Guided Bird Walk and Other Happenings at the Rand Nature Centre

Photo © 2010 Lyndah Wells

The Grand Bahama Branch and local staff of the Bahamas National Trust invites everyone to come and join us this Saturday, December 11th at 8:30AM for a guided bird walk tour through the beautiful trails of the Rand Nature Centre. This is a wonderful time of year to view migratory birds and enjoy the wonderful sights and sounds of nature at its best.

Visitors are encouraged to bring in items so they can be shipped to Haiti in time for the holidays. The gift shop will also be open for those who want to get a jump start on their Christmas shopping.

In the spirit of “green”, the Nature Centre also has recycle bins available for aluminum cans. Please feel free to drop off your empties while you are visiting. And lastly, for those who toast the holiday season with wine, this Saturday, the GB BNT Branch will be accepting empty green wine bottles for recycling purposes.

So come visit the Rand Nature Centre, take a wonderful stroll through the trails, drop off some canned goods for people in need, or simply bring your aluminum cans and wine bottles for recycling. It’s all green and it’s all good, and it’s all happening at the Rand Nature Centre this Saturday, December 11, from 8:30Am – 2:00PM.

Park entrance fee is $5 and is free for BNT members. There is no fee to drop off recyclable goods and Haiti Earthquake Relief items.

Rand Nature Centre in Freeport now open on Saturdays

Submitted by Cheri Wood

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- The Grand Bahama Branch of the Bahamas National Trust is excited to announce that the Rand Nature Centre in Freeport is now open every Saturday from 8:30-2:30. Located on Settler’s Way directly across from GB Catholic High, this national park is the perfect place to visit for some relaxation after a hectic work week.

The newly expanded hours are perfect for local families with children and tourists who wish to explore the nature trails, the watchable wildlife pond, and newly renovated gift shop.

To celebrate the expanded hours of operation, this Saturday, November 06, there will be face painting for the children and other activities for those who visit the center.

In addition to the wonderful natural experiences one can see throughout the winding trails of this 100 acre land preserve, one can also view local art in the Glory Banks Art Gallery located right in the visitor’s center.

On Thursday, November 04, the Grand Bahama Artists Association kicks off their Thanksgiving Art Exhibition from 7:00-9:00PM and the exhibition will remain on display through November 27. The public is welcome to attend the opening on Thursday evening and is encouraged to view the exhibition throughout the month.

Don’t wait any longer to visit all of the wonderful plants and animals that live at the Rand Nature Centre. Open Monday – Friday 9:00-4:00PM and now Saturdays 8:30-2:00PM. There is a $5 entrance fee but admission is always free for BNT members and children under 12. For more information you can contact the Bahamas National Trust at 352-5438.

Grand Bahama Artist Association hosting Thanksgiving Art Exhibition

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- The Rand Nature Center is once again hosting the Grand Bahama Artist Association Thanksgiving Art Exhibition.

To insure that residents and visitors are aware of where this upcoming event will take place members of the GBAA are standing by the Art Gallery Sign on East Settlers Way in the photo.

The GBAA Thanksgiving Art Exhibition opens Thursday November 4, 2010 and continues in the Glory Banks Art Gallery until Saturday November 27th. The Exhibition includes the works of local and international artists in a variety of mediums. For more information call (242) 353 4333.

Rand Nature Centre gets watchable wildlife pond area

The Bahamas National Trust 

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- The Grand Bahama Regional Committee, GB members and community partners have made generous donations of time, money and services for the pond restoration project at the Rand Nature Centre.

Trails and pathways around the pond have been cleared of debris and invasive species. A new gazebo has been constructed at the north end of the pond which provides excellent viewing opportunities of the wildlife that make the pond their home.

The viewing platform has been restored and an area adjacent to the pond is being prepared as an Arboretum that will feature native trees and shrubs. A running waterfall is also in the restoration plans for the pond and this feature will attract various native and migratory species of birds.

If you are interested in supporting this initiative please contact Karin Sanchez at ksanchez@bnt.bsThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

VOICES, a night of Bahamian cultural expression

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- A cultural extravaganza was organized last week Saturday as part of the Independence celebrations for Grand Bahama. Challenged to express all the various talents that Bahamians have, "VOICES" cultural night was held at the Rand Nature Centre.

The night featured a stroll down an old town Bahamian street, where the Grand Bahama Youth Chorale acted out typical Bahamian pre-modern life, and interacted with invited guests. Local art work was displayed in the Glory Banks gallery and young Bishop Michael Eldon students performed poetry and plays.

The night also featured creative poetry by a group of former Jack Hayward students who now attend College of The Bahamas and the comical genius of David Wallace and Will Stubbs. The truly Bahamian night also had all Bahamian food by Mamadoos Restaurant, Bahamian Bahama Mamas and Yellow Bird cocktails and beer from the island's own brewery, Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company.

The night highlighted the wonderful talented singers of the youth choir which had the guests in awe and some joining in. Local Ministers and MP's were also in attendance as well as Minister of Culture, Charles Maynard, who was so impressed with the night that he asked the organizing committee to take this event all over The Bahamas. The night ended with a Junkanoo Rush that had guests and some Ministers shaking around the park! (Pictures courtesy of Brent Bethel)

Public Meeting on the Peterson Cay Expansion Proposal

By Bahamas National Trust, Grand Bahama



Grand Bahama Island - Interested persons are invited to attend a public meeting on the Bahamas National Trust's proposed Peterson Cay Expansion Proposal.

The Meeting will take place on Thursday, August 27th at 7pm at the Rand Nature Centre.
The purpose will be to discuss the inclusions of marine environs to the existing Peterson Cay National Park.
Interested persons may contact the following for further information:

Cecilia Bodie – Rand Nature Centre 1-242-352-5438

Janeen Bullard – The Retreat 1-242-393-1317