Published: 29 Jun 2009
http://guardian.co.tt/features/life/2009/06/29/asa-wright-gets-assistance-utc
Asa Wright Nature Centre is destination No 1 for bird watchers and tropical rainforest enthusiasts visiting T&T.
The Centre once again benefitted from the work of staff from the T&T Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) when a team of 22 volunteers visited the centre in early June to assist in preserving trails at the 1,500 acre facility.
“Most people don’t realise how lucky we are to have an environmental gem like the Asa Wright Nature Centre right in our backyard,” said Danielle Jones of UTC group corporate communications. “By volunteering, we hope not only to preserve the environment but to raise the environmental sensitivity of our team.” Volunteering at the Asa Wright nature centre is part of UTC’s ongoing community outreach programme, wherein all members of the UTC team volunteer in various activities designed to assist in the improvement of communities UTC has served for the past 26 years.
Under the supervision of the Centre’s knowledgeable guides, the UTC staff volunteers assisted with everything, from clearing the trails and the trimming of vines to the removal of exotic species from the Centre’s gardens. In previous visits, UTC volunteers assisted in working in the herb garden, clearing debris from public areas and even cleaning the bird and butterfly traps.
“The work was manageable,” said Roxanne Gerald, UTC Volunteer, with a slight laugh in her voice. Gerald heard that volunteering at Asa Wright was rewarding from fellow team members that visited the Centre last year. “There are many ways to give back to communities,” she said, “by protecting the environment, you help preserve something for future generations to enjoy.”
Since UTC volunteers first visited the AWNC last February, many have returned with their families to enjoy the facilities and hike the trails preserved with the assistance of the sweat equity from the UTC. As part of UTC’s ongoing Community Outreach drive, and in commemoration of World Environment Day, UTC Team members will continue to volunteer at Asa Wright on weekends through July.
For more information on the Asa Wright Nature Centre please visit:
http://www.asawright.org/index.html
