Hillsborough Reservoir, which was commissioned in May 1952, by His Excellency Sir Hubert Elvin Rance, then Governor of Trinidad and Tobago, is the only impounding reservoir in Tobago.
The reservoir is located 870 feet above sea level, Hillsborough has a rustic beauty and an elegantly designed spillway which provides a safety outlet when the reservoir is too full. The reservoir has a maximum storage capacity of 1.02 million m³ and the water treatment plant located just below can produce up to 9,091m3 per day. Water from the reservoir serves areas such as Mt. St. George, Concordia, Whim, Mary’s Hill, Union and Les Coteaux.
The raw water from the reservoir passes through two strainers that clear the incoming water of large debris such as branches, twigs and leaves before entering the chemical house. Aluminium sulphate (alum) is added to make the suspended particles of silt and mud in the water coagulate and form large and heavier particles that sink to the bottom of the sedimentation (or settling) basins. The water is then filtered through layers of sand and gravel, a process that removes fine particles still in the water. The final stage of the water treatment process is the addition of lime, to counteract the acidity of the water and the injection of chlorine to destroy any disease-causing bacteria.
Construction of the Hillsborough Dam significantly changed the landscape but the catchment area and the reservoir still teem with an abundance of wildlife and a variety of flora. There are twenty-eight (28) species of birds documented at Hillsborough which will excite the interest of any bird watcher.
The Main Ridge Forest thrive on a mountainous volcanic spine that traverses about two-thirds of the length of our cigar-shaped island from its north-east tip. On one side of the island, the land rises steeply into the hills while, on the other side, it drops sharply to sandy beaches below.
The Main Ridge Forest Reserve is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including over 200 species of birds, over 600 species of butterflies, and numerous species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. It is also an important watershed that provides drinking water to local communities.
The forest reserve offers numerous hiking trails and nature walks, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. The reserve is also an important site for research and education, with several institutions conducting studies on the ecology and biodiversity of the forest.
The Main Ridge Forest Reserve is a crucial component of Tobago’s natural heritage, and its protection and conservation are vital to the island’s future sustainability.
Hailed today as the western hemisphere’s first legally protected tropical rainforest, Tobago’s Main Ridge Forest Reserve had been established in 1765 by the Young Commission well over a century before German botanist Alfred F.W. Schimper coined the term tropische regenwald, or ‘tropical rain forest’ in 1898.
Tobagonians are also justifiably proud of what many consider to be the passage of the world’s first environmental protection act, when on April 13, 1776, after 11 long years of lobbying by English physiologist Stephen Hales and British MP Soame Jenyns, a law was passed protecting Tobago’s Main Ridge Rain forest as a Crown Reserve, saving it from demise due to deforestation by early colonial plantation owners. Were it not for Hales, whose research revealed the symbiotic relationship between forests and rainfall, the plantation owners who plundered the forests for its lumber and cleared it for cultivation would have destroyed not only forest but the island’s vital water resource.
Over two centuries later, with world tropical deforestation estimated putting the destruction or degradation of rainforests at around 100,000 sq. km. (39,000 sq. miles) a year, we are thankful that Tobago’s little slice of rainforest heaven has been protected for over 200 years and will continue to be protected indefinitely. We invite you to explore our lush rainforest – it is our gift to you to explore, wander through and enjoy its many wonders.
RAINFOREST BIODIVERSITY:
South America’s rainforest biodiversity is phenomenal and having once been attached to the mainland, Tobago has benefitted from this natural boon and even shares some species with northern Venezuela that do not exist in Trinidad. It is this diversity and its ease of access
RAINFOREST WILDLIFE
Of the 220-plus species of birds recorded in Tobago, at least 100 may be spotted in the Reserve, and mammalian wildlife such as armadillos, agoutis, wild hogs, red squirrels, raccoons and opossums still roam the forest’s undergrowth. Several bat species, including a piscivorous (fish-eating) bat, also inhabit the forest. The Reserve is also home to a number of non-venomous snakes as well as many lizards and frogs. Insects abound, with many species awaiting discovery.
RAINFOREST VEGETATION
Tobago’s Main Ridge Reserve affords naturalists the rare opportunity to examine the multi-dimensional strata of a tropical rainforest. A closed 30-50 metres (100-165 feet) high canopy umbrellas the rainforest. Its emergent layer has the largest trees, which sometimes protrude over the canopy. Large lianas (or climbers) are common while ferns, palms and slow-growing trees dominate the understory. On the ground layer there is a profusion of seedlings and herbaceous plants as well as a plethora of wild orchids, bromeliads and other epiphytes. Rippling streams and cascading waterfalls add a refreshing dimension to the Reserve.
RAINFOREST IN REREGENERATION
Hurricane Flora – which in 1963 ravaged about 75% of the forest – left a rare opportunity to witness amid the surviving old-growth trees, a rainforest’s re-growth. Over four decades later, Tobago’s rainforest is now a living example of a rainforest regenerating as lush ground vegetation and slender trees emerge in a protected environment. In a century or so, there will be huge trees, a dense canopy and minimal ground vegetation. This form of conservation is indeed rare, especially on such a small accessible island.
RAINFOREST ACCESSIBILITY
Via the Rainforest Reserve Road, from just south of Roxborough to Bloody Bay, a leisurely drive will take you through this mature forested area. Eventually you will reach Gilpin Trace, one of the main trails in the Reserve. Another way to investigate the natural bounty of the rainforest is to take one of the several hiking tours that follow Amerindian trails of old with one of our certified tour guides.
Tobago was home to several Amerindian tribes before the arrival of Europeans. These tribes included the Arawaks, Caribs, and Waraos.
The Arawaks were the first known inhabitants of Tobago, and they arrived on the island around 500 AD. They were a peaceful people who lived off the land through fishing, hunting, and farming. They constructed homes made of wood and thatch, and their society was organized into clans and governed by a chief.
The Caribs, who were known for their aggressive nature, arrived on Tobago sometime in the 14th century, and they quickly established dominance over the Arawaks. They were skilled warriors and seafarers, and they used Tobago as a base for raiding nearby islands.
The Waraos, who were a seafaring people from the Orinoco Delta region of present-day Venezuela, also visited Tobago regularly for fishing and trading.
The arrival of European explorers and colonizers in the 16th century brought significant changes to Tobago’s indigenous population. The Spanish, French, Dutch, and British all established settlements on the island at various times, and they often used force to subjugate and exploit the native population. Many Amerindians were enslaved or forced to work on plantations, and their culture and way of life were eroded over time.
Today, there are few remaining traces of Tobago’s indigenous population, although some place names and archaeological sites serve as reminders of the island’s rich pre-colonial history. The Tobago Museum in Scarborough also has exhibits and information on the island’s indigenous peoples
The Tobago Heritage Festival is an annual event that takes place on the island of Tobago in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The festival celebrates Tobago’s rich cultural heritage and traditions and takes place over a two-week period in late July and early August.
During the festival, visitors can enjoy a wide range of cultural events and activities, including traditional music and dance performances, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts exhibitions, and local cuisine. The festival also features historical reenactments and demonstrations of traditional skills such as boat-building, basket-weaving, and wood-carving.
One of the highlights of the Tobago Heritage Festival is the “ole time wedding” reenactment, which is a recreation of a traditional Tobagonian wedding from the past. The festival also includes a “parang” competition, which is a type of traditional music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Tobago Heritage Festival provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about Tobago’s rich history and cultural heritage, and to experience the island’s unique traditions and way of life. The festival is a vibrant celebration of Tobago’s past, present, and future, and is a must-see event for anyone visiting the island.
Between March and August each year, giant leather-backs, Hawks-bill, and Green sea turtles visit the shores of Tobago to lay their eggs. The process can take up to 2 hours from start to finish, going longer sometimes if the turtles are disturbed.
Some turtles will make multiply visits to the shores during the season untill the right spot is found. Once the nesting process is complete – aproximately 60 days later, baby turtle hatchlings will emerge from the sand.
What happens :
A sea turtle will find the right spot for a nest by checking the sand with both front and back flippers.
Sea Turtles dig holes up to 2.5 feet deep with back flippers only.
Once the right depth is met – between 60 -100 eggs are layed.
Sea Turtles will then gentle cover eggs with back flippers only.
They will then use both flippers to camouflage the area around the nest.
Once completed they then slowly return to the sea.
Popular Bays for sightings:
Turtle Beach – Great Courland Bay
Grafton Bay – Stone Haven Bay
Back Bay – Mt. Irvine
Lambeau Beach – Little Rockly Bay
Protection Guidelines
If possible, do not disturb, obstruct or approach a turtle that is coming to shore, laying or covering its nest.
Never handle Turtle eggs or try to sit, stand or ride on a Turtle.
Avoid using bright lights as it can confuse the Turtles or cause them to abandon their nests.
If observing – stay up to 20 feet away from Turtles while they are nesting.
Little Tobago is a small island located off the northeast coast of Tobago, which is itself an island in the southern Caribbean Sea and part of the nation of Trinidad and Tobago. Little Tobago is also known as Bird of Paradise Island, due to its abundance of exotic birds, including the red-billed tropicbird, the white-tailed sabrewing hummingbird, and the magnificent frigatebird.
The island is home to a bird sanctuary and nature reserve, and is a popular destination for birdwatchers and eco-tourists. It is accessible by boat from the village of Speyside on Tobago’s main island.
The island is popular for
Naturalists
Bird-watching
Angel reef
Scuba diving
Glass-bottom boat tours
Angel reef is also a popular site around the island for divers and glass-bottom boat tours.
The largest brain coral in the caribbean is also located on the reef system.
The island is an important breeding site for seabirds such as red-billed tropicalbird, bridled terns and many more.
Tobago is a beautiful Caribbean island located in the southern part of the Lesser Antilles. It is one of the two main islands that make up the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, a country in the Caribbean Sea. Tobago is located about 30 kilometers northeast of Trinidad and covers an area of approximately 300 square kilometers.
The island is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and unique culture. The capital of Tobago is Scarborough, which is also the largest town on the island. The island is home to a population of approximately 60,000 people, and the official language is English.
Tobago has a rich history and is known for its colonial heritage. It was once a Dutch, French, and British colony before gaining independence in 1962. Today, Tobago is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse wildlife.
Some of the popular attractions on the island include Pigeon Point Beach, Store Bay, Buccoo Reef, and Nylon Pool. Tobago is also home to several festivals throughout the year, including the Tobago Heritage Festival, Carnival, Buccoo Goat Race, and the Great Fete Weekend.
Tourism is the main industry on the island, and there are plenty of accommodation options ranging from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses. Some of the popular activities for visitors include hiking in the rainforest, bird watching, beach hopping, and visiting historical sites like Fort King George.
The local culture is vibrant and colorful, with music, dance, and festivals playing an important role in daily life. Some of the most popular festivals include the Tobago Jazz Experience, the Tobago Heritage Festival, and the Great Fete Weekend.
Overall, Tobago is a beautiful and welcoming island that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. It is a great destination for anyone looking to experience the Caribbean in a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path way.
Capital – Scarborough
People – ~70,000
Islands – 6
Villages – 36+
Districts – 15
Towns – 2
Length – 25.5 miles
Size – 116 mi²
Width – 7.5 miles
Latitude – 11.2337° N
Longitude – 60.6989° W
21 miles North-East of Trinidad.
Climate and Geography
In terms of climate, Tobago has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C throughout the year. The rainy (wet) season runs from June to December, but even during this time, the island still experiences plenty of sunshine.
Tobago’s climate is pleasant all year round. It is cooler and less humid than Trinidad because of the more frequent northeast winds.
Government and Population
Since 1889, Tobago and Trinidad have shared the same government. In 1980 the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) was instituted and was made responsible for administrative governance within the island, with local governance remaining with the city and county councils. In 1987, full internal self-governance was granted to Tobago. The population is approximately 70,000, of which 80 % are of African decent.
History
Tobago has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 5,000 years. The Amerindian Arawaks and the Carib tribes also inhabited the island, before it was colonized by Europeans in the 16th century and became a center of sugar production.
Tobago changed hands several times between the British and the French, and it was also briefly occupied by the Dutch and Spanish. Today, Tobago is part of an independent nation, but it still retains strong ties to the United Kingdom.
