Photo by Renaldo Matamoro on Unsplash (@rmvisuals)
Asa Wright Nature Centre
Arima
The Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge, located in the Arima Valley of Trinidad's Northern Range, is a premier nature resort and scientific research station celebrated for its remarkable biodiversity and birdwatching opportunities. Spanning over 270 acres, the centre hosts more than 250 bird species, including the iconic oilbird, purple honeycreeper, and tufted coquette hummingbird. The estate includes the historic Spring Hill Estate and the William Beebe Tropical Research Station, established by the famed naturalist William Beebe in 1949. The estate house, built between 1906 and 1908, features high ceilings and a wide veranda overlooking the valley, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical ambiance. The centre is also home to diverse wildlife such as red brocket deer, ocelots, Brazilian porcupines, and southern tamanduas, making it one of the most biodiverse areas in the West Indies. Visitors can enjoy meals prepared with ingredients from the on-site organic garden, enhancing the immersive nature experience. The Asa Wright Nature Centre operates as a non-profit trust dedicated to ecological preservation, scientific research, and environmental education, inviting guests to connect deeply with Trinidad's natural heritage.
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Tip: The best time to visit Asa Wright Nature Centre is during the early morning hours when bird activity is at its peak, offering spectacular birdwatching experiences. Booking accommodations and guided tours in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure availability. The centre offers educational programs and encourages visitors to respect the natural habitat by following designated trails. Discounts may be available for students, researchers, or groups, so inquire when booking. Visitors should prepare for tropical weather and bring binoculars and cameras to fully enjoy the diverse wildlife.
Interesting facts
- •The centre is home to 256 recorded bird species, making it one of the top birdwatching spots in the Caribbean.
- •William Beebe, a famous naturalist, established the tropical research station known as Simla on the property in 1949.
- •The oilbird, a nocturnal fruit-eating species, nests in nearby Dunston Cave and is a highlight for visitors.
- •The estate house was originally built between 1906 and 1908 on a cocoa plantation called Clearwater.
- •The centre's land holdings have expanded to over 1,300 acres, though this represents less than 5% of the Arima Valley.
History
The Asa Wright Nature Centre was established on December 22, 1967, to preserve the Spring Hill Estate and promote ecological and scientific endeavors.
The estate's history dates back to its construction between 1906 and 1908 on a cocoa plantation originally called Clearwater.
The renowned naturalist William Beebe purchased nearby land in 1949 to create the William Beebe Tropical Research Station, enhancing the area's scientific significance.
Over the decades, the property transitioned through various owners and developments, with the Wright family playing a pivotal role in its conservation.
In 1974, the New York Zoological Society donated the Simla property to the trust, expanding the centre's land holdings.
The centre has grown to encompass over 1,300 acres, becoming a vital sanctuary for wildlife and a hub for ecological research in the Caribbean.
Place Guide
Spring Hill Estate1906-1908
The historic main estate house built between 1906 and 1908, featuring six rooms, high ceilings, and a wide veranda overlooking the Arima Valley. It was the home of Asa and Newcome Wright and now serves as the inn and central hub of the nature centre.
William Beebe Tropical Research Station (Simla)1949
Established by William Beebe in 1949 as a tropical research station for the New York Zoological Society, Simla is located four miles from Spring Hill. It has been a center for significant ornithological studies and tropical research.
Wildlife and Birdwatching Areas
The nature centre offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities with over 250 species, including purple honeycreeper, tufted coquette hummingbird, tropical mockingbird, and oilbird. Mammals like red brocket deer, ocelots, Brazilian porcupines, and southern tamanduas also inhabit the forests.
Contact
Phone: (868) 675-5364
