Conservation Day!
The day began with a bermudiful sunrise and several cups of coffee… Stacks of pancakes, bacon, oatmeal, and fresh fruit at our disposal added to the notion that it was going to be a great day. After breakfast, we met our fantastic leader Claire and boarded the transport for a short ride to Cooper’s Island. As usual, our driver Kenny shared some tidbits about the island also the way. Armed with shovels, hoes, loppers, and a juvenile Bermuda Cedar we listened to an impromptu and insightful lecture about conservation and the history of the Island. Previous inhabitants include the U.S. Navy and NASA; The “island” is no longer an island as many years ago materials from the dredging of Castle Harbour filled in a spot making it a roadway out to what was an island. As we have on so many trips in the past, we have the pleasure of taking a hand in bringing back Cooper’s Island to what it was years ago by removing invasive plants and planting endemic ones. We also got to check on our Jamaican Dogwood from last year. After some time in the heat digging and clearing, we planted a Bermuda Cedar and then took a much needed dip into the refreshing, clear water. Then it was back to BIOS for a fantastic lunch with bowtie pasta, chicken, and grilled portobello mushrooms.
After lunch, we boarded the Stommel II and our Captain Chris took us out along St. David’s shore towards Nonsuch Island. When we arrived, it was time to swim in to shore and begin cleaning trash and plastics that had washed ashore. Nonsuch Island is a very special place where a restoration of the Cahow has occurred over the last 70 years. The Cahow is a Bermuda Petrel that was once thought to be extinct and Dr. David Wingate began the project many years ago and since handed it off to Dr. Jeremy Madeiros who has worked to increase the population exponentially. The island is hub for research on Bermuda Long Tails, Bermudian Skinks, Cane Toads, and many more species. The beauty of the is simply remarkable and not only do our students get to visit such a lovely place, they are of a select group that is allowed to go on the Island and then snorkel the wreck just against the dock on the Island. The ride back was a display of different weather as we had a few small showers, some wind gusts, rolling waves, and even a rainbow that also had the Spirit of Bermuda sailing directly for it on it’s approach to Government Cut into St. George’s. Back at the research station, a few students wanted to head into town to visit the local pharmacy for needed supplies. Dinner was, once again exceptional, and then an impromptu volleyball game with the graduate students here tired everyone out. Bedtime is near and looking forward to another fun-filled day loaded with new information.
