Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to increase the wetland protection with land purchases. The entire wet-
land spans about 8,500 acres and is still largely undeveloped. The wetland
also provides moisture that later falls in the form of rain over the central
and western regions of the island (a rainfall that's 40% greater than seen
on the eastern side of the island). This region is the home of many species,
such as West Indian whistling ducks, Grand Cayman parrots, hickatees,
agoutis, and marine life.
Cultural Excursions
Attractions
Along with its eco-tourism activities, the National Trust is
charged with preserving the natural, historic, and maritime his-
tory of Cayman through preservation of areas, sites, buildings,
structures, and objects of historic or cultural significance. One of the first
of such projects undertaken by the Trust was the conservation of the re-
mains of an original wall of
Fort George
in downtown George Town (see
page 118). Other projects have included the
Old Savannah School-
house
, a typical 1940s one-room government schoolhouse; the
Guard
House Park
, which recalls the history of Bodden Town, Cayman's first
capital; and the
East End Lighthouse Park
.
The trust has gone on to create walking tour brochures for its most inter-
esting historic districts:
West Bay
,
George Town
, and
Bodden Town
.
These brochures (available for $1 from the Cayman Islands National
Museum, the National Trust, and visitors information booth) introduce
visitors to Caymanian architecture and are a wonderful way to learn more
about the history that makes these islands special.
The National Trust has also played a major role in the preservation of
Pedro St. James Castle
, the oldest known stone structure in the Cay-
man Islands. For more on this project, check out the
East of George Town
section, page 146.
But it's not just the most important historic structures that have drawn
the attention of this group; everyday homes and buildings also earn its re-
spect. The National Trust has an ongoing Historic Buildings and Sites In-
ventory, a computerized reference list of places of historic and architec-
tural interest built before 1950.
To encourage the public to recognize the value of these historic buildings,
the trust has a historic plaque program. It also honors private citizens who
have made a commitment to maintain, rehabilitate or restore historic
buildings and sites with an annual “Award of Distinction for the Preserva-
tion of Historic Places.”
