THE VERMONT NATURE TRAIL
29.AUG.08
The Vermont Nature Trail was one of the first nature sites on St. Vincent island to be identified and developed as a local attraction for both domestic and international tourists.{{more}}
In the late 1970s, the dynamic Department of Forestry, enthusiastically supported by persons such as the late Dr. Earle Kirby, began the painstaking development of the Vermont Nature Trail..
Today, the Vermont Nature Trail, which is being rehabilitated and upgraded under the EU-funded Tourism Development Project, is testament to what can done (and needs to be done) to develop the attractiveness of a local site, and by extension â the total destination â using the natural landscape in the enhancement of the attractiveness of that site.
The Vermont Nature Trail (VNT) loops through the 1,000 â 2,000 foot levels of Grand Bonhomme. This is the St. Vincent Parrot Reserve (11,000 acres), and is an area of rich biodiversity. It is an outstanding heritage tourism product whose main attractions include the St. Vincent Parrott (Amazona guildingii), the Black Snake (Chironius vincenti) and the Whistling Warbler (Cathorapeza bishopi). The trail is 1.75 miles and trekking time is about 2 hours. The site also presently includes a Visitor Centre. Interpretive signs along the trail provide a good source of information on topics such as unique plants, water and hydrology, pests, productivity and nutrient recycling.
Rehabilitation works include: – Repairs to 4 bridges, and the rebuilding of 1 bridge; Repairs to Rest Point / Parrot Point; Construction of a Vendorsâ Kiosk; Creation of a new Visitor Signage & Main Gate.
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