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More News! |
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NATIONAL TRUST'S BUTTERFLY BALL RAISES OVER $15k FOR EDUCATION 17 JULY 2008
The National Trust’s Butterfly Ball, held at The Wharf on Saturday 28 June, 2008 raised over $15,000.00 thanks to the generosity of local and international participants. The event was made possible with the help of Hollace Kutay, The Wharf, Cobalt Coast and The Morgan Gallery. Proceeds from the event will go towards the National Trust’s Butterfly Identification Programme which is part of the National Trust’s education programmes.
In the two days prior to the Butterfly Ball, 14 year old Hollace Kutay taught a summer art camp at Cobalt Coast for a group of local students who also donated their artwork to the National Trust auction. Of note, the paintings by Mark and Matthew Ebanks fetched in excess of $250 each, of which the boys donated 100% of the proceeds.
The event was initially put on to raise money for the production and distribution of butterfly identification cards which are to be distributed to all primary and secondary school children in the Cayman Islands. “The cards will not only help children identify the various types of butterflies found in the Cayman Islands but it will also teach children the difference between the endemic and migratory species of butterflies that exist here”, said Caroline Key, Development & Marketing Manager of the National Trust.
“The event was a great success and would not have been possible without the dedicated staff of the Wharf, the staff and volunteers of the National Trust, our celebrity auctioneer Mr. John Foster and of course Hollace Kutay and her family. Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening a success and to the guests for coming and enjoying themselves!”, added Miss Key.
Photo: A bidder in action at the Butterfly Ball.
11 JULY 2008
Cayman Kayaks owner and operator, 22-year-old Tom Watling and friends Jessica Coni and James Macfee went by kayak, on June 18, 2008, into the secluded lagoon, off North Sound, called English Sound in 1938, but not named as such on recent maps, to look for Glasswort (Salicornia perennis), the larval host plant of the tiny Grand Cayman Pygmy Blue Butterfly and Sea Pulsey (Sesuvium portulacastrum), whose pink flowers provide nectar for the adult butterfly. They found them, and 4 Pygmy Blues, 70 years after they were first recorded in this location!
The Cayman Pygmy Blue (Brephidium exilis thompsoni) is a Grand Cayman endemic subspecies (found only in Grand Cayman) and is one of the smallest butterflies in the world with an approximate wingspan of 3/8 inch – ¾ inch (1-2cm). It is found only low-lying saline situations, where its larval food plant is abundant, making it an uncommon butterfly to see. As documented by Carpenter and Lewis in 1943, “This tiny butterfly is indeed limited in its distribution for it was not found outside of an area of about fifty square yards, on the edge of a secluded lagoon, known as English Sound, lying to the east of and off of the Great Sound.”
The butterfly was named after Gerald Thompson, one of the young Oxford University students who discovered it in 1938 on the Oxford Expedition to the Cayman Islands. Although the butterfly was discovered in 1938, the identification & documentation of the specimens from the “1938 Oxford University Biological Expedition to the Cayman Islands” was delayed due to the outbreak of World War II in 1939. The Cayman Pygmy Blue eluded searches for it in 1975 and 1985. It was rediscovered in November 1985 by Simon Conyers, when two colonies were located on the north and west coasts. This was documented by Dr. Richard. R. Askew. A colony was also found at Midland Acres in 2002 and in the Barkers National Park and by Uncle Luke’s Pond, West Bay.
‘While researching for the book BUTTERFLIES of the CAYMAN ISLANDS, to be published later this year, we have been searching for English Sound, the type locality of our Pygmy Blue butterfly and the its very specific habitat. We have not been able to reach it by land. We think that Lewis and Thompson accessed this very shallow lagoon, where Black Mangrove and the minute butterfly’s larval and nectar plants grow, by small boat. English Sound was named after T.M. Savage English, a naturalist who resided in North Side from 1912-1914 and made observations, which were published in the Handbook of Jamaica for 1912 and Kew Bulletin 1913. It was 70 years ago, almost to the day, that Gerald Thompson & C.B. Lewis discovered the Grand Cayman Pygmy Blue on June 23, 1938”, said Mrs. Ann Stafford, CaymANNature, member of the National Trust, co-author with Dr. Askew of the upcoming book. “I am very happy that Tom and his friends found not only the habitat, but also the butterflies!”
Also of special note, the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana Cyclura lewisi is named after Mr. C. Bernard Lewis of the same 1938 Oxford Expedition.
The Pygmy Blue is found in Oregon and Nebraska, through the southern United States and Central America, into northern South America, and in the Bahamas, Cuba, Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Hispaniola. The subspecies found here is different from all others and is found only on Grand Cayman.
For more information on butterflies, endemic species of the Cayman Islands and guided nature tours please contact the National Trust on info@nationaltrust.org.ky or 949-0121.
Cayman Kayaks are proud supporters of the National Trust and each year for Earth Week they donate proceeds from their kayak tours to the National Trust. For more information on kayak tours and explorations please contact Cayman Kayaks on 926-4467.
ST IGNATIUS YEAR 7 PRACTICES THEIR SPANISH TO HELP THE BLUES 2 JULY 2008
On Friday, 20 June, 2008, the year 7 Spanish students of St. Ignatius Catholic School converted their school courtyard into an open air restaurant to raise money for the National Trust’s Blue Iguana Recovery Programme.
Principals, staff members and students came out to support the event which raised a total of $321.00.
Ms. Lisa de Mercado, Head of Spanish at St. Ignatius and Year 7 Spanish teacher said this event had a dual purpose. “I wanted to have the students engaged in a real-life situation whereby they had to speak Spanish and use the structures and vocabulary that they had been studying in class and when asked what they wanted to do with the money from the food sales, they said for the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme”.
“Thank you to all the parents that assisted with this event and all the students and staff who supported the cause”, she added.
“Ms. Mercado and her Year 7 Spanish class came up with a very creative project that combined their studies with a fundraising element. It is inspiring to see such budding philanthropists and I wish them all the best with their future studies, keep up the good work!”, said Caroline Key, Development & Marketing Manager for the National Trust.
Photo Caption: Miss Lisa de Mercado and her Year 7 Spanish class, St. Ignatius Catholic School
NORTH SIDE COMES THROUGH FOR THE BLUES 2 JULY 2008 One of Cayman’s smallest schools, North Side Primary has come through in a big way for Cayman’s Blue Iguanas. Faculty, parents and students organized a fish fry raising over CI$1,100; quite a feat for a school with an enrollment of just 72 children!
The school’s literacy coordinator Laura Campbell noticed the children’s concern over the recent tragedy at the Blue Iguana Recovery Program and decided to convert the children’s sorrow into positive action. “The children decided they wanted to help in some way and thought a fish fry would be the way to raise money for the program,” she said. “With the help of parents and teachers these young people were able to swing into action and make a positive difference,” she said.
END
Photo: The students of North Side Primary School
GOVERNOR GORE BIRD SANCTUARY EXPANDED 27 JUNE 2008 The National Trust for the Cayman Islands has expanded the Governor Gore Bird Sanctuary in Spotts-Newlands with the purchase of one additional parcel of land and a management agreement for another. The arrangement expands the present reserve by almost 1 acre. The property is still the smallest of the Trust’s wildlife reserves at just under three acres.
The Trust will now begin the process of replacing fencing, creating a boardwalk and planting native trees around the property. Most of the work will be done with the help of corporate groups and community organizations but funds will have to be raised for the required materials. “We are appreciative of any assistance offered by the community and hope to commence the first stages in the coming weeks,” said Paul Watler of the Trust. Please call the Trust at 949-0121 if you are able to help in any way. Photo: The Governor Gore Bird Sanctuary.
NATIONAL TRUST'S FIELD OFFICER AWARDED FELLOWSHIP 24 JUNE 2008
Mr. Paul Watler, Field Officer for the National Trust for the Cayman Islands has been awarded an Overseas Territories Environment Programme fellowship to attend the University Of Exeter in Cornwall. Mr. Watler will pursue a Masters of Science Degree in Environmental Conservation and Biodiversity at the Tremough Campus in September. The University of Exeter is the Times’ Higher University of the year 2007/2008.
The Trust is now looking for a new Field Officer to join the remaining team of five at their offices in George Town. Details of the post can be found on the National Trust website (www.nationaltrust.org.ky) or on the Trust’s Facebook page.
Photo: Paul Watler (R) guiding bird watchers along the Mastic Trail.
GEORGE TOWN PRIMARY RAISES $400 FOR BLUE IGUANAS 24 JUNE 2008
This month students from the George Town Primary School collected $400.00 from their ‘dress down day’ fundraising initiative. The money will go towards the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme.
“We are very proud of the efforts of George Town Primary. The students have set a great example of how the community can become more involved in their environment and the funds raised will certainly help care for the Blue Iguanas at the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme”, said Marnie Laing, Education Programmes Manager for the National Trust.
The Grand Cayman Blue Iguana is an endangered species and is only found on Grand Cayman. The Blue Iguana Recovery Programme is a captive breeding facility for Blue Iguana and was started in 1990 to help rescue them from the brink of extinction. The programme is housed at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and offers Blue Iguana Safari Tours every Tuesday and Thursday at 2pm. For more information, please contact the National Trust on 949-0121 or at info@nationaltrust.org.ky
Photo caption: Marnie Laing receives the donation from George Town Primary students.
20 JUNE 2008 Grace Christian Academy conducts an annual event called “Pennies for Change” where all students participate by collecting coins. The school generously donated the monies raised to the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme after the sad incident in May. The students at the school collected over $600.00! The two classes that raised the most money were Mrs. Upperton’s Pre-Kindergarten class and Mrs. Whorms’ Kindergarten Class. Mrs. Whorms states, “My kids love the blue iguanas and it seems so important to this generation to protect them. They were so pleased that the money was going to the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme.” The National Trust and the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme are very grateful to Grace Christian Academy for their donation as Fred Burton, Director of the Blue Iguana Program said, “Grace Christian’s Pennies for Change speaks as loudly as the larger corporate donations, when it comes to letting Cayman and the world know how precious to us all, is our unique natural heritage. It gives me hope for the future of the Grand Cayman Blue Iguanas that people of all ages have reached out to help in every way they can, over this past month.”
For more information on the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme please visit www.blueiguana.ky Photo caption: Students from Grace Christian Academy pose with King Blue
BUTTERFLY BALL TO RAISE FUNDS FOR TRUST'S EDUCATION PROGRAMMES 18 JUNE 2008
The Butterfly Ball, a charity cocktail evening sponsored by Cobalt Coast, artist Hollace Kutay, The Morgan Gallery and The Wharf will be held at the Wharf, 6:00pm on Saturday, 28 June, 2008.
The evening’s entertainment will feature a live and silent auction and monies raised are to benefit the National Trust’s Endemic Butterflies education programme which teaches children about endemic and migratory butterflies of the Cayman Islands and their relationship to the eco-system.
The artwork that will be featured in the live auction includes pieces by Avril Ward, April Bending, Nicola McCoy Snell, Gordon Solomon, Debbie Van der Bol, Sue Widmer and Hollace Kutay. “In addition to the live auction there will be a silent auction full of unique and sought-after items which will hopefully generate some interesting bidding. The items have all been kindly donated and we are grateful to the generosity and involvement from the local and international community. It’s going to be a fun event, I’m looking forward to it!” said Miss Caroline Key, Development & Marketing Manager of the National Trust.
“The Morgan Gallery and the artists we are representing at the Butterfly Ball Auction are delighted to be involved in this fundraising activity for the National Trust, we will be presenting over a dozen works of Art by local and International Artists for sale in the Live Auction”, said Geraldine Morgan, owner of The Morgan Gallery. “Raising money for the education of young Caymanians about their environment and how to protect it is a cause which has long term advantages for the children and the islands, it will help to engender a whole new attitude towards the environment from these young minds”, she added.
Hollace is a marine artist who specializes in acrylic pointillism-style paintings. She sells her work in the states, as well as in Cayman at Morgan's Gallery, the Ritz-Carlton, and Pure Art Gallery. Hollace has been a visitor to the Island since 2003. She took a painting workshop in Cayman in 2006 under international artist, Ron “Rogest” Steven. In 2007, she assisted with the workshop taught by Ron to local kids in his outreach program. This year, immediately prior to the Butterfly Ball, Hollace will be teaching a painting workshop to local children, with the assistance of a US artist, Claire Davies at Cobalt Coast, West Bay. The paintings they create, along with an original painting donated by Hollace, will be on auction at the Butterfly Ball.
Tickets for this event are on sale at the Morgan Gallery, Galleria Plaza or the National Trust office, Dart Park, South Sound. Tickets costs $50 per person. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
For more information on this event or to reserve tickets please contact the National Trust on 949-0121 or info@nationaltrust.org.ky
Photo caption: photo 1) artist, Hollace Kutay 2) Nautical, Gordon Solomon
NATIONAL TRUST STAFF IMPROVE SKILLS 12 JUNE 2008
The two day workshop covered basic issues such as best practices for Historic Home Museums, how to develop great tours and educational programs for guests, conducting historical research, how to care for home museum buildings, landscapes and collections, as well as raising support and assessing site challenges and opportunities. “The course was an excellent introduction to small home museum management and made the participants aware of the many other opportunities for expanding ones knowledge through various others programs and courses with the AASLH”, commented Denise Bodden. “The course also assisted in making us aware of various other reference materials that elaborate on the basic subject covered. Small home museums may appear physically small to those walking through the door, however the course highlighted the time and energy that is consumed behind the scenes with research, planning, managing people, acquiring specialized training and services and dealing with the issues of minimal funding. It also covered the necessity of good communication between volunteers, staff and senior management and boards”, she added.
“Thinking outside the box is vital to ensure a small home museum is interesting for resident populations to become return visitors. Having various activities provided by the National Trust and its Bodden Town District Committee at the Mission House is important to its long term survival”, commented Mrs. Azan. “The Mission House is an ideal place to have an intimate wedding and other small functions”, she added.
In addition to the National Trust staff members finding that many of the issues they face locally are also faced by their American counterparts, they also discovered significant differences between the two countries approaches to historic site management. “A common issue to historic organisations is to keep history interesting and lively, attracting adult visitors in the numbers they attract school groups and having the public appreciate the work and effort that is put into proper historic preservation”, commented Ms. Bodden. “Something that struck me as different is the aspect of endowment funding. Endowment funding is one of the main ways in which our American counterparts finance their historic sites. However for the most part endowment funding to date has not proven popular with local donors as they usually prefer to see a more immediate return on their contributions, while endowments are monies placed in long term investment opportunities to help make more money for the organization in the future”, Ms. Bodden explained.
In addition, volunteerism was a major difference noticed. “The retired senior population of America appear to embrace the opportunity to get out and volunteer in a historic home setting, while here in Cayman we find this a challenge at the Trust’s historic sites”, said Ms. Bodden. Ms. Bodden and Mrs. Azan both agreed they were amazed at the passion and information that one of the senior tour guides was able to encompass in her tour of one of the homes.
“American historic sites are often found to host functions such as weddings, dinners, low impact concerts, professional meetings and cultural activities and this is an area that needs to be explored locally”, stated Ms. Bodden. “Something we would like to see added to the Mission House site would be a traditional kitchen setup, allowing us to host small functions. It is something we are well-aware is absent, however, we had to make do with funds that were available at the time”, she added. At present the current kitchen building is set up to handle retail and admission functions.
“A country’s history and built heritage is not only a unique part of our tourism product but most importantly instills pride in where we came from and helps define who we are today. History is a wonderful teacher because it is acquired through the wisdom that comes from experience and we would be wise to learn from it”, concluded Ms. Bodden.
Photo caption: 1) Denise Bodden in the grounds of Farmington Historic Plantation, Kentucky 2) Locust Grove, Kentucky
NATIONAL TRUST NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF FIELD OFFICER 11 JUNE 2008 The National Trust for the Cayman Islands was created by the National Trust Law, 1987 “to preserve natural environments and places of historic significance in the Cayman Islands for present and future generations.” We are searching for a qualified, self-motivated FIELD OFFICER
Job summary: Participate in the design and creation, delivery and maintenance of the Trust’s Environmental programs and oversee the proper maintenance and care of environmentally significant areas. Function as part of a small team often with responsibilities outside of the job description. If you love the outdoors and have an interest and respect for the natural environment this may be the job for you.
Qualifications: Skills: -Must possess a valid drivers license and be able to obtain a commercial drivers license. Salary: CI$30,960 per annum, pension and health insurance contribution.
Interested persons may apply in writing to Box 31116 SMB, via email to froulstone@nationaltrust.org.ky, or delivered to our offices at 359 South Church Street.
SAGICOR GENERAL HELPS WITH THE PROTECTION OF THE BLUE IGUANAS 11 JUNE 2008
Sagicor General has stepped forward as a caring corporate citizen to assist the National Trust to help protect the remaining Blue Iguanas. “We could not standby and witness the extinction of a species as unique as the Blue Iguana. Furthermore, they are truly and uniquely Caymanian and part of our heritage, Cayman’s Heritage“, said Mr. Danny Scott President, Sagicor General Cayman.
“Our review of the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme has shown that it is working successfully in bringing back species from the edge of extinction”, noted Mr. Scott. “The death of so many endangered species must not be allowed to occur again and with the support of people and businesses in the Cayman Islands we can ensure that it doesn’t”, he added.
Mr. Frank Roulstone, General Manager of the Trust thanked Sagicor General for their support. “The work of the National Trust is heavily dependent on support from the Cayman community. We have a heavy burden to carry which we do happily, to protect the different aspects of Cayman’s heritage.” said Mr. Roulstone. “We do this because we believe deeply in preserving our heritage, but we cannot do anything without both the financial support and the support of volunteers”, he concluded.
“Despite recent event we have some very encouraging news”, stated Mr. Fred Burton, Programme Director, Blue Iguana Recovery Programme. “87 eggs are already in the incubation period and we expect the total to go well over 100”, he said.
The Blue Iguana Recovery Programme began in 1990 with a goal to secure wild, reproducing populations of the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana in protected areas, in such a way that their long-term future becomes secure without the need for constant human intervention. To date the programme has successfully introduced 220 Blue Iguanas into the Salina Reserve. In 2007 over 40 Blue Iguanas were released into the reserve.
To make a donation or learn more about the programme please contact the National Trust on 949-0121.
Photo caption (from left to right): Frank Roulstone, General Manager, National Trust, Danny Scott, President, Sagicor General, Cayman, Caroline Key, Development & Marketing Manager, National Trust, Ravi Kapoor, Marketing Manager, Sagicor General, Cayman.
Car Boot / Garage
Sale!
Dart Park, South Sound
Saturday 5th July
6am-9am
Tel: 949 0121
costs $ 15/car space
E-mail: info@nationaltrust.org.ky
Come sell your unwanted items.....or donate items forus to sell!!!
Bargains!!!! Bargains!!!! Bargains!!!!
CAYMAN WILDLIFE RESCUE SUCCESSFULLY RELEASES GREEN HERON 6 JUNE 2008 Cayman Wildlife Rescue volunteers successfully released a Green Heron that was rescued in Prospect which suffered an indeterminable trauma and was severely underweight and malnourished.
The Heron was found by a concerned resident, Virginia Gendrone, who contacted Cayman Wildlife Project Manager, Alison Corbett. The Heron was very malnourished, unable to fly or stand on its feet and was severely dehydrated. The Green Heron “OC” was taken to Island Vet for immediate care. “OC” stayed under Island Vet’s care for approximately two weeks being fed by syringe, there were no apparent injuries to the bird. Dedicated vet, Dr. Andreea Sleahtenea took “OC” to her home for continued care after hours to reduce the Heron’s stress. The Green Heron then went onto be further rehabbed for another week by Virginia Gibbs, CWR volunteer, who ensured “OC” was well fed. After over a week in CWR’s large outdoor cages, being fed by a roster of CWR volunteers, Alison Corbett deemed “OC” fit for release.
Green Herons are solitary birds which stalk their prey along pond edges and mangroves. They feed mainly on fish and can be seen along canals, fresh/salt water ponds and harbours. Habitat loss and human development continue to affect this species. CWR commonly sees injured Herons which have been struck by cars.
Cayman Wildlife Rescue is a collaborative volunteer organisation comprising volunteer members of the public, National Trust of the Cayman Islands, Island Veterinary Services, The Humane Society, The Department of Environment and Cayman Wildlife Connection. A small, quiet facility where animals can recuperate from injury and prepare for rehabilitation is maintained by volunteers and funded entirely by donations. If you would like to volunteer or make a donation to Cayman Wildlife Rescue email caymanwildliferescue@gmail.com. If you come across an animal that needs rescue, call the emergency hotline, 917-BIRD. For your own safety and that of the animal, members of the public are requested to not attempt to rescue or care for the animal themselves – rather call the hotline and trained volunteers will attend to the animal.
For more information please contact: Alison Corbett 926-6474 (Cayman Wildlife Rescue Project Manager).
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70th ANNIVERSARY OF THE DISCOVERY OF THE CAYMAN PYGMY BLUE BUTTERFLY
The Year 7 students dressed up as Spanish waiters and waitresses and set out tables and chairs for the school lunch hour where they served their fellow students a Spanish-style lunch. The menu included items such as quesadillas, chimichangas, bocadillos, taquitos and ensaladas. Refreshments were also available and included limonada and ponche de fruta. Helado, galletas and pastel were also served. The waiters and waitresses had to take orders and converse in Spanish during the unique lunch hour but the challenge was also for the customers as they had to speak Spanish also.
The school presented the profit from the fish fry to King Blue at a special assembly on Friday 24th June. Students Chelsea Whittaker and Christina Rivers read a special tribute from the students and principal Margaret Rattray thanked them for their commitment to help their community. National Trust GM Frank Roulstone extended his appreciation to the students. “The Recovery Program is a critical component in the rescue of our Blue Iguana from extinction. We are most appreciative of the outpouring of support we have received from the community and in particular our children”, he said.
“This is a small property but the value of these fresh water wetlands cannot be over-stated,” said Trust GM Frank Roulstone. This became even more apparent when Field Officer Paul Watler discovered the rare Grand Cayman Water Snake at the pond. This elusive species lives in fresh-water habitats preying on fish. It is closely related to a Cuban species and together they are the only representatives of the genus in the Caribbean. The benefits of the pond as a watering stop for native and migrating birds has already been well documented.
Paul is the son of Hewitson and Susan Watler of Lower Valley. He graduated from Hiram College in Ohio in June of 2006 and began working at the Trust in September that year. He is best known for his guided hikes of the Mastic Trail which was built by his great-great grandfather some 150 years before. “This is a proud moment for the Trust”, said GM Frank Roulstone. “Paul is an outstanding employee and we fully support his academic advancement.” The Trust is providing financial assistance to Paul and he will return to a new position after completing his studies. “I hope to return to the Trust with my Masters degree so that I can make a greater impact on conservation in the Cayman Islands”, he stated. Trust Chairperson Mrs. Carla Reid added, “Our young people are our future and we will make every effort to encourage their personal advancement and long-term commitment to the organization.”
“This event has come about thanks to Hollace Kutay’s willingness to help the National Trust and become more involved in preserving Cayman’s fragile environment. Hollace is only in her early teens and her determination to help the National Trust for the Cayman Islands is an inspiration. She is a talented and remarkable young lady”, said Miss Key. 
“I am very fond of Cayman and deeply committed to the environment. I saw the Butterfly Ball as a way to give something back to Cayman and I created my painting "Wings of the Sea" especially for this auction”, said Miss Hollace Kutay. “I hope the event will raise funds that the Trust can use to help teach people responsible stewardship of the environment”, she added. 
Sagicor General has made a donation of CI$5,000 to assist with the security needs of the National Trust’s Blue Iguana Recovery Programme to help protect the remaining Blue Iguanas in captivity. “We hope our actions will inspire other businesses, big and small, to step up to the plate and join us in our stand against the violent attacks carried out on the Blue Iguanas”, said Ravi Kapoor, Marketing Manager, Sagicor General (Cayman). 
At 9:00 am Saturday May 24th “OC” was taken a local Spotts resident’s, Bruce Watler property for release into his wetland. “OC” flew directly over the pond and landed in the shrubs to preen and survey his new territory.| |
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