The July/August vacation is fast approaching and children will soon put away their schoolbooks. They will all go to camps that offer fun activities ranging from sports, craft, cooking and field trips.
Asa Wright Nature Centre (AWNC) provides nature escapes and one-day tours for camps catering to all age groups.
Nestled in the hills of the Northern Range, our nature centre has catered to local and international naturalists for over 40 years. The AWNC was established by a group of naturalists to "protect part of the Arima Valley in a natural state and to create a conservation and study area for the protection of wildlife, and for the enjoyment of all."
AWNC's property, a former cocoa, coffee and citrus estate, will be retained under forest cover, to preserve habitats and the important Arima Valley watershed, part of the Northern Range. The Northern Range watersheds are the most significant contributors to Trinidad's freshwater supply.
A visit to the Asa Wright Nature Centre offers the opportunity for one to enjoy and learn more about our natural heritage. Take a guided tour along our discovery trail, and enjoy the beauty of Trinidad's forest. On the verandah of the main house–a structure that is more than 100 years old–take in the magnificent view of the Arima Valley.
Observe the brilliantly coloured hummingbirds, tanagers and honeycreepers that visit our feeding stations. To add to this, camps can also get involved in other activities for the day.
Learn about recycling in one of the craft sessions. Use the interactive poster board to test your knowledge on T&T animals. Visit our museum–skulls and bones, butterflies and bats, are just a few of the artifacts on display.
Camps also get free posters on local animals or plants. These posters were published with the help of The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme. Whatever the age group, Asa Wright has something for the campers.
A visit to Asa Wright this vacation can also be a lovely outing for families and other groups. Take a weekend getaway by booking a stay in one of our cottage rooms.
On Sundays, the centre serves a grand brunch, with roast bake and omelette selections from the resident cooks. Have you tasted their "sweet han" yet? You have to book your table in advance.
For more information or to make a booking please call Johanne Ryan at 667-4655 or 667-4961. To find out more about the camp activities, call or e-mail asawrightconsedu@gmail.com.
AWNC can accommodate groups of 40 to 50 children daily. The entrance fee is $15 for children under 12 years and $30 for children 12 years and over.
�2 Visit the AWNC Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AsaWrightNatureCentre, and its website at www.asawright.org