By Colin Brown
Trunk Island Sub-Committee

The BZS purchase of the cottage and 2.4 acres on Trunk Island is a visionary achievement that compliments the educational mission of the BZS in so many ways.

Of the many potential projects on Trunk Island, clearing of the invasives and replanting endemics has been one of the first to receive priority. It will be a legacy project that will take time, which is good since our many volunteers are able to see and experience what Trunk Island has to offer.

The vision of this project is to create a “Nonsuch Island” type habitat in Harrington Sound. Over time with the educational sessions that are held on the island, the children (and adults) will see the progress and transformation that takes place. There will be quadrats established so that the scientists can monitor and compare habitats that hasn’t been touched with the landscape that has been replanted.

'Weekend Warriors' and Corporate volunteer groups have made
a significant impact on culling efforts at Trunk Island. Photo supplied.

Within the last six months the BZS has purchased a Vermeer BC600XL 6-inch chipper, four Stihl chainsaws and safety gear. A core group of volunteers have been trained in the proper use of this equipment and are leading the “Weekend Warrior” parties. These groups visit the island once a month on a Saturday, usually from 9am to 1pm. Our last session was held on 20th June and I encourage you to come out to future groups – we have all the safety gear and provide refreshments, so all you need are sensible work clothes and an empty water bottle.

There has also been a lot of interest for corporate volunteer days. Some companies have already visited, contributing many volunteer hours, which have made a huge difference.

Heading up the Trunk Island sub-committee has been a fantastic opportunity for me. I had been looking for a way to give back to the community and this project fits me to a “T”. As I said earlier I look at this as a legacy project that will establish an educational environment of endemic Bermuda for our generation and generations to come.

For information or to volunteer, contact Joanne Chisnall at volunteers.bzs@gov.bm..