Fellows Archives - Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education

My Encounters with the Birds of BFREE!

April 28, 2024/0 Comments/in Bird Conservation, Blog, Education, Fellows, Protected Areas /by Roxanna Chen

The 1,153 acre BFREE Reserve where I work is a haven for diverse species of birds and my many encounters with them have always been memorable ones. Being in the heart of the jungle has provided me with many opportunities such as witnessing a spectacle display of birds in flight, birds feeding, bird dances, and the listening pleasure of the mystical melodies orchestrated by these feathered creatures. Truly, this is a dream place for many birders and bird enthusiasts, whether advanced or amateurs, to fulfill their quests. It is certainly a destination to place on your bucket list if you haven’t visited just yet!

Within a year of working as an Advanced Cacao Fellow at BFREE, my interest in birding has grown tremendously but my skill in identifying birds whether nearby or through their vocalization has been a slow progress. Well, progress is progress they would say! Developing such skills and the ability to identify birds by their vocalization is a job that requires patience, vigilance, and good listening skills.

BFREE hosts over three hundred bird species, and these include migrants, transients, and resident bird species. Two major terrestrial ecosystems attract and provide habitats for these birds: the freshwater ecosystem and the tropical rainforest ecosystem.

Picture left: Roxanna Chen is the Advanced Cacao Fellow at BFREE. Her focus is on quality control, best fermentation protocols, and chocolate-making. Here she is shown in the cacao farm holding a fallen nest that was made by Montezuma’s oropendola.

Yellow-headed parrots

My first encounter began on my six-mile walk to BFREE for the very first time. Yes, I have listened to birds before, but I paid very little attention to them and the only ones I knew were those raised domestically. My journey began at sunrise and the view was spectacular, along the six-mile trek I transitioned through various ecosystems. First came the Pine Savannah then the ecotone (a region of transition between two types of habitats) and finally into the broadleaf rainforest ecosystem. Beyond that was the rolling evergreen Maya Mountains.

When I got to the Savannah, I was greeted overhead by a flock of chattering yellow-headed parrots. These parrots made themselves a home in crevices of old pine trees that were either wrecked by lightning or damaged by past wildfires. Amazingly, I could recall vividly my second encounter with a solo yellow-headed parrot, whilst leaving BFREE with a group of Belizean students in the same area. The parrot was watching us right from its balcony. Other species of parrots such as the Red-lored Amazon, the Northern mealy amazon, the White-crowned parrot, Brown-hooded Parrot, and the Olive-throated (Aztec) parakeets can be heard at BFREE chittering and chattering but they are generally seen in flight or feeding on seeds in the nearby vicinity.

The Great Potoo

Then my bird encounters became even more interesting. While I was on a night hike, a coworker and I were headed for the 114-foot Observation Tower for stargazing, and I began deliberately inquiring about a list of wildlife that was interesting to see. Among that list was the Great Potoo; I had no idea what it was then. My curiosity heightened and my visits to the Observation Tower became more frequent. One night we became lucky! As we were climbing the many steps at about 8:30 p.m. we heard a very loud and heavy call coming from a tree in the vicinity of the tower. Climbing those steps and being over one hundred feet above the ground and into the canopy at night is a good cardio workout. As I sat on the wooden plank, exhausted from the climb, another loud call came from closer proximity, and shortly, the Great Potoo came swooping and landed right on one of the tower rails. It perched only a few feet away from us for about three minutes, so we got as many shots as possible but due to lack of proper lighting our photos were not satisfactory. The bird was as curious as we were; it sat very still, and we moved very stealthily beside it. It was such a magnificent bird, with very light gray feathers, a thick mustache, and scorching, red eyes; it was the size of a grown chicken. Relatives of this rare bird are commonly heard at night; the screeching and hooting sounds of owls ranging from crying babies to calls for help and the infamous scream of a barn owl commonly known as the bird of death.

Lesson’s Motmot

When the Lesson’s motmot is feeling cheeky, and “peckish” the office compound becomes a feeding site; only the fluttering sounds of wings can be heard as it feeds heavily on the nutritious seeds of the Lobster Claw Heliconia. Other feeding companions are the hummingbirds like the Long-billed hermit and the Purple crowned fairy. Now and again the motmot would sit on the office extension as if dropping by to say Hi and keep company.

Montezuma’s Oropendola

Montezuma’s oropendola is also a common visitor and during the mating season, one colony makes numerous nests in the Cacao Agroforestry Farm at BFREE. Their breeding spot is that of a mighty Ceiba Tree right in the middle of a cacao block. Their nests are neatly woven, waterproof, and
cozy, a proven fact of their brilliant ingenuity. These birds are easily identified by their unique and strange calls and especially during mating these calls are also accompanied by a performance.

Lesson’s motmot observing Roxanna Chen in the BFREE office

Slaty-tailed Trogon

While I was fetching some drinking water, the stammering call of the Slaty-tailed trogon caught my attention. It was perching on a tree branch, stealthily moving its head from left to right as if it were taking surveillance of the area. Recalling my first sighting led to a flashback of a morning when it was sitting on one of the branches of an old Calabash tree back at home.

Scarlet Macaws

Recently, a flock of six Scarlet macaws stopped to feed by the garden. It was exactly the picture-perfect moment I was waiting for. I waited patiently for over a year to capture such a special moment; the beautiful colors of their plumage made them attractive. We hear them flying over but they were always in the thick of the forest and they preferred to settle only on emergent trees and, luckily, a prickly yellow tree was nearby and flowering.

Want to do your own birding?

Birds are fascinating creatures to observe and for that reason, I would like to encourage you to spend a little time this month looking at the birds in your yard, around your school, and in other areas you visit. Observe things that make one bird different from another bird – What color is it? Is it big or small? Does it soar high above the trees or hop around on the ground? Does it eat berries, seeds, or insects? What does its nest look like?

Global Birding Bird Day is Saturday, 11 May. This is a great opportunity for you to enjoy observing the birds around you. Over 600 species of birds can be found in Belize as resident or migratory species, so there are many opportunities to see birds every day. Staff of BFREE will be bird-watching and recording our findings on ebird.org on Global Big Day. We encourage you to spend time watching and documenting birds, too!

Student Advocate Workshops for Earth Day

April 28, 2024/0 Comments/in Blog, Central American River Turtle, Conservation, dermatemys mawii, Education, Fellows, Student, Turtle Conservation /by Jaren Serano and Samih Young

As part of Earth Day festivities, Heather Barrett, Deputy Director, and Jaren Serano, Dermatemys Program Coordinator with the support of Wildlife Education Fellow, Samih Young, delivered workshops at Sacred Heart Junior College and University of Belize. Over 60 students in Natural Resource Management and Biology as well as four educators participated in the workshops held on April 24th and 25th. The aim was to engage future conservationists and advocates by teaching current engagement methods, sharing existing resources and brainstorming additional opportunities. The workshop was centered around the critically endangered Hicatee turtle but also focused on the bigger picture of the conservation and protection of the watershed and its connected landscape.

SHJC student expressing her opinions about possible ways to play a role in positive change

The first part of the workshop provided background information and included a demonstration on conducting effective educational outreach presentations utilizing the Hicatee Awareness Month power point created as one of last year’s awareness materials. The second half of the session involved engaging students in independent thought and discussion during three breakout sessions.

Student’s answer to personal action she could take as an advocate

Questions in the breakout sessions aimed to identify strategies and resources for engaging various stakeholders in advocating for Hicatee conservation (as well as the conservation of Belize’s natural resources overall), fostering countrywide awareness and equipping advocates. This collaborative effort allowed for the sharing of ideas and perspectives. Both sessions proved to be highly interactive, with all participants contributing brilliant ideas and thoughtful activities. The workshop concluded with the BFREE staff presenting a poster highlighting the first ten years of work at the Hicatee Conservation and Research Center to school leaderships as a token of appreciation for their partnership.

BFREE presenting UB Environmental Club’s Advisor, Dr. Pio Saqui, a token of appreciation for the collaboration

Special thanks to the following individuals and organizations without whom this workshop would not have been possible:

Ingrid Rodriguez, NRM Professor at Sacred Heart Junior College, Dr. Pio Saqui, Samih Young and the UB Environmental Club for their coordination of these events; Disney Conservation Fund and Turtle Survival Alliance for their financial support that made these workshops a reality.

Introducing Samih Young – BFREE Wildlife Education Fellow

April 16, 2024/0 Comments/in Blog, Central American River Turtle, Education, Fellows, field station, Student, Turtle Conservation /by Heather Barrett

By Samih Young and Heather Barrett

This month, Samih Young joined the team and is taking on a brand new role within the BFREE Science and Education Fellowship Program. She joins as the Wildlife Education Fellow and will be collaborating on outreach programming and communications while also supporting work taking place at the Hicatee Conservation and Research Center. She’ll be an important contributor to Hicatee Awareness Month as well as other educational programming taking place this year. Samih is currently completing the last semester in her associate’s degree at University of Belize and is an active member of the university’s Environmental Club.

Samih is jumping right in to work with BFREE. Currently, she is helping to organize an Earth Day event at University of Belize with Jaren Serano, Dermatemys Program Coordinator and Heather Barrett, Deputy Director. On April 25, the team will lead a workshop for students in the Environmental Club called, “Empowering Student Advocates: Turning Ideas into Conservation Action.”

Jacob Marlin teaches Samih and other guests about snakes in Belize

In her own words

Hi there! My name is Samih Young and I’m originally from Belize City, I spent my formative years soaking up the wonders of nature on the cayes, which ignited my passion for the environment. As a little girl, I dreamt of becoming a marine biologist, but my journey took a slight detour when I pursued my associate’s degree in Natural Resource Management. However, this decision opened my eyes to the beauty of terrestrial conservation, and I knew I had found my calling.

As someone deeply rooted in Belizean landscapes, I carry a profound appreciation for our country’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage. My upbringing in the coastal regions instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility towards protecting our environment for future generations. This connection to Belize’s ecosystems fuels my dedication to conservation efforts, and I am eager to channel this passion into meaningful action at BFREE.

Nature has always been my sanctuary, evoking a sense of belonging unlike anything else – well, except for music, which holds a special place in my heart. My recent experience assisting the team at BFREE with the annual Hicatee Health Assessment was truly inspiring. Surrounded by individuals from diverse backgrounds, we shared a common mission: ensuring the well-being of the remarkable hicatee. Witnessing such dedication reaffirmed my commitment to conservation. It was not only the hicatee turtles that made me fall in love with the place but the level of biodiversity the reserve has. My first morning at the reserve I was awakened by the calls of howler monkeys, a symphony of nature that stirred my soul. Sitting on the edge of my bed, I savored every moment, eagerly anticipating the dawn of the next day amidst such natural splendor.

Growing up in the city, I often felt like an outlier in my passion for the environment. But witnessing the global effort to safeguard the hicatee at BFREE filled me with hope and determination. I know BFREE is the right place for me because being there made me fall in love with a species that I was only seeing for the first time. I’m enthusiastic about potentially making a long lasting positive change and I am thrilled at the prospect of learning from and collaborating with this dynamic team at BFREE.

The February 2024 Hicatee Health Assessment brought together partners from Wildlife Conservation Society, Turtle Survival Alliance, Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic and Savannah Field Station to assess the health of the captive turtles at the HCRC.

Special Thanks

The BFREE Science and Education Fellowship Program exists thanks to the support of partners and individuals who believe in the importance of providing work-training opportunities to young professionals aspiring to have a career in conservation. Thanks in particular to Zoo New England for providing funding for this new and critical position.

Pictures provided by Jaren Serano, Abraham Alvarez, and Heather Barrett.

Roses and Thorns: A Reflection on Life at BFREE by Cacao Fellow Graduate

October 24, 2023/0 Comments/in agroforestry, Blog, Cacao, Chocolate, Conservation, Education, Fellows, Research /by Lenardo Ash

There are experiences in life that can be considered life-changing, but nothing compares to spending about 70% of two years in the rainforest. I can confidently say that the two-year fellowship program at BFREE has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life.

It all began when I came across a Facebook ad about an opening at BFREE for a Fellowship position. Applying was a no-brainer for me, as I was tired of being confined to a small cubicle in my previous job. A few days after applying, I received an email from Heather inviting me for an interview. I vividly remember my first trip on the entrance road – I was supposed to get a ride in and ended up helping push a pickup truck along with some of BFREE’s staff. I won’t pretend that I enjoy traveling the entrance road, but as with most things in life, there are silver linings. For instance, I began to consider the 14 km trek as a great workout—truly a win-win situation!

To call myself a “naturalist” would be an understatement; many times, I find myself at peace when I’m lost in nature. If I’m not alone, I’m probably with Nelly, Heather, or Mario, engaged in a friendly competition of bird recognition—mind you, I had never been involved in birding before. The abundance of bird species at BFREE intrigued me, leading me to learn as much as I could from these amazing creatures. Another wonderful aspect of working at BFREE has been the chance to share cultural experiences with guests from other countries. Meeting and connecting with people who are passionate about conserving the environment is an incredible feeling.

I am pictured here at my BFREE Fellow graduation day with my mentor, Mr. Erick Ac

The most significant highlight of my time at BFREE was being mentored by Mr. Erick Ac, a prominent agronomist from Guatemala. Under his guidance, I learned everything from seed germination to pruning grafted Criollo cacao trees in the field. BFREE’s relatively new initiative of propagating wild cacao in degraded landscapes is fascinating, as it aims to tackle two main problems. The first is preserving cacao genetics, and the second is restoring degraded landscapes through agroforestry.

I was initially skeptical about the project, but now, three years later, the Crioco staff has harvested a few hundred kilograms of wet cacao beans. This success shows that the project is achieving its objectives. I am even more enthusiastic because of this, and I strived to maintain accurate data to support the extension of this project. Such efforts align with BFREE’s vision of research and addressing scientific questions within the Bladen and Maya Mountain region.

The cacao program has opened up other remarkable opportunities for me. BFREE generously awarded me a partial scholarship to complete my undergraduate degree at the University of Belize. Moreover, I’ve been honored with a unique scholarship from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), where I am pursuing a master’s degree in Entomology and Plant Pathology. This special scholarship is a result of the collaboration between UTK and BFREE in the cacao program over the past few years.

Birding with Nelly and other BFREE staff was one of my favorite activities

My aim is to carry forward my research in cacao production and contribute insights into pest and disease management. The support that I have received exemplifies BFREE’s dedication to help provide opportunities for marginalized groups. I’m deeply thankful for the invaluable learning experiences I gained at BFREE and appreciative of the fellowship opportunity offered by Mr. Jacob Marlin and Ms. Heather Barrett. I’m also grateful to the friends and professors I’ve met along the way, especially Dr. Denita Hadziabdic Guerry and Dr. DeWayne Shoemaker, for their significant contributions to my academic development.

Jaren Serano returns to BFREE as Dermatemys Program Coordinator

August 30, 2023/0 Comments/in Blog, Central American River Turtle, Conservation, dermatemys mawii, Fellows, Hicatee Turtles, Non-profit, Research, Turtle Conservation /by Jaren Serano

By Jaren Serano

During my first stint at BFREE, I had the privilege of witnessing the positive impact that organizations like this have on land conservation, wildlife protection, and the conservation efforts among the local communities in Belize. When I joined as BFREE’s first Science and Education Fellow in 2017, I was immediately drawn to their ongoing Dermatemys mawii (Hicatee) captive breeding program. At the time, this was still a relatively new collaboration between BFREE and the Turtle Survival Alliance, and we were experiencing our second year of hatching success.

At the HCRC with students and faculty from Independence Junior College, Belize

My desire to contribute to the conservation efforts and help safeguard this species motivated me to be a part of this program. Through my active engagement and with guidance provided by Thomas Pop, the Hicatee Conservation and Research Center Manager, I acquired priceless firsthand experience working closely with the Hicatee turtles, both in controlled environments and their natural habitats. At the captive breeding facility, my daily responsibilities involved caring for and handling the turtles, which allowed me to develop skills in husbandry and effective management practices.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job was assisting in the care and rearing of hatchlings and juveniles. Being responsible for the well-being of over a hundred critically endangered Hicatee hatchlings instilled in me a profound sense of purpose and pride. Additionally, as a fellow, I had the privilege to gain insights from and work alongside various biologists, including Dr. Donald McKnight, Dr. Day Ligon and Denise Thompson. Together, we conducted population assessments for the Hicatee turtle within river systems in Belize. This not only enabled me to observe wild Hicatees for the first time but also provided a platform to engage with local anglers and raise awareness about the species’ conservation status.

Hicatee turtles collected during a night survey

After graduating from the fellowship program at BFREE, I traveled to the states to complete my bachelor’s degree in Sustainability at Jacksonville University (JU) under the advisement of Dr. John Enz. Being part of this program gave me a deeper understanding of the requirements needed to make a significant impact in today’s conservation field. Additionally, it offered me the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of like-minded individuals, some of whom have since become lifelong friends.

Halloween with my classmates and Dr. John Enz (superman)

Following my accomplishments at JU, I then applied to and was accepted at the University of Florida (UF) for my master’s degree program. Throughout this period, I collaborated closely with Dr. Ray Carthy, Dr. Nichole Bishop, and Dr. Todd Osborne. My main focus was directed towards researching aspects of the reproductive ecology of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). While at UF, I worked as a graduate research assistant at the Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, which allowed me to further develop as a student of nature and has provided me with a solid scientific foundation. This dynamic environment has sharpened my analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and aptitude for effectively communicating scientific information and wildlife management programs to my peers in the sciences as well as the general public.

My advisory board at my thesis defense: Dr. Nichole Bishop, me, Dr. Ray Carthy and Dr. Todd Osborne

Now, as the Dermatemys Program Coordinator, I am incredibly enthusiastic about my new role. I am confident that my educational background, ever-expanding knowledge of the Hicatee turtle, and experience in wildlife conservation management will allow me to make immediate contributions to the ongoing efforts to prevent further decline of this critically endangered species.

Amidst a world challenged by increasing anthropogenic pressures, Belize is blessed to still possess approximately 55 percent of forest cover and a vibrant array of wildlife. As a proud Belizean, I derive immense satisfaction from actively participating in conservation initiatives within our country, striving to maintain the integrity of our diverse ecosystems. Over time, I have developed a profound respect for the ecological and cultural importance of D. mawii in Belize. This has fueled my determination to assist in implementing effective management practices that can strengthen this unique relationship and collaborate towards the restoration of declining and extirpated populations of D. mawii throughout its entire range.

My goal is to help promote governmental recognition of the Hicatee, with the hope that existing regulations can better align with the long-term sustainability of the species. Additionally, I aim to actively engage the community and foster a nationwide appreciation for D. mawii as a crucial member of Belize’s riparian ecosystems, rather than solely viewing it as a food resource. I firmly believe that by working together and actively collaborating, we can save the Hicatee from the brink of extinction.

With Thanks

Special Thanks to the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) for their continuous support of the BFREE Science and Education Fellowship Program. Also, thanks to TSA and the Disney Conservation Fund for their financial support to launch the position of Dermatemys Program Coordinator.

BFREE staff at Jaguar Lanes Bowling Alley in Maya Beach. This was for our 2018 Staff Retreat.

The Fascinating Characteristics of Sundew

July 20, 2023/0 Comments/in Blog, Bontany, Conservation, Education, Fellows, Research /by Mark Canti

By Mark Canti

The astonishing characteristics of sundews are unbelievable to me. During two research trips with Dr. Rob Naczi of NY Botanical Garden, I learned a lot about plants, especially sedges. I was introduced to carnivorous plants and found them fascinating. I was shocked to learn that while walking around, we have been stepping on a lot of different species of exciting plants!

The Sundew was one of the common plants I saw in the field and it caught my attention because of the uniqueness of its survival skills. It is a variable perennial plant (meaning the plant can adapt to any environment and that the plant will grow, die out and grow again). I learned a lot of the basics of this plant in the field and, because of my interest, I continued my research after returning from my most recent research trip.

According to the International Carnivorous Plant Society, Sundews are generally about 4 cm in diameter. An individual leaf is about 5 mm long and 4 mm wide with erected scapes from the center of the plant about 8 cm long. The sepals have hairy glands that secrete sundew glue and the plant colouration ranges from pale green to deep red. It has approximately six pink or white small flowers that are constantly self-pollinating. Sundews have almost 200 different species making it one of the most diverse of all carnivorous plants.

Sundews capture their prey from glistening drops of dew at the tips of the hairy-like tentacles on their leaves. A healthy plant can have a hundred dew drops which makes it look gorgeously dainty and beautiful, but it is a sticky death trap for small insects. They have the ability to move or bend their tentacles in contact to respond to their edible prey. When an insect is trapped, it either succumbs to death through exhaustion or through suffocation as the fluid from the plant releases encloses, and blocks the opening of the insect exoskeletons. Death usually occurs within 15 minutes. (Photo credit left: internet image)

Meanwhile, the plant has trapped its prey, the plant secretes enzymes that will dissolve the insects which will free the nutrients that are trapped within its body. Eventually, the nutrient mixture is then absorbed through the leaf surfaces to be used by the rest of the plant.

Antique botany illustration: *Drosera rotundifolia*, round-leaved sundew

This is a plant that is common throughout the country of Belize and can be found in wet pine savannas. Discovering Sundews made me realize that many of us in Belize have no idea how extraordinary nature can be. This experience made me curious to learn about the multiple thousands of plant species that exist in this country.

As the Cacao Fellow for BFREE’s agroforestry program, I have gained a deep appreciation and understanding of nature. As someone who loves Belize, I’m dedicated to protecting our beautiful environment by understanding and appreciating the natural world around us. This research has taught me about the significance of each organism’s existence and its essential role in maintaining the environment.

Brittnacher, J. (2017, July). Drosera spatulata Species Complex. International Carnivorous Plant Society. https://www.carnivorousplants.org/cp/taxonomy/Droseraspatulata

Collaborative Cacao Research Project

July 19, 2023/0 Comments/in agroforestry, Blog, Cacao, Chocolate, Education, Fellows, Research, Student /by Roxanna Chen

By Roxanna Chen

BFREE in collaboration with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) facilitated a cacao research project at the BFREE’s Field Station in May 2023. The primary objective of the collaboration was to co-design and enhance post-harvest practices and methods for Criollo Cacao which is intercropped and shade-grown in several experimental plots within the property. Criollo is a Spanish term that means “of local origin” or native. Criollo beans are usually white to pale pink in color, and it is a pure cacao variety.

The four-day project was made feasible by several participants including the Crioco staff, myself as BFREE’s Advanced Cacao Fellow, and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville student researchers and professors. The project involved a variety of activities that ranged from harvesting ripe criollo pods to pod-cracking and bean extraction, to fermenting and data collection. The collaboration commenced with the Crioco staff playing an instrumental role in the cacao field specifically in teaching the students how to appropriately harvest pods. This activity is considered a crucial first step for good quality and fermentation because the pod must be mature, healthy, and not damaged. Good quality also means good chocolate!

Thereafter, I taught the students our recommended methods for pod cracking and bean extraction, as well as fermentation set-up and preparation. The students were very hands-on and did not hesitate to share useful ideas and information regarding data collection during fermentation and the application and usage of instruments. The exchange between both partners was mutually beneficial for everyone involved.

The student researchers received many first-hand experiences; these include the ability to differentiate the four criollo phenotypes grown at BFREE, harvesting and extraction of cacao beans from pods and most importantly getting practical during fermentation. Additionally, as the advanced cacao fellow, I became more knowledgeable about fermentation chemistry and terminologies and was exposed to multiple lectures on basic food components relating to Food Science and its applications to cacao.

Special Thanks

Thank you to everyone from UTK who participated in making the project a success. Professors: Dr. DeWayne Shoemaker, Dr. Denita Hadziabdic-Guerry, and Dr. Kevin Moulton Student Researchers: Holly Brabazon, Celeste Chadwick, Amber Gunter, Laura Whaley, and Madison Fomich.

Cacao Fellow Assists in Country-wide Sedge Survey

April 19, 2023/1 Comment/in Blog, Conservation, Education, Fellows, Research /by BFREE Contact

by Mark Canti

Last month, I participated in a research expedition to understand biogeography and documentation of sedges in Belize and to fill in gaps that previous botanists have left unexplored and unidentified. My role throughout this research was to help navigate, locate, and identify existing, new, or unusual sedges, but most importantly to learn and acquire knowledge and experience. Dr. Robert Naczi of the New York Botanical Garden led the research project and I traveled as his assistant. Together, we visited multiple savannah ecosystems from the mid to the northern, western, and eastern parts of the country.

Sedges are perennial plants that are commonly found in shallow waters or moist soils. People confuse them with grasses because they resemble grasses and often grow along with grasses. Much of the vegetation in lagoons and savannas are sedges and they provide food and shelter for wildlife. Studies on pastures in Canada where sedges and grasses are both present have shown that cattle prefer to graze on sedges more than grasses. Analysis has shown that sedges are more nutritious than grasses.

Mark using a hand lens to study a small flower, intrigued by its complexity and beauty.

Rob has been traveling to Belize for the past 18 years. His first visit to Belize was in 2005 to prepare for a course that he anticipated teaching. He visited various parts of the country and realized that it would be a wonderful place to study sedges due to the countries’ rich biodiversity, especially for plants. Eventually, when he started teaching the Belize course, he brought his students to do research projects that focused on sedges in the savanna near BFREE.

Over the years, Rob has noticed increased deforestation in Belize. Previously wild areas are now becoming urbanized: we are seeing an increase in human occupancy and agriculture, also more dangerously, with the expansion of international drug trafficking. You’ll also note in the picture at the top of the article, Mark is shown in a savanna recently cleared for sand mining, an increasing threat to savanna vegetation.

On each trip he makes, he finds additional sedge species. Most have previously been discovered elsewhere and named but have not been recorded in places he explored and are therefore range extensions for the species. The newly identified locations allow him to better understand and gain knowledge about different types of savannas.

*Mark and Rob’s explorations included many wetlands such as this shallow pond.*

Usually, Rob travels to Belize during a part of the dry season – March, April, and May. Obviously, there are sedges that flower and fruit during the rainy season, which his schedule causes him to miss. In the future, he hopes to explore during the rainy season.

Interestingly, many sedges are fire-dependent plants, which means they require fire to flower and fruit. When there is no fire, the competing vegetation tends to grow high enough that it will shade the sedges. Therefore, sedges will go dormant for a few years but will eventually die if they receive shade for too long. Also, fire suppression for too long will cause the fuel load to build up, which can lead to a much more intense and catastrophic fire.

Roadside scene on Coastal Highway. Appropriately, this view was enroute to a savanna with jaguar tracks.

For me, this trip was a remarkable experience. I have learned to exercise and improve research and important observational skills. Last year, I also assisted Rob in his research. We focused on the southern coast of Monkey River Village, which is the northern part of the Toledo District. We had an easygoing trip whereby we easily accessed the targeted locations via boat.

This year it was a much longer and more intense, but exciting, experience. We drove miles and miles into savannas through rough roads but almost every location was successful. Everything was new to me. I learned so much and got to explore amazing parts of my country. I saw a vast amount of wildlife and added bird species to my birding list that I have never seen before. Lastly, I learned more about sedges and other plant species than I could have imagined. Overall, this experience has been a highlight of my Fellowship Program.

Thank you to Dr. Robert Naczi

The staff of BFREE would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Rob Naczi. We are grateful that he has faithfully returned to Belize and to BFREE over the past 18 years to continue his important research. Dr. Naczi has always been willing to teach motivated staff members to assist him in the field and has created opportunities for many of us to participate, even if only for an afternoon.

All photos by Dr. Rob Naczi and Mark Canti

Header Photo Caption: Mark in a savanna recently cleared for sand mining, an increasing threat to savanna vegetation.

BFREE Welcomes Roxanna Chen as First Advanced Cacao Fellow

April 18, 2023/0 Comments/in Blog, Cacao, Fellows, Non-profit /by BFREE Contact

We are pleased to introduce BFREE’s newest staff member, Advanced Cacao Fellow, Roxanna Chen. Roxanna will spend the next year and a half investigating and determining best post-harvest processing of the criollo cacao at BFREE as well as characterizing the different varieties. She will also get training from experts and become BFREEs chocolate lab technician. During this time, she will work with BFREE staff and our university partners to experiment with, and ultimately, determine best practices for processing Criollo cacao from bean to bar grown in the cacao agroforestry project.

Prior to entering the Fellowship Program this month, Roxanna was already interacting with student groups and university collaborators. She spent time with students from Bethel University during January (pictured above) and has interacted with most groups and researchers in her months working in the BFREE kitchen. During the visit to BFREE by Penn State faculty, she participated in a Sensory/Tasting class offered to BFREE staff by Helene Hopfer, Food Science Researcher. Soon after, Roxanna was offered a scholarship to participate in the Penn State Chocolate Short Course this coming June.

About Roxanna

Roxanna was born in San Pedro Columbia, a Qeq’chi Maya community in the Toledo District. In 2013, she received an Associate’s degree in Business Science and began working as a part-time cashier. While employed at Maya Mountain Cacao Ltd, she further pursued her studies and attained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. During her seven-year tenure at MMC, she moved up the ranks from a part-time cashier and became General Manager of the company in 2019. Roxanna has great passion for cacao and the conservation of the environment.

From a tender age, she developed a great interest in nature and enjoyed the beauty of flora and fauna. Her interests lies in Science, creative arts, and food processes. In 2022, she received an Advanced Cake Decorating Certificate and a Fine Art Bartender Certificate. She later joined the Belize Red Cross as a volunteer and became a part-time helper at a non-profit organization called Xucaneb. Her involvement at Xucaneb (Maya word meaning “sacred mountain”) allowed her to witness and participate in conservation efforts; to reforest the river banks of San Pedro Columbia with a primary focus of restoring the river ecosystem and its river bank. In early 2023, she came to BFREE Field Station as an assistant cook and now works as an Advanced Cacao Fellow.

About the BFREE Science and Education Fellowship Program

Established in 2017, the BFREE Science and Education Fellowship Program is a two-year immersive training opportunity for recent Belizean junior college and college graduates who exhibit leadership potential combined with a clear interest in the conservation of the country’s natural resources. The BFREE Fellows Program is designed to improve leadership and professional skills, as well as build lasting, sustainable partnerships between emerging Belizean leaders, BFREE and its many conservation partners.

BFREE Fellows are given a two-year work assignment in one of three focal areas: Wildlife Conservation, Cacao Agroforestry, or Protected Areas Management (this focal area is currently in development). Participants build a broad network with international students, professors and researchers who utilize the BFREE field station for their study abroad courses and their scientific research projects. Throughout the program, there are opportunities to be mentored by staff and visiting researchers as well as to receive specialized training.

By working in the field alongside seasoned professionals on a daily basis, BFREE Fellows have the opportunity to become budding experts in their area of focus. Fellows are based at the BFREE Field Station and Privately Protected Area which adjoins close to 1.5 million acres of lowland tropical rainforest. BFREE is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the Maya Mountains Massif through environmental education, outreach, training, and research.

The Bladen Review 2022

December 9, 2022/0 Comments/in agroforestry, Blog, Conservation, Fellows, Hicatee Turtles, Non-profit, Research /by Heather Barrett

The 8th edition of BFREE’s annual magazine is now available in an interactive format online at Issuu! Get the latest news from the field station and learn about exciting research, conservation and education projects taking place in and around the rainforests of Belize.

Highlights of the 2022 magazine include: updates on the conservation and outreach programs associated with cacao agroforestry, the Hicatee turtle, and Science & Education Fellowship Program.

Click here to download a PDF of The Bladen Review 2022.

Special thanks to Alyssa D’Adamo for designing this year’s magazine and to Shaman Marlin for photographing the cover image.