Earlier today, Junior Minister for Home Affairs, Senator Lindsay Simmons, attended the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony for Eve’s Pond Nature Reserve.
The public will be aware Eve’s Pond was once used as a landfill, and since 2018, work has been ongoing to restore the site to its natural state.
Senator Simmons officially opened the nature reserve alongside the President of the Bermuda Audubon Society and Buy Back Bermuda Chair, Mrs Jennifer Gray, and President of the Bermuda National Trust, Mrs Alana Anderson.
Just before the ribbon cutting, Senator Simmons addressed the gathering.
“Good afternoon to the President of the Bermuda Audubon Society and Buy Back Bermuda Chair, Mrs Jennifer Gray, President of the Bermuda National Trust, Mrs Alana Anderson, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
“I am excited to be here for the opening ceremony of Eve’s Pond Nature Reserve, located off North Shore Road, Hamilton Parish, between Green Bay Road and Somershill Road.
“Looking at the completed project, I think back to the 2018 announcement by the then President of the Bermuda Audubon Society, Mr Andrew Dobson, that the plan to restore the pond was approved.
“Since that time and especially in recent months, I would pass by the pond glancing over in anticipation of the day the work would be complete. Now, as I look upon the restored property, I am pleased that all of Bermuda have another beautifully restored nature reserve to enjoy with friends, family and nature lovers.
“It is fitting that today we celebrate Earth Day. A day to highlight the concerns around the deterioration of the environment. And we are here at Eve’s Pond celebrating what was once a landfill, now restored to what nature always intended.
“Statements made at COP26 and other international public forums recognise that Bermuda will be disproportionately affected by climate change. Rising sea levels will pose a significant threat to our island home, and we are expected to experience extreme weather events in Bermuda within the next twenty-five years.
“And so, we must remain committed and continue working towards addressing climate change and restoring the natural balance of our environment.
“To that end, I must recognise and give thanks to the effort put into this project by the Bermuda Audubon Society, the Bermuda National Trust, Buy Back Bermuda, and the many individuals and organisations who donated their time and energy and provided financial support toward this project. Without all of your contributions, this would not be possible.
“Now to all of Bermuda, whether visiting, walking or driving past this location, as you gaze upon what has been created, I ask that you remember the work put into this project and recognise that by working together, we can make every day an Earth Day.
“Thank you.”