Trust Notes

Fire might seem like an unlikely tool for protecting wildlife, but at Abaco National Park, it plays an important role in maintaining the pine forest habitat of the Bahama Parrot. Unlike most parrots, Bahama Parrots in Abaco nest in holes in the ground. Recent research has found that many potential nesting sites remain unused, as dense vegetation can make some sites difficult for the birds to access. 

To help address this, BNT is preparing to conduct a prescribed burn at Abaco National Park during the week of November 16. The burn is intended to reduce dense understory vegetation and maintain suitable pine forest conditions for the parrots. 

Ahead of the burn, our staff visited communities surrounding the park on 10 and 11 September to meet with local stakeholders, hunters and officials. Discussions covered the purpose of the burn, safety measures, and potential effects on nearby communities. Staff also visited Central Abaco Primary School, where Grade 5 students learned about the Bahama Parrot, its unusual nesting habits and how prescribed burning can support its habitat. Students had the opportunity to ask questions and share their concerns about the upcoming activity. 

By engaging surrounding communities ahead of the burn, we hope to build understanding of the work planned and its importance to Bahama Parrot conservation. 

Our Annual General Meeting was an opportunity to reflect on the past year’s achievements, recognise those who have made meaningful contributions to conservation and share what’s ahead for BNT.

Among those honoured were Conservation Champions Jason MacDowall and Mark Gonsalves. Jason was recognised for his support in developing the online auction platform for Parks Fest, while Mark was celebrated for more than 25 years of volunteer contributions to marine conservation in Abaco.

We also recognised the Bob and Jeanne Coughlin Foundation as Conservation Legends for its longstanding commitment to conservation in Exuma. Building on more than $1 million in support over the past five years, the foundation has pledged an additional $600,000 over three years to support Moriah Harbour Cay National Park, including park management, protection and environmental education initiatives.

A particularly special announcement was that His Majesty King Charles III has accepted Royal Patronage of the Bahamas National Trust, continuing our longstanding royal association. Bonefish Pond National Park was also selected as the conservation site for His Majesty’s visit.

Members also received updates on fundraising achievements, the return of EcoCamp and proposed infrastructure developments at Seahorse National Park, with groundbreaking planned for January 2027. The meeting also included Council elections and the announcement of BNT’s officers for the coming year.

To learn more about the AGM and the milestones shared, read the full press release here.

There’s more in store for Seahorse National Park, with plans underway for a Farmers’ Market and Crafts Centre. Groundbreaking is currently planned for January 2027 as part of the park’s first phase of infrastructure development. 

In September, BNT leadership met with the Minister of Works, the Honourable Clay Sweeting, to share these plans and discuss proposed improvements at Bonefish Pond National Park. 

BNT President Joanne Smith, Past President Geoff Andrews, Executive Director Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle and other senior staff attended the meeting, alongside architects Kenrad Wilchcombe and Michael Moss, who presented the proposed designs for both parks. 

Minister Sweeting and his team welcomed the presentations, with the Minister expressing particular interest in seeing the Seahorse National Park plans advance towards implementation. 

As we look ahead, these proposed improvements form part of our efforts to support the development, management and long-term sustainability of both national parks. 

Across New Providence, Exuma, Eleuthera and Grand Bahama, volunteers and local organisations joined International Coastal Cleanup Day activities to remove litter from our shores. 

In New Providence, 30 volunteers from Nassau Cruise Port and Grupo Anderson helped remove approximately 2,100 pounds of waste from Bonefish Pond National Park. The cleanup formed part of Nassau Cruise Port’s It’s in Our Hands initiative and marked its fifth consecutive year participating in International Coastal Cleanup Day. 

In Exuma, more than 70 volunteers participated in a cleanup organised by the Ministry of Tourism. Staff from Moriah Harbour Cay National Park assisted with collecting and transporting bags of rubbish to the designated collection point. 

In Eleuthera, North, Central and South Eleuthera participated in coordinated coastal cleanups for the first time, bringing together students, community members and organisations, including BNT and the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve. 

Meanwhile, in Grand Bahama, volunteers gathered at Gold Rock Beach in Lucayan National Park for the island’s annual cleanup activities, organised by the Ministry of Tourism and facilitated at the site by EarthCare. Beyond removing litter, volunteers recorded and weighed the debris collected, contributing data to Ocean Conservancy’s research on marine debris. 

We thank the volunteers, organisers and community members who contributed to this year’s cleanup efforts. 

Wildlife cameras among the trees, drones surveying the forest canopy and water samples collected from Andros’ blue holes were all part of our recent efforts to better understand the natural environment of Blue Holes National Park. 

The park provides important habitat for the Bahama Oriole, a bird found nowhere else in the world but Andros. With the island supporting the species’ only remaining population, understanding the condition of its habitats and the presence of invasive species is particularly important. 

In September, our Science and Policy team spent nearly two weeks conducting fieldwork supported by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).  Working alongside invasive species consultants from Wildlife Management International Limited (WMIL), staff installed wildlife cameras and baited monitoring stations to assess the feasibility of managing feral cats within the park. 

Initial observations recorded feral cats, rats, and wild hogs in the study area. Staff also explored different trapping methods, leaving the traps inactive while monitoring how animals interacted with the stations. Beyond the invasive species assessment, the visit included bird surveys, drone flights to examine forest cover and water quality testing at Cousteau’s Blue Hole and Captain Bill’s Blue Hole. 

The findings will contribute to our ongoing monitoring of the park’s health and help guide future decisions about invasive species management and habitat protection. 

We’ve added two new businesses to our Rewardship programme, giving you even more ways to save with your BNT membership! 

Present your valid BNT membership card to enjoy these new offers: 

• PCL Imports: Enjoy 10% off your purchase. 
• Roadside Response: Receive 10% off their services. 

Is your membership due for renewal? Renew before November 20 for a chance to win one of three prizes, including an all-inclusive getaway to Andros. 

Plus, you’ll continue enjoying free entry to BNT-managed national parks, local discounts and savings at select parks and heritage sites worldwide.