Advertisement

Spotlight On: The Mastic Reserve and Trail

by Yabsta Cayman 1st July 2014

Cayman Islands Mastic Trail

 

In this new CayBlog series, we're going to be shining a spotlight on some of Cayman's most popular attractions. Ideal for tourists and locals who wish to learn more about this beautiful place they call home, suggestions for future posts are welcome.

 

The Mastic Reserve and Trail, located on Grand Cayman, is home to one of the island's largest contiguous areas of preserved old growth dry forest. An example of some of the last remaining dry, subtropical, semi deciduous dry forest in the Caribbean, it's home to an incredible variation of tree, plant and wildlife species. It is particularly notable due to the loss of trees in many other areas due to logging and deforestation.

 

Safeguarded by the National Trust, the Mastic Reserve's 834 acres are currently deemed high priority and protected under the Land Reserves Programme. The Trust oversees the maintenance and care of this expansive area due to both land purchases and donations. Another 450 acres remain unprotected.

 

Beginning in 1994, the reserve was restored in order to allow locals and tourists access to such a beautiful natural area. The path, which was cleared of fallen trees, shrubs, rocks and more, is called the Mastic Trail. The National Trust offers guided tours and visitors are able to experience a number of natural habitats in addition to the ancient dry forest, including areas of Silver Thatch Palms, the islands' national tree, and Black Mangrove wetlands. Lizards, butterflies, hermit crabs, Cayman Parrots, Caribbean Doves and many more species are at home here.

 

A guided tour of the Mastic Trail, which is just over 2 miles long, takes between 2.5 and 3 hours to complete. Ideal for individuals, couples and families who revel in nature, tours can be arranged for groups, schools and other organizations as well. Tours are available Tuesday through Friday mornings and cost $24.00 for non-members and $20.00 for members. Visitors are asked to leave nothing but footprints behind, and take nothing with them.

 

Image Credits: Cayman Islands National Trust & Cayman Islands

Posted by ChelseO
1st July 2014 8:30 am.
Comments (0)
Articles Categories
View More
Popular Articles
View More
Advertisement

You also might be interested in

These 4 Cayman festivals are exciting, entertaining and great for the whole family! You'll want to plan your vacation around them.

Attractions

This overview of 3 top Cayman charities will have you donating to a great cause today! 

Shopping & Retail

Looking to get some serious shopping done in Cayman? Check out these 3 destinations that are perfect for locals and tourists! 

Activities

Cayman is home to many talented, well known athletes, artists, musicians and more! Do you know these 3? 

Nature & Wildlife

How many of these Cayman Islands facts do YOU know? 

Music & Nightlife

Read on for Cayman's top bars and restaurants for Happy Hour! 

Music & Nightlife