NATIONAL TRUST
FOR THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
Little Cayman District Committee
Chairman
Betty Bua- Smith
Vice Chair/Secretary
Mary Shea
Treasurer
Susan Howard
Preserving a Little Piece of Nature’s Beauty
Little Cayman is beloved by Cayman Islanders and visitors as the “nature island,” and plays an economically important role to the Cayman Islands as a whole. Residents of Grand Cayman, as well as tourists, come to Little Cayman to relax and observe the marine as well as terrestrial flora and fauna, many of which are endangered and unique to the island. The Little Cayman District of the National Trust (LCDNT) works hard to preserve the island and its natural attractions for Caymanians and visitors alike.
About Little Cayman
Two of the chief highlights on land are the red-footed booby and the sister islands rock iguana. The Booby Pond is an internationally protected wetland and the largest resident nesting site of the red-footed booby in the Caribbean, and the only nesting site for the frigate bird in the Cayman Islands. For its protection much of the land surrounding the Booby Pond is owned by the LCDNT. In addition, the LCDNT owns and protects critical nesting sites of the sister islands rock iguana, which is only found on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. The Preston Bay Iguana Habitat, where up to 65 females have been known to lay their eggs, was purchased by the LCDNT and opened to the public in December of 2003. A boardwalk and informational signs are available allowing visitors to see the habitat closely without disturbing flora or fauna. The beach at Preston Bay is also an important nesting site for sea turtles each summer.
Gladys B. Howard Little Cayman National Trust Visitors Centre
The Gladys B. Howard Little Cayman National Trust Visitors Centre is the home of the Little Cayman District of the National Trust (LCDNT). The building was rededicated in honor of the founder and longtime supporter of the LCDNT in 2015, and is an ideal place to learn more about Little Cayman and its natural residents. Outdoors, visitors are welcome to view the birds of the Booby Pond and their nests through telescopes, and admire the plants of the mangrove community surrounding the pond. Inside are interesting videos and educational posters, prepared by visiting scientists, that provide general information on the animals and plants on Little Cayman. Books, including field guides, jewelry created by Little Cayman artists, T-shirts, and other small gifts are available for purchase, all of which supports the work of the LCDNT.
"Green Iguana B'Gonna" Programme
“Green Iguana B’Gonna” is a program sponsored by the LCDNT that was formed to help tackle the arrival of the invasive green iguana on Little Cayman. As an invasive species, green iguanas pose a threat to the native rock iguanas, the overall ecology of the island and the unspoilt beauty it holds. The recent hybridization events indicate the seriousness of the threat to the rock iguana. Run by two volunteers, Mike Vallee and Ed Houlcroft, the aim is to control the invasive green iguanas whilst a long-term plan for prevention of their transport from other islands is put into place. If you would like to help, please contact greeniguanabgonna@gmail.com.
25th Annual Easter Auction
The 25th annual Easter Auction of the LCDNT was held on April 15, 2017, with over 80 bidders in attendance. Live auction items included artwork, woodwork, glasswork and photographs created by artists of the Cayman Islands, as well as Cayman Islands single barrel rum. Silent auction items featured housewares and gift certificates from businesses throughout the Cayman Islands. Sufficient funds were raised to purchase two parcels of land on the west side of the Booby Pond, an important nesting habitat for our resident red-footed boobies.
Office Hours
Monday - Friday 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Open full time October through June, reduced hours in July.
Monthly Meetings
Date: 2nd Monday of each month (Nov - Jun)
Time: 4:00pm
Place: The Visitors Center