GRENADA WILDLIFE AND ECOLOGY PAGE 2

Seven Sisters Trail: So named because it passes by seven of Grand Etang's beautiful mountain waterfalls, which are nestled in the profuse emerald vegetation of the rainforest. The trail takes about three hours, even for experienced hikers, but for those who are up to it the Seven Sisters is well worth the effort. Starting in an area of banana and nutmeg cultivation, the trail quickly plunges into some of the most attractive virgin forest on the island. As this hike can be difficult, the accompaniment of a guide is recommended.

Fedon's Mountain & Concord Falls: Advanced hikers and trekkers should not forego the opportunity to take these two more substantial hikes, which link to the Mt. Qua Qua Trail in Grand Etang. The Concord Falls trail branches off from the Mt. Qua Qua Trail after about an hour, leading down through rainforest canopy, over hilltops and gurgling brooks, to bring you to the triple cascades of the Concord Falls.
The lowest of the three is a very popular swimming area, camping spot, and tourist attraction, with modern facilities surrounding its generous swimming area.
The upper falls, about twenty minutes' hike up the river, are definitely worth the short walk, as they are much less visited and even more beautiful. The 40 ft/12 m cascade plunges down through the thick vegetation to an inviting pool that offers a much more tranquil swim than you will find at the lower falls. The third and uppermost of the three cascades of Concord Falls lies considerably higher up the mountain and requires about two hours further hiking.

Branching off from the Concord Falls Trail before it reaches the cascades is the short but demanding path leading up to the cave-like recess of Fedon's Camp. The camp was the strategic base of Julien Fedon, a Grenadian of French origins who led a slave uprising against the British in 1765. This well-maintained but arduous trail takes you deep into the very heart of the Grand Etang rainforest, through shady groves mahogany, teak, and many of Grenada's other tree species. Giant ferns and birdlife abound here, including the green-throated carib and the yellow-billed cuckoo.
A guide is recommended for both the Fedon's Mountain and the Concord Falls treks.

Levera National Park:  The 450-acre Levera National Park holds a strong reputation as Grenada's most scenic and spectacular coastal area. Its picture-perfect beach is quite popular on weekends, and its lagoon is one of the most important wildlife habitats on the island.
 

Consisting of an extensive mangrove swamp, the lagoon is a haven for an abundance of bird species, including many herons, black-necked stilts, common snipes, and other waterfowl. Levera's marine areas are equally esteemed, with outstanding coral reefs and sea grass beds that shelter lobsters and beautiful reef fishes. The beaches are also a hatchery for sea turtles, which are protected from May to September. Among the pleasant walks at Levera is a trail that circles the lagoon.

La Sagesse Nature Centre: This quiet mangrove estuary along the south-western coast is one of the best bird-watching locales on Grenada. In addition to the estuary, La Sagesse includes three fine beaches edged with palm trees, a very good coral reef for snorkelling, a pristine example of dry thorn scrub and cactus woodland, and a salt pond. Of course, a good salt pond is the avian equivalent to a stunning beach, and this is one very inviting salt pond. It attracts an abundance of different species, including the brown-crested flycatcher, Caribbean coot, green-backed and little blue heron, and the northern jacuna. La Sagesse also maintains a small, four-room guesthouse and a restaurant that serves very tasty lunch fare.

Lake Antoine National Landmark: This shallow crater lake, like Grand Etang, is host to a wide variety of wildlife. The lake's perimeter trail, a beautiful walk in itself, is another of Grenada's excellent attractions for birdwatchers. Among the species frequently sighted are the snail kite, the fulvous whistling-duck, large-billed seed-finch, gray kingbird, and limpkin.