|
|
Vegetation Naturparks - Grenada |
Copyright © 2004 FIP
Freizeit Individuell Papke. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.
Stand: 06. November 2006.
| Most visitors to our island are lulled into thinking that the island, with its lush, vibrant vegetation, is not too distant from their idea of what paradise may be like. While the island does offer its more beautiful side to the casual observer, it had a fiery beginning. Most of the Windward Islands in the Caribbean share the same volcanic origin, and while several are long extinct, several of them have active volcanoes within their territories. Grenada is no exception, but over the centuries, its volcanoes have been reduced to eroded remnants, which have been taken over by the rain forest. A most notable example of this, is the Grand Etang Lake and Forest Reserve , which is situated in the crater of the extinct volcano. |
 The
most popular area in Grenada, for hiking and trekking, is in the rain forest
around the Grand Etang Lake, in the central part of the island. Grand Etang
is a crater lake surrounded by lush tropical forest and is part of the
nature reserve. A series of trails have been marked, and hiking them is well
worth the effort.The scenery is breathtaking, with the chance to see a fascinating cross-section of the flora and fauna which make up this rain forest. The trails meander around the area's stunning waterfalls as well as the azure waters of Grand Etang Lake. Hikes at Grand Etang range from an easy 15 minute walk, to 6 hour long excursions. |
 The
450-acre Levera National Park holds an unbeaten reputation as Grenada's most
scenic and spectacular coastal area. Its picture-perfect beach is quite
popular on weekends, and its lagoon is one of the most important wildlife
habitats on the island. Consisting of an extensive mangrove swamp, the
lagoon is a haven for an abundance of bird species, including many Herons,
Black- Necked Stilts, Common Snipes, and other waterfowl.
Levera's marine areas are equally
esteemed, with outstanding coral reefs and sea grass beds that shelter
lobsters and other marine inhabitants. The beaches are also a hatchery for
Sea Turtles, which are protected during their laying season, from May to
September. Among the pleasant walks at Levera, is a trail that circles the
lagoon. |
 This
quiet mangrove estuary along the south-western coast is one of the best
bird-watching locales on Grenada. In addition to the estuary, La Sagesse
includes three fine beaches edged with palm trees, a very good coral reef
for snorkeling, a pristine example of dry thorn scrub and cactus woodland,
and a salt pond. Of course, a good salt pond is the avian equivalent to a
stunning beach, and this is one very inviting salt pond. The pond attracts an abundance of different species, including the Brown Crested Flycatcher, Caribbean Coot, Green Backed Heron, Little Blue Heron, and the Northern Jacuna. La Sagesse also includes a small guesthouse, several new Cabanas and a completely renovated restaurant on the beach, which is known for its very tasty lunch fare. |
 This
shallow crater lake, like Grand Etang, is host to a wide variety of
wildlife.
The lake's perimeter trail, a beautiful walk in itself, is another of Grenada's excellent attractions for bird watchers. Among the species frequently sighted are the Snail Kite, the Fulvous Whistling Duck, Large- Billed Seed Finch, Gray Kingbird, and Limpkin. |