On Saturday the 31st August 2013 the Dominican Mountain Chicken Project hosted the first Annual Mountain Chicken Hike.
The aim of the hike was to raise awareness of the plight of the mountain chicken on Dominica and the work of the Dominican Mountain Chicken Project to protect this species.
The hike was done on the Waitukubuli National Trail (Segment 2). This Trailwas selected so that the hike could be achieved by all levels of hikers, regardless of fitness levels or past experience.
Segment 2 also contains habitat where mountain chickens were found before the 2002 outbreak of amphibian chytrid,giving the hike an educational aspect, offering an opportunity to teach people about the frogs and their habitat during the hike itself.
The weather for the event was terrible and there was no end of rain in the morning. Even continual rain could not deter participants, however, and an incredible 33 people turn out to hike. Everyone had a great time; there was a lot of laughing, plenty of slipping and many other challenges but all hikers made it safely and happily to the end.
The hike was a huge success and feedback has been fantastic. Hike t-shirts were loved by all the hikers who received them.
We had numerous sponsors that helped to fund and support the hike. Our valued sponsors include:
- Brightlight Marketing
- MG Concrete Tool Rentals
- Depex
- Books Plus (who sponsored the fantastic t-shirts)
- Brynvale Trading (who covered the Transport fees)
This event would not have beenpossible without the essential contributions from these local sponsors and the help from everyone else who helped to organise this event.
We would like to send a special thanks to the sponsors, organisers and also the 33 fantastic people who gave up their time and joined us on the hike. Together we have shown that no matter how big the challenge that faces us, Dominica wants to save its crapaud.
By Luke Harding, Dominica volunteer