oilbird cave is named. My dad was the Chief Engineer at Trinidad Textile Mills in Arima. My dad did a lot of work for Mrs. Wright and helped her out a great deal, even making the coffin for her husband. As a child, I spent many weekends at the Centre with my dad and Mrs. Wright. In those days, it was not as established as it is today. I remember dancing the cocoa and having meals at the big round table in the old dining room; and Nolly, the driver and his wife, Isabel, who worked in the kitchen. Isabel made the best chocolate fudge cake in the world. My dad used to clean the water wheel at the pool and we used to swim in the pool. Today, I can still remember the lovely times we had there.

Here is a photo of my dad, John Dunston and our pet Porky, which I think is still on the wall at Asa Wright Nature Centre.”

– Helen Dunston

David Attenborough’s Trials of Life series, which I first watched as a five-year old, was one of the most formative influences for my lifelong love of wildlife. I remember the manakin segments well – 25 years after seeing it, it was a privilege to see them in the flesh, and where he shot that footage.

– Karl Phillips, Republic of Ireland

We live in Germany and stayed at AWNC in April 2008 for 12 days. We enjoyed our stay very much. It was one of our best vacations ever. Every month we look forward to the Bellbird Newsletter and it is always a great pleasure to read it. We wish AWNC all the best for the next 50 years – it is one of the best places of the world.

– Ilona Effner-Noll and Helmut Noll, Germany

Thank you to our Bellbird readers for sharing their favourite experiences at AWNC. Here are a few of the stories we received.

AWNC is a factory of favourite stories and it is hard to remember one that does not immediately lead to another. Mine go from hilarious times with Asa Wright to marvelous strolls though Spring Hill’s forests. Besides, there were often unusual photos. This one was taken from the steps to the back porch, a boa eating a motmot.

– William (Bill) Conway, USA

We lived in T&T for 7.5 years from 2007 to late 2014. A day trip from Port of Spain through Blanchisseuse over the northern range to Asa Wright was something we really treasured. Gudrun has limited mobility so we enjoyed a long lunch on the verandah – most times delivered by Pamela, the perfect hostess! The bird life was fantastic and twice we saw a motmot in the bushes below the verandah in the early afternoon. Asa Wright is an international wonder. We will always treasure the times we spent there – at least 30 visits over our timein T&T.

– Ian Ivey and Gudrun Strohmeier, New Zealand

We spent our honeymoon at Asa Wright in May of 2012. It was amazing! Hope to come back someday!

– Paul & Bobbi Moser, United States

On my first trip to AWNC, I had one day without tours, and I spent most of it on the verandah, just relaxing, sipping tea, watching the birds come and go. Most of the time, I was alone and I still consider it one of the highlights of my birding travels, and got the best views of the bellbirds and toucans I have had so far. My first visit was in 2011 and the second, in 2013.

– Mike Dixon, USA

(L-R) Gudrun and Pamela on the verandah in October 2014.

Photo by William Conway

25

Newsletter Archives

The 1989 and 2000 newsletters were prepared by Ian Lambie.The first edition of Spring Hill News, 1968

26


Newsletter Archives continued

Newsletter, May 2008

27

CommemorativeMessagesTake a look at some commemorative messages we received from organisations that we have been involved with over the years.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust would like to congratulate the Asa Wright Nature Centre on 50 years of vital conservation, research and education in Trinidad. As an organisation that has been working for half a century to protect and restore local wildlife, we appreciate and applaud this important achievement.

– Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

Photo: New York Zoological Society photographerSam Dunton, 1959

Congratulations! Fifty years of AWNC testifi es to caring and commitment. It is something to be proud of and I am delighted that I have known AWNC and so many wonderful people from the start.

– William Conway

Naturetrek would like to offer the Asa Wright Nature Centre (AWNC) our warmest congratulations on reaching the 50-year milestone, excelling throughout this period in the fi elds of wildlife conservation, research and education. For 20 years, we have delighted in sending our groups to AWNC, where our customers have enjoyed warm Caribbean hospitality, wonderful neotropical birding and those famous AWNC rum punches and cake on the verandah! May our happy liaison continue for many years to come.Congratulations.

– Naturetrek

How wonderful that the Asa Wright Nature Centre is celebrating its 50th anniversary! Long may it continue to thrive, for it is a stellar institution. AWNC is a model of how a non-profi t organisation successfully protects a rich array of wildlife and a critical watershed in a region of the world vitally important for global biodiversity.

– Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust

In commemoration of your 50th anniversary, our family at ACE Recycling Ltd. would like to congratulate Asa Wright Nature Centre, the leader in ecotourism, for your contribution and persistent care towards wildlife and the environment for our country throughout the years. May you continue to keep up the great work and best wishes for the years to come!

– ACE Recycling Ltd.


Congratulations to the Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge on its 50th Anniversary of being a Trust. Nanan Caroni Bird Sanctuary Tours has a longstanding relationship with AWNC that spans over 60 years. We applaud your continued success as a premier world-renowned birdwatching ecodestination. Your commitment to education, research, preservation and conservation of wildlife is highly commendable. We are proud to be your partner.

– Nanan Caroni Bird Sanctuary Tours

28


The Ministry of Planning and Development joins the nation in congratulating the Asa Wright Nature Centre on its 50th Anniversary as a leading agency for environmental preservation, conservation and education in Trinidad and Tobago. The government is dedicated to preserving the environment and this is a key theme of the National Development Strategy, Vision 2030 as an overarching policy which relates to valuing and enhancing our environment recognising that environmental health is critical to the development of the country, and ultimately all citizens’ well-being.

Therefore, with organisations such as Asa Wright Nature Centre spearheading environmental enhancement and paving the way for other NGOs to support in preserving our nations’ wildlife and forestry, the future of Trinidad and Tobago’s environment is in good hands. The Ministry of Planning and Development wishes the Asa Wright Nature Centre continued success as you ensure the stability and enjoyment of the environment for future generations.

– The Ministry of Planning and Development

Please accept our warmest congratulations for the signifi cant achievement of your 50th Anniversary of Environmental Service to Trinidad and Tobago and continuing your important role in the wise use and management of our natural assets.

– The Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust

Congratulations to the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the Asa Wright Nature Centre on this momentous milestone of 50 years in existence. I am grateful to have been a part of this noble enterprise for 19 years (1991-2010). During my formative years as a teenage guide, I learnt so much about nature, conservation and tourism while engaging with thousands of visitors from all over the world. I feel privileged that I was given the opportunity to promote and protect a small part of the many natural attractions of Trinidad and Tobago. Happy Anniversary!Jason Radix, Owner

– Eureka Natural History Tours

The Asa Wright Nature Centre has been a beacon on the horizon of environmental sustainability in Trinidad and Tobago and indeed the Caribbean region. This organisation, operating as a Trust, has not simply led the way in the area of wildlife protection but has also developed in the psyche of many Trinidadians, a love and respect for our avian and reptilian species which would otherwise be ignored. Asa Wright has put Trinidad and Tobago on the global map thereby doing its part in spreading the message of diversity and introducing visitors to our wonderful islands.

– Cuffi e River Nature Retreat

T&T Sightseeing Tours has had the pleasure of working with Asa Wright Nature Centre for over 30 years – essentially the lifespan of our company. In this time, we’ve been able to showcase the breathtaking beauties of the Centre to our clients who’ve had the most remarkable experiences and consistently positive reviews. We can fi rmly say that Asa Wright Nature Centre has been one of our highest-rated packages offered not only to individual clients, but also cruise ship tourists. We graciously commemorate Asa Wright Nature Centre on their milestone and trust that their Centre and services offered are only going to get better.

– Trinidad &Tobago Sightseeing Tours

The Environmental Management Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (EMA) offers its congratulations to the Asa Wright Nature Centre on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary. The work of the Centre in championing environmental conservation, ecotourism, public education and sustainable communities, has been recognised globally as a successfully integrated conservation model. The EMA wishes the Asa Wright Nature Centre continued success and recognises the invaluable contribution the Centre has made over the past fi ve decades to the fi eld of environmental conservation in T&T.

– Environmental Management Authority

29

On behalf of the GEF Small Grants Programme at the UNDP, I would like to sincerely congratulate the AWNC on your 50th Anniversary. The Centre’s work for the last 50 years in biodiversity conservation and research, environmental education and community empowerment is indeed significant, and this pioneering work has contributed to establishing the Centre as a landmark birdwatching and ecotourism destination both regionally and internationally. For many years, the AWNC has been a valued project partner to the GEF SGP and we do wish the Centre many more years of success. Congratulations once again!!

– GEF-Small Grants Programme, Trinidad and Tobago

It has been one of my greatest privileges whilst living in Trinidad to be part of the AWNC story. As curator of The University of the West Indies Zoology Museum (UWIZM) I have partnered with the Centre on several projects, from running a Bioblitz and developing a small museum display to camera trapping and oilbird tracking. Every time I visit, I am reminded of the wonders of nature. My congratulations to the staff and volunteers over the years who have kept the Centre going and made it one of the top wildlife destinations in the world.

– Mike Rutherford, Curator, WI Zoology Museum

Over the last 50 years, Asa Wright Nature Centre (AWNC) has provided visionary leadership on the wise use of the natural biological resources of this country for the protection and conservation of its biodiversity through its outreach and education programmes.

AWNC has also become a world-renowned gathering point for bird enthusiasts, researchers, educators and experts. It is a flagship for ecotourism and an example of how ecotourism can contribute to the GDP of Trinidad and Tobago.

Representatives on the Board of Asa Wright have always provided both local and international experience and expertise. The contributions from these dedicated members have played a significant role in the development and success of the organisation. Congratulations from COPE to one of its founder members on this significant milestone.

– Council of Presidents of the Environment (COPE)

The Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists’ Club warmly congratulates AWNC on reaching its 50th year! Thanks to your efforts, the nation and the wider world have been able to develop a greater appreciation of Trinidad and Tobago’s biodiversity. Our two organisations have long shared a close relationship – both from the everyday naturalists who visit the Centre, to those individuals whose stewardship continues to drive our organisations forward. Rest assured that our histories are permanently entwined. We look forward to working together in our shared mission to study, enjoy and conserve our wonderful local natural history.

– The Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists’ Club

30


Board ofManagement

The 2016/2017 Board of Management at Hollis Reservoir, November 2016: Front, stooping (l-r): Peg Abbott, Raymond A. Mendez, Ann Sealey (General Manager). Standing (l-r): Chris Collins, Courtney Buechert, Peter O’Connor, Jeunanne Alkins, Graham White (Chair), Dr. Sharda Mahabir, Dr. Charles McReynolds, Dr. Judith Gobin, Dr. Robert Thomas, Christine Toppin-Allahar, Philip Schaeffer (Vice Chair), Martyn Kenefi ck. Missing: Matthew Jeffery, Romano MacFarlane, Steve Maximay, Marina Narinesingh, Dr. Pramenath Narinesingh, David Oehler, Dr. Luke Rostant, Sandy Sawh and Leonard Weakley.Photo © Raymond Wyatt Mendez

Honorary Life Members:

Professor E. Julian Duncan (Trinidad and Tobago)Dr. Carol James (Trinidad and Tobago)Ian Lambie (Trinidad and Tobago)Dr. William Conway (United States)Christine Toppin-Allahar (Trinidad and Tobago)

Members in Memorarium:

Virginia Eckelberry Richard ffrench Scholasticus Pike Don Eckelberry Dr. Joseph Copeland

Presidents & Chairs of the AWNC

1967 – 1970 Dr. Brian Ainscough President

1970 – 1971 Richard ffrench President

1971 – 1977 Dr. Joseph Copeland President

1977 – 2001 Ian Lambie President/CEO. In 1996, the post of President was replaced by Chairman

1996 – 1998 Dr. Thomas Carr Chairman

1999 – 2004 Everard Medina Chairman

2004 – 2010 Dr. Carol James Chairman

2010 – 2015 Dr. Judith Gobin Chairman

2015 – present Graham White Chairman



















1967 – 1969 Frederick Whitehead Lodge Manager

1969 – 1975 Major Yves de la Motte Lodge Manager

1975 – 1982 Sebastien de Gannes Lodge Manager Eric Deane

1982 – 1986 Eric Patience Lodge Manager

1986 Roland Thomas Lodge Manager

1986 – 1989 Rita Iton Lodge Manager

1990 – 1991 Wilfred Ganness Lodge Manager

1991 – 1992 Kingsley James (Ag.) Lodge Manager

1993 – 2000 Richard Quamina Lodge Manager

2001 – 2004 Louis Julien Lodge Manager

2003 – 2008 Howard Nelson CEO/Conservation Manager. In 2003, hotel operations and conservation started to be managed separately.

2005 – 2006 Gilbert Bastyra Lodge Manager

2007 – 2012 Ann Sealey Lodge Manager

2011 – 2014 Veronica Simon-Wallace CEO

2012 Janine Aqui Lodge Manager

2012 – present Ann Sealey Lodge Manager/ General Manager. In 2016, the post of Lodge Manager was replaced by General Manager.

Managers & CEOs of the AWNC



1975 – 1982 Sebastien de Gannes Lodge Manager Eric Deane
















1975 – 1982 Sebastien de Gannes Lodge Manager














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By Pat Ganase

Dr. Carol James remembers her first visit to Asa Wright’s Spring Hill farm. It was the mid-1960s and preceded the establishment of the Asa Wright Nature Centre (AWNC) Trust, and any of the important work that was to follow in her next 50 years. After graduating in Zoology and Chemistry, and a PhD study on leaf-nosed bats, she went to the Wildlife Section in the Division of Forestry (ten years as head), where she initiated the programme to have the Nariva wetlands designated a Ramsar site. As one of the first UN Sustainable Development Advisors appointed after the Rio Conference in 1992, Dr. James worked with communities throughout the English-speaking Caribbean inspiring eco-consciousness as the route to sustainability.

She co-founded the Nature Seekers Turtle Project as sustainable ecotourism to enhance the livelihood of communities in Matura and Grande Riviere; and raised awareness of the Trinidad Piping Guan (Pawi), a bird on the edge of extinction.

Her return to the Asa Wright Nature Centre in 1990 as a board member – two terms as elected chairman, and now Honorary Life Member – has provided tremendous satisfactions, but also continuing challenges. She counts the visit of HRH Prince Charles (2008), the appointment of the first Arima citizen, Ann Sealey, to manage the Centre, and the publications as triumphs – among them the new edition of Richard ffrench’s Birds of Trinidad and Tobago; and Joy Rudder’s The Old House and the Dream. National awareness that conservation should be integral to human development and expanding the impact of the nature centre and its value in Trinidad and Tobago remain elusive dreams.

“It was the mid-sixties, and we were on a mission of charity. My Biology teacher at Bishop Anstey High School, Claire Storrs-Fox, took a couple of students with her to the Spring Hill Estate. Asa Wright was ailing, and Ms. Storrs-Fox was concerned that medication was not being delivered in a timely manner. So, we combined a field visit to the Cumuto Pine Nursery of the Forestry Division with the errand to Spring Hill.

“I remember the long mystical drive up the narrow, winding Arima-Blanchisseuse Road which at that time was clad on both sides with tall, thick ferns. The rich forest canopy formed a roof over the tiny car. The road was narrow, steep and bumpy, a scary ride for us but a familiar one for Ms. Storrs-Fox who continued in teaching mode as she talked about the sights and sounds on our journey.

“We arrived at a decrepit farmhouse where the noise of pigs and donkeys echoed in the hills around. Coming outof the car did not seem to be a good idea. Ms. Storrs-Fox disappeared into the farmhouse. Under tall trees surrounded by forest, it was dim even though it may have been one o’clock in the day.

“After ages, Ms. Storrs-Fox emerged with a huge lady in a flowered dress who spoke with her arms moving in all directions. The old lady continued her conversation as our teacher waved goodbye. The return journey was more magical as we stopped along the way to see wild flowers, fungi, tadpoles in pools of water, beautiful epiphytes with tiny creatures in the leaf folds, ferns of all kinds, rotted logs swarming with life, hummingbirds and everywhere, the sounds of the forest.

“I loved my Dad’s gardens, but this journey into the jungle switched on my fascination for the Northern Range. Later, I fell in love with other natural areas throughout our islands. It is a passion and energy I still feel today and which I put into service as we implemented the Asa Wright Trust mandate.”

Developing anEco-conscience for

Dr. Carol James meets Prince Charles at AWNC in 2008. To her left are then Acting Minister of Tourism, Mustapha Abdul Hamid, and Ann Sealey. Photo: AWNC Files

Trinidad and Tobago

ASA WRIGHT NATURE CENTRE 50TH ANNIVERSARYASA WRIGHT NATURE CENTRE 50TH ANNIVERSARY

AWNC’s staff day, September 2017

ALBERT CHARLESALOMA HERNANDEZANANDA DEGAZONANN SEALEYANGINE DEVERTEUILAYEOLA DUNCANBAHAGANDAYE RAMDASSBARRY RAMDASSBEVERLY NOELBRITTNEY WALKERCALEB WALKERCHANROUTIE RAMDASSCORDEL RAMPAULDAVID RAMPERSAD

DEBORAH CASTILLODENISE SCOTTELFREDA QUINTEROELIZABETH NAIPAULELSA THOMASFRANCIS LEWISGANESH RAMKHALLAWANGILLIAN GALINDOJASON STEWARTJESSIE PITTJOHANNE RYANJULIANA WALCOTT-STEWARTJUNE DE GALE-RAMPERSADKEITH CARUTH

Thank You to Our EmployeesKERSY CALLENDERKIM-LEE LEWISKIMMY MITCHELLKURCHELLE HINDSLOUTAN RAMDASSMC DONALD RAGBIRMIKHAIL PLAZANATALIE CLEMENT NATALIE HUNTE OCTAVIA ASHPAMELA ALLEMANYPAULA QUINTERORANDELL DUBERRYRENISHA CALDERON

ReferencesAsa Wright Nature Centre’s newsletter and photo archives.

Beebe, W. (1952). Introduction to the Ecology of the Arima Valley. Trinidad. B.W.I.

Brinkløv, S., Elemans C.P.H. and Ratcliffe, J. M. (2017). ‘Oilbirds produce echolocation signals beyond their best hearing range and adjust signal design to natural light conditions’. Royal Society Open Science, 4 (5). DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170255

Fuller, James. (2008). Looking Back, Looking Forward. Trinidad and Tobago: The Asa Wright Nature Centre.

Lambie, Ian. (2007). The Oilbirds of Dunston Cave. Trinidad and Tobago: The Asa Wright Nature Centre.

Lambie, Ian. (2002). The Story of the Asa Wright Nature Centre. Trinidad and Tobago: The Asa Wright Nature Centre.

Rudder, J. (2009). The Old House and the Dream. Port of Spain: Prospect Press.

Rutherford, M. and Chu Foon, K. (2016). ‘Activity Patterns of Terrestrial Mammals at Spring Hill, Arima Valley, Trinidad’. Living World.

AWNC Staff

RICHARD ALI BOCASRICHARD OUDITRICKIE HAMILTONRONNIE HERNANDEZ ROYCE ROBERTSONSHARON QUINTEROSHERMA JOHNSHIRLEEN BULZETEELUCK RAMDASSWINSTON ROJASYOSANNA AUGUSTE

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