By Simon Jones
Published Jun 17, 2015 at 8:00 am (Updated Jun 17, 2015 at 8:03 am)

Trunk Island, in Harrington Sound, will be used to teach children about conservation
(Photo by Simon Jones)

It is one of the most pristine and untouched habitats left in Bermuda.

Now Trunk Island is set to become a spectacular outdoor classroom for schoolchildren to learn about conservation and the environment after the Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) bought a 2.4-acre lot.

The old caretaker's cottage on Trunk Island will be transformed into a classroom
(Photo by Simon Jones)

The island, in Harrington Sound, is home to the only Palmetto Palm forest in Bermuda outside of Paget Marsh, and its isolation makes it the ideal venue for conservation efforts.

Trunk Island, in Harrington Sound, will be used to teach children about conservation
(Photo by Simon Jones)

BZS plans to use the island to expand its school educational programme and transform the old caretaker’s cottage — one of two properties on Trunk Island — into a classroom.

Trunk Island, in Harrington Sound, will be used to teach children about conservation (Photo by Simon Jones)

The project has the full backing of the island’s only two residents, Patrick O’Donnell and Hannah Gardner, and has been made possible thanks to the generous donations from the Stempel Foundation and other organisations.

Former conservation officer, David Wingate, has been working with BZS and the couple for the past few years to help to eradicate two invasive species, rats and casuarina trees, from the seven-acre island.

Jamie Bacon, the BZS education officer, talks about how the purchase of the
lot on Trunk Island wil help to enhance the education programme
offered to schoolchildren (Photo by Simon Jones)

“This is a very, very exciting opportunity for ecological restoration as well as educating schoolchildren,” said Dr Wingate.

“I believe there is even the potential to re-establish cahows here with effective management.”

Ms Gardner and her family have spent summers at their home on Trunk Island since 1955.

Curator of Bermuda Museum, Aquarium and Zoo, Ian Walker, outside the old caretaker's
home on Trunk Island, which will be transformed into a classroom for schoolchildren
(Photo by Simon Jones)

“My mother was a Tucker and the island has been in the family since the 1800s,” she said. “I have always loved it here; it is quiet and calm and you can’t even hear the traffic. I wholeheartedly support this initiative and think it’s great that schoolchildren will get the chance to experience this unique environment and learn from it.”

Trunk Island, in Harrington Sound, will be used to teach children about conservation
(Photo by Simon Jones)

BZS was able to buy their part of Trunk Island at the beginning of the year thanks to a major funding campaign that has so far raised nearly half of its $5 million target.

The Stempel Foundation and Stempel family provided a huge financial boost to the project and other organisations have also made significant contributions. BZS plans to expand its aqua camp programme with more activities for middle school students and introduce a one-week residential camp for students between the ages of 14 and 15.

Trunk Island, in Harrington Sound, will be used to teach children about conservation
(Photo by Simon Jones)

“With so many social and environmental challenges impacting our Island, providing a place for students to unplug and learn in a natural island setting can contribute to a young person’s knowledge and confidence,” said Jamie Bacon, BZS education officer.

Trunk Island, in Harrington Sound, will be used to teach children about conservation
(Photo by Simon Jones)

“The magic of experimental learning is motivational for students who might otherwise be disinterested in a normal classroom setting.

“Trunk Island will certainly enhance our schools programme, which is available free to all students from preschool through senior school.”

An aerial shot of Trunk Island (Photo supplied by John Singleton)

BZS president Richard Winchell added: “We are very grateful to the organisations and companies that have already made contributions towards this important educational campaign, in particular our lead donors, the Stempel Foundation and Stempel family.”