National Trust acquires natural treasure in the Brac

Tuesday, July 6, 2004

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands has now taken ownership of the area known as “the Splits” on Cayman Brac’s northwest Bluff.

Through the generosity of the Herrman family, the 17-acre parcel on land was donated to the Trust earlier this year.

The Splits are a natural formation of large cracks in the Bluff, which extend below the water table, thereby creating a year-round source of water for wildlife.

Many rare and endemic birds and animals inhabit the area, including a nesting colony of “crab catchers” (yellow-crowned night Herons). Humidity from the Splits sustains numerous species of plants including ferns, bromeliads and orchids.

The Splits once belonged to the much-loved and respected pioneer doctor on the Brac, the late Doctor Herrman. His four daughters inherited the land, knowing their father had originally acquired it out of his love for wildlife and beauty.

They felt the ideal long-term fate of the land would be protected as a wildlife preserve, so the sisters donated the land through the International Reptile Conservation Foundation.

Thanks to the Foundation, many services regarding the transfer were done without charge, and the Cayman Brac District Committee of the Trust worked diligently with the parties involved to see the project through.

The Splits are now a protected area thanks to the kind and generous support of the Herrman sisters, the IRCF, Giglioli and Company, Deloitte and Touche, and others who devoted their time and efforts.

The National Trust continues in the spirit of its mission “preserving natural environments for present and future generations” on all three Cayman Islands.

Back...