Volunteers have given up nearly 2,000 hours of their time to help transform Trunk Island into a living classroom for schoolchildren.

The Bermuda Zoological Society purchased a 2.4-acre lot on the pristine islet in Harrington Sound at the beginning of the year and three months ago embarked on a major conservation project under the watchful eye of David Wingate. The initiative has involved tackling invasives species and ensuring the island’s natural fauna and flora is restored and preserved to help youngsters to better understand Bermuda’s unique ecology.

This week Ian Walker, principal curator of the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo, thanked the two principal sponsors; Butterfield & Vallis and Axis, for their invaluable financial support for the scheme that has already seen schoolchildren take part in four one-day camps and a weeklong residential camp on Trunk Island.

“Knowing that BZS is not only committed to conserving Bermuda’s natural environment, but to also educating future generations on the importance of preserving their home was a major factor when we decided to donate to the campaign,” said Albert Benchimol, CEO of Axis.

“We are pleased that the island will be transformed into a sanctuary for Bermuda’s wildlife, similar to Nonsuch Island, and in doing so create a permanent classroom for Bermuda’s future environmentalists.” Weekend Warrior volunteers have dedicated 520 hours on the island this year, while corporate “giving days” have seen nine companies send 250 employees to Trunk Island and complete 1,335 hours work.

Jim Butterfield, CEO of Butterfield & Vallis added: “Being able to give students the opportunity to physically engage in nature and discover the importance of our fragile environment is imperative to Bermuda’s ecological future.”

The island, in Harrington Sound, is home to the only Palmetto Palm forest in Bermuda outside of Paget Marsh, and its isolation makes it the ideal venue for conservation efforts.

BZS plans to use the island to expand its school educational programme and transform the old caretaker’s cottage — one of two properties on Trunk Island — into a classroom.

Dr Wingate said: “The Weekend Warrior programme is vital to ensuring the eradication of invasive species.

“Without the dedication and support of volunteers we would find it very difficult to reach our ultimate goal of returning the island to its native and endemic environment.”

BZS has been able to raise just over $3 million, and 50 per cent of its target, through a series of fundraising efforts.

To find out more about the volunteer programme contact Joanne Chisnall on 293-2727 extension 2130 or e-mail volunteers.bzs@gov.bm