The Tribune

THE problem of choking cattails at the Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park is being tackled by the Bahamas National Trust with the help of dedicated volunteers from the Delta Epsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.

On Saturday, working alongside BNT President Larry Glinton and park staff, the Sigma teamed cleared a large area of invasive cattails which are threatening to take over the park, an important bird area.

“Cattails occur naturally in wetlands and can become aggressive and invasive,” said Lynn Gape, Deputy Executive Director of the BNT. “What has happened at Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park is that the cattails have become so thick that the lack of air circulation around the boardwalk has caused major maintenance issues.” After a recent visit with representatives from Caribbean Landscaping to discuss a strategy for dealing with the cattails, Shanley Toote, manager at Caribbean Landscaping, went to his fraternity and told them about the problem. The chapter immediately pledged $2,000 to help with supplies needed to manage the cattails and volunteered to assist with the manpower needed to help manage the troublesome rushes once a quarter.

“Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Sigmas’ effort was the spirit of camaraderie that was displayed as they tackled the difficult task of cattail removal while up to their waists in water and mud,” said Mr Glinton. “Their commitment to service is both refreshing and remarkable.”

Cameron Saunders, BNT New Providence Park Warden, who has been dealing with the cattail problem on an ongoing basis, also praised the volunteers’ efforts. “I cannot believe how large an area they cleared in just one morning,” he said. “I am looking forward to working with them on a continuing basis and we thank them for their commitment to our environment.”