Welcome! If you’re looking to participate in any of our conservation initiatives and projects on Little Cayman, or just interested in learning more about Little Cayman, you have come to the right place.
The Gladys B. Howard Visitors Centre and Gift Shop
The Gladys B. Howard Visitors Centre and Gift Shop, established in 1992, is located on the edge of the 43 ha Booby Pond Nature Reserve, designated as a RAMSAR Convention wetland of international importance, where the interaction between Red-footed Booby birds and Magnificent Frigatebirds can be observed daily.
The Centre is open at varying hours during the week (depending on volunteer availability):
Exhibits and Posters on the natural history, flora and fauna of Little Cayman
A free library (take one, leave one)
Two observation decks with telescopes (available anytime)
Lectures are offered throughout the week around the island and at the Visitors Centre by request. The lectures are customized to school groups, researchers, and island guests and can encompass a wide range of topics. Visiting presenters can also request to utilise the Centre based on availability.
Sister Island Rock Iguana Preservation
Protection of habitat and nesting areas of our endemic and endangered Sister Islands Rock Iguana population is an important part of our mission. The National Trust holds one of the largest known communal nesting sites on island at Preston Bay, located west of the airstrip.
Sister Islands Rock Iguanas are protected by Law and volunteers are trained under the supervision of the Department of the Environment (DoE). Volunteers work in concert with the DoE on ongoing research and data collection to ensure the survival of this unique, iconic animal of Little Cayman.
Land Acquisition
Preservation of natural habitat is, and has been, a critical task of the Little Cayman District Committee. Nearly 500 acres of land have been acquired, held, and protected in perpetuity, including the Booby Pond Nature Preserve, the Preston Bay Beach Iguana and Turtle Nest Site, Sparrow Hawk Hill, Mahogany Bay Phosphate Park, and the 17-acre National Trust Woodland Reserveon the Nature Trail at the west end of the Island where pressure from land development is beginning to occur. Each site plays a vital role in conserving native and endemic plants, birds, reptiles, and marine life – preservation and protection of the natural environment for present and future generations is a mandate of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands.
Full Moon Plastic Pickup
Our dedication to maintaining a clean, natural environment gave rise to this monthly ocean plastic and flotsam cleanup of our island’s beaches. The initiative expands to several beaches around Little Cayman, to include our most visited beaches – Jackson’s Beach, Preston Bay Beach, and Point of Sand as well as others (depending on prevailing wind and wave conditions) – Owen Island, South Hole Sound, the West End Lighthouse, etc.
Our local community members, resorts, and businesses sponsor the Full Moon Plastic Pickups, providing supplies, food, and refreshments for volunteers that help keep our beaches pristine for all to enjoy. A huge thank you for their continued support!
Green Iguana B’Gonna
Originally founded by two dedicated individuals in 2007, Green Iguana B’ Gonna (GIB’G) was a movement to educate individuals about the invasive green iguana (Iguana iguana) and humanely remove them if found on Little Cayman. GIB’G is now incorporated as a Little Cayman District Committee initiative to expand its scope and facilitate needed funding to prevent the arrival of and control the invasive green iguanas from our island long before the numbers reached crisis proportions requiring millions of dollars to address.
To date over 200 green iguanas, including some pregnant females carrying dozens of eggs, have been removed from the fragile Little Cayman ecosystem. In 2017 hybrid green/rock iguana hatchlings were discovered and removed, proving green iguanas pose an existential threat to our unique species.
Monthly community searches are organised by the National Trust to humanely remove these invasive green iguanas and continue the effort towards a potential eradication.
Wildlife Rescue, Care and Rehabilitation
Volunteers working with the DoE provide medical treatment, care, and rehabilitation to rescued and injured wildlife with the eventual reintroduction of animals into the wild.
With no permanent professional veterinary services available on Little Cayman, funds raised at the 2019 Easter Auction have been earmarked to provide veterinary first aid and medical treatment training for volunteers.
In addition, the Little Cayman District Committee has committed funds for off Island veterinary services for injured wildlife.
