The property is located on Bordeaux Mountain Road at an
elevation of 1250 feet above sea level. The slope of the land varies from
approximately 30 to 50 percent, facing south towards the National Park and down
to Reef Bay. This area of Bordeaux Mountain is often referred to as the Bay
Leaf Forest due to the abundance of the Bay Leaf Tree in the area. The leaves
and berries of this tree are rich in aroma; a simple grinding and processing of
them results in “old spice”, commonly used as a spice in food, alcohol, soaps,
candles and perfumes. This is the only
spice that is actually native to St. John. The land is also home to many birds,
insects, reptiles, and plants.
Photos (from top to bottom): Stick insect, Ceiba tree (also
known as Monkey-No-Climb, Pistol, Kapok, and Sandbox), Coqui tree frog, unknown
species of tree with giant bromeliads in canopy, Bay Leaf tree, Bay Leaf tree
with common tree lizard, carving in base of tree by local artist Herman Smith, property as
viewed from Bordeaux Mountain Road.