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Gorda Peak - Virgin Gorda LbNA #27495

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Nov 21, 2006
Location:
City:Virgin Gorda
County:British Virgin Islands
State:British Virgin Islands
Boxes:1
Planted by:jacks
Found by: Not yet found!
Last found:N/A
Last edited:Sep 9, 2016
Gorda Peak Park
Virgin Gorda
British Virgin Islands
Declared in 1974

First, a little information……

The Park supports some of the best dry forest remaining in the Caribbean. It is the second highest point in the BVI climbing to 1370 feet above sea level.

The biological diversity in the Park is one of the richest in the Caribbean. It is home to some of the rarest plants found in the Virgin Islands and contains six species of native Orchids.

Native animals, which include reptiles, amphibians, birds, bats, and invertebrates also make the Park their home.

Gorda Peak is the highest point on Virgin Gorda and is one of the highest in the Virgin Islands exceeded only by mountains on Tortola and St. Thomas.

The 265 acres of dry forest was donated to the National Parks Trust by renowned Philanthropist Lawrence Rockefeller in 1974 to be preserved.

Virgin Gorda's easterly position in the Virgin Islands group, partially accounts for the low rainfall that the Park receives. The eastern side of the mountain receives the less rainfall, however a unique high-elevation dry forest has survived for centuries.

This is partly because the western side, which received more rainfall was cleared and cultivated for agricultural purposes after the Europeans arrived in the territory.

The plants on this side of the park exhibit signs of adaptation to the dry conditions. Some have waxy leaves, which prevents water evaporation, while others have given up leafs altogether.

Animal life is just as vibrant as plants. There are three species of tree fogs, which are found in the bromeliads in Gorda Peak. The most common of these is the Virgin Islands "Bo-peep," which gets its name from the sound it makes. There are also soldier crabs, snakes and several species of birds. Another unique feature of this park is that it is home to the world's smallest lizard, the Virgin Gorda Gecko.

The wooden look out tower at the peak offers a commanding, panoramic view of the Virgin Islands. Directly below you is North Sound with its enclosing islands. More than 15 miles to the north lies the paper-flat island of Anegada. Looking westward the other Virgin Islands unfold before your eyes. On a clear day you can see St. Croix which is more than 50 miles to the Southeast.

The park has picnic benches where you can rest after hiking through one of the trails or spend part of your day under the shade of a tropical tree.

Now the box information……

While visiting the beautiful island of Virgin Gorda you will need to find Gorda Peak, the highest part of the island. The local taxi drivers will be able to get you there. There are two trails hiking up to the peak, one takes about 50 minutes and the other about 25 minutes. The 50 minute trail is slightly easier but only slightly. Both are rocky and you need you to watch where you are placing your feet.

When you’ve reached the peak and enjoyed the incredible view from the tower come on down and face west. There is a small trail leading into the woods. Go down this trail (careful with your footing) until you find the 2 trees whose roots have entwined a large rock. You will not have to go far. The box is at the base of the tree on the right.

Since I anticipate this box will have very few visitors please let me know how it is doing when you find it. I would love to hear about it. Thanks so much and enjoy the island!

jacks