There are brands that are lucky to have the beauty of Trinidad and Tobago built into the centre of their purpose and Esperanza Alta is one such brand. Located in St. Anns, this is a must-visit sanctuary that features a nature walk and talk that focuses on hummingbirds and pollinators. It’s also an interactive experience to educate the kids especially, about the importance of hummingbirds. The nature walk ends in a serene garden setting that is perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers.

Trudy Armstrong of Esperanza tells us the history of the spot and its name. “Our family has lived on this land for over 100 years and the land has always been called Hope Cottage. Esperanza Alta in Spanish means ‘high hope’. And we have high hopes to help the pollinators.” Trudy runs Esperanza part time as she is a full-time Mom. “The dream is for this to pay like a full time job but with the flexibility to pick and choose my work times and days.”

It all began when Trudy visited another garden and her experience made her want to try pollinator gardening in the city. “I realised there was nothing in the heart of Town that offered nature the way I envisioned. And tadaa! We were created.”

In just over a year and a half, Trudy says she has created her vision. “I’ve created my vision for a pollinators garden from nothing. I’ve Implemented a tour pathway through the trees inclusive of stadium type seating areas for the talks. A walk through aviary with budgies flying above you and bunnies roaming at your feet. I’ve gone from having no hummingbirds to having 20 feeders and hundreds of birds, with sightings of 12 of the 19 Species found in Trinidad.”

When it comes to being an entrepreneur, Trudy says the key is patience. “These things take time especially anything to do with tourism and nature. Trust your gut when it comes to your brand. You know what you have created and who it’s for.” Trudy adds “Research your brand or idea, let it sit with you, dream and plan and when it’s the only thing you can think about and it wakes you in the night with ideas, you are ready!  But again, have patience.”

For Trudy, Esperanza Alta is unique because of its location. “Being one of the few bird/ nature places so close to Port of Spain in the setting of a home garden makes us unique while still having the space and foliage of being in the countryside.” She also loves interacting with the kids. “Being an ex teacher I love interacting with the kids and hope I succeed at keeping their interest.”

Visit Esperanza Alta for your fix of hummingbirds and more of what nature has to offer, in the city.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Facebook: @EsperanzaWalkinNature

Instagram: @esperanzaalta

Email: esperanzaaltatt@gmail.com

Telephone: 1-868-322-2183