Staff Writer
Visitors to Sint Eustatius can once again enjoy access to the iconic heart of The Quill volcano. The Quill, closed for the past 18 months added more ropes, trimmed exposed rebar, and cleared overgrowth from the path. The beginning and ending of the trail remain the same. The new ropes and steps guide outdoor and nature enthusiasts along the renewed route that is not prone to mudslides. There was minimal disturbance to the vegetation giving hikers the experience of being surrounded by untouched nature.
The Main Quill Trail is the most used entrance into the National Park, and it leads to Around the Mountain, the Crater, Panorama and Mazinga Trails. Before hiking in either National Park, remember to check the weather forecast, plan well (have enough water, snacks, head cover and a container to keep your waste back with you), and always prioritize your safety.
The National Parks provide a sanctuary for Statian flora and fauna – the plants, fungi, lichen and all the animals that depend on undisturbed habitat. By respecting them and their environment, we can properly protect the entire ecosystem and witness lush biodiversity on our hikes. Statia can also benefit from the ecosystem services that are provided by a healthy forest. These include reliable rainfall for agriculture and water security in general, and regulation of the urban island heat effect. This is the effect on overall local temperature caused by the relative number of trees (cooling) and man-made structures that absorb and retain heat (warming). Protecting the vegetation on The Quill benefits us across the island as well as the animals that depend on a lush and healthy forest.
Access to the National Parks is free to residents. Visitors are asked to contribute to the nature fee to help fund necessary maintenance. Visit the St. Eustatius National Park Foundation (STENAPA) office or their website www.statiapark.org for any inquiries, including their Guided Hikes.
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