The National Parks of The Bahamas

Black Sound Cay National Reserve

Established: 1988
Size: 2 Acres

Located off Green Turtle Cay in Abaco, this miniature park comprises a thick stand of mangrove vegetation, and is an important habitat for waterfowl and Other avifauna which winter in the region.

Detailed Description
Image Gallery

Established: 1988
Size: 2 Acres

Description

Black Sound Cay National Reserve is a mangrove reserve nestled in the northern bank of Black Sound in the southeastern section of Abaco’s historic Green Turtle Cay. This miniature park comprises a thick stand of mangrove vegetation and is an important habitat to waterfowl and other avifauna which winter in the region. Neotropical migrants that have been recorded feeding in and around the Cay are Painted bunting, Indigo buntings, American redstarts, Black and White warblers, and Magnolia warblers.

History

The development of Green Turtle Cay area caused local residents to be concerned for the environment and as a result, they promised to save all of the mangroves and native trees on their private properties. These residents came to this decision after recognizing that the mangroves and native trees on their private properties provided an important habitat for marine life of all kinds.

On February 4, 1988, Mr. Alton Lowe wrote to then – President of the Trust, Mrs. Lynn P. Holowesko, regarding the probability of the Bahamas National Trust’s acquiring a small island in Black Sound Harbour at Green Turtle Cay. Mr. Lowe suggested that this are be protected by the Trust, because it was surrounded by mangroves and provided a rookery for many species of birds.

As a result of this plea, Mrs. Holowesko wrote to the Department of Lands and Surveys on April 17, 1988, requesting that this area be set aside, stating the major reasons for the Trust’s position. In a letter dated the 17 July, addressed to Mrs. Holowesko, the Trust was advised that approval had been granted for Black Sound Cay to be reserved as a National Park, and that a lease would be given to the Trust. On November 1, 1988, a ninety-nine year lease was signed between the Bahamas Government and the Bahamas National Trust. A new protected area was born.

Today, on Black Sound Cay National Reserve, vast quantities of mangrove vegetation are present and this Cay is the winter home to waterfowl and other avifauna.

Importance for Biodiversity

Mangrove Wetlands: Mangroves are important land builders as well as important nursery grounds for many fish especially groupers, crawfish and conch. There are four types of plants that are known collectively as mangrove: the Red Mangrove, the Black Mangrove, the White Mangrove and Buttonwood.

Importance as a Habitat

Mangrove Wetlands also provide important habitat for many species of birds and waterfowl, especially our endangered ducks – the White Cheeked Pintail and the West Indian Whistling Duck.

Importance as a Natural Line of Defense

Mangroves are also important dispersers of storm surges that come with tropical storm such as hurricanes.


Scene at Black Sound Cay	Scene at Black Sound Cay


Scene at Black Sound Cay

Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve

Located in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, the Preserve is operated by the Bahamas National Trust and funded by the Leon Levy Foundation. It was developed by Shelby White, trustee of the Foundation, in honour of her late husband, Leon Levy. The Preserve will be a living part of Bahamian history. It is the first national park on the island of Eleuthera. It is an environmental educational centre as well as a facility for the propagation of native plants and trees.

Little Inagua National Park

Remote inaccessible and with no fresh water. Little Inagua is by far the largest Uninhabited island in the Wider Caribbean. The island exists in a natural undisturbed state and the biodiversity implications and values of this are enormous. Ocean currents flow through the Bahamas from southeast to the northwest.

Lucayan National Park

East of Freeport, Grand Bahama, this 40 acre park encompasses one of the longest known underwater cave systems in the world with over six miles of caves and tunnels already charted. Above ground it exhibits every vegetative zone found in the Bahamas.

Marine Farm

Located on the west coast of Crooked Island a mile northeast of Landrail Point, this Loyalist compound includes an artillery battery and living quarters. This well preserved historic property was handed over to the Bahamas National Trust by Herbert A. McKinney.

Moriah Harbour Cay National Park

Moriah Harbour Cay and its marine environs area a vital part of the ecosystem between the Great and Little Exuma. It encompasses pristine beaches, sand dunes, mangrove creeks, and sea grass beds. A variety of bird life nests there, including the gull-billed and least terns, nighthawks, plovers, oyster catchers and resident pair of ospreys.

North & South Marine Parks

Andros has the third longest barrier reef in the world. These two parks were established to help preserve significant parts of this valuable reef ecosystem.

Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park

Located 8 miles north of Cherokee Sound, Great Abaco, this 2,100 acre land and sea area is a sister park to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. It contains beautiful undersea caves, extensive coral reefs and abounds with terrestrial plant and animal life.

Peterson Cay National Park

A one and half acre geological wonder, being the only cay off Grand Bahama's leeward shore. This beautiful park is one of Grand Bahamas most heavily used getaway spots. The surrounding marine area is ideal for snorkeling.

Primeval Forest National Park

Entering this area is a step back in time. Remarkably undisturbed, this old-growth forest is representative of the early evergreen tropical hardwood forests of the Bahamas. Located in the southwest portion of New Providence, this area features dramatic sinkholes- unique limestone "caverns" up to 50 feet long, 30 feet wide, and in some cases 30 feet deep. Similar features elsewhere in the Bahamas have provided fossil and sub-fossil remains of Bahamian fauna as w

Rand Nature Center

Established: 1992 Size: 100 Acres Acquired by the BNT in 1992 the Rand Nature Centre comprises 100 Acres of natural beauty near the heart of downtown Freeport, Grand Bahama. The Rand Nature Centre boasts a two thousand foot trail, which winds through natural coppice and pine barrens. The Centre is now the home of the administrative office of the BNT in Grand Bahama.

<123 >