The 9th edition of BFREE’s annual magazineis 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 2024 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 2024.
Special thanks to Jill Jacobs for designing this year’s magazine and to Parker Gibbons for photographing the cover image of a Speckled Racer (Drymobius margaritiferus) during his visit to the field station this summer.
In recognition of a successful field season, fifteen BFREE and Crioco staff members participated in an exciting two-day trip. We chartered a bus, so that we could slowly wind our way along two of Belize’s beautiful highways – the Hummingbird and the Coastal.
We took our time as we searched for waterfalls, animals, caves, farms, delicious food including, of course, chocolate!
Day One
Our first stop was at Billy Barquedier National Park where we hiked to the waterfall and had lunch.
Day One of our itinerary included a visit to Che’il Mayan Chocolate in the village of Maya Center followed by a hike to the waterfall at Billy Barquedier National Park. We then traveled on to St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park for a swim and cave exploration. That evening we stayed at the Tropical Education Center where we had a delicious dinner before taking a night tour of the Belize Zoo.
We visited Che’il Mayan Chocolate where we received a personalized tour from chocolate-maker and entrepreneur, Julio Saqui.St. Herman’s Cave was a highlight for everyone. Most of us had never been inside a cave before!The night tour of nocturnal wildlife at the Belize Zoo was a hit. We fed tapirs and got up close to Belize’s five species of wild cats!
Day Two
Day 2 had some last minute changes due to weather, so we drove south along the Coastal Highway where we stopped at Manatee Lodge at the tip of Gales Point. We then visited Corridgeree Farms for a tour of their vanilla farm followed by a chocolate tasting. We ended our adventure in Hopkins, where we enjoyed the beach and had a delicious lunch at Ella’s Restaurant.
We made an unscheduled stop at Corridgeree Belize where we took a tour of the vanilla farm and participated in a chocolate tasting.Time together on the bus was a treat. We all enjoyed the air-conditioning, the snack stops, the play list, and each other’s company!
In Summary
“I had an amazing and fun time; I loved everything about the trip. I enjoyed the sight seeing, the chocolate experience and meeting passionate Belizeans working in the field of conservation.” Roxanna Chen, Advanced Cacao Fellow.
“This trip provided me with the opportunity to tour my own country and see places I’ve always passed by on the bus but never visited.” Barney Hall, Wildlife Fellow.
“I really enjoyed the adventure; it felt so good exploring the gems that our beautiful Belize has to offer. We created unforgettable memories.” Rocento Pau, BFREE Administrative Assistant.
“To me, this trip was better than our previous staff trips because we moved around and saw different parts of our own country. I am glad we explored and did a lot of walking in places I don’t normally go.” Ofelia Cus, Housekeeper.
Imagine sitting comfortably in a hammock overlooking the BFREE garden while enjoying a freshly brewed cup of heirloom hot chocolate. The cacao was grown onsite in the cacao agroforestry farms. You are on the second story screened-in porch of a new building at BFREE – the Commons.
Situated in the exact location as the old kitchen and dining room, the Commons is one of the many changes coming to BFREE. All have been inspired by the need for better services and spaces for the many types of visitors that come whether scientist, student, intern, professor, or adventure tourists, as well as the many staff who call the field station “home” most of the year.
Below find some pictures of the old kitchen as it was deconstructed in June 2023. The building has hosted countless staff and visitors since it was first built in 1997.
Saying Goodbye to the Old Kitchen and Dining Room
A team of workers carefully removed all of the bay leaves from the roof of the old kitchen before dismantling the remainder of the structure. They salvaged as much as possible for use on other projects. They were able to take the kitchen completely down to the concrete slab.
Construction on the Commons began in June of 2023, and the hope is that it will be completed by July 2024. The building will include: a large dining area with capacity for over 40 people, a staff dining room, a large kitchen, the main office, an internet room for visitors, a walk-in pantry, two screened porches, a lounge area, a gift shop, and a chocolate café. The two-story building will be nearly 7000 square feet including a third story small observation deck. The birding and wildlife viewing from the deck should be spectacular! So will the food – thanks to the new and improved kitchen equipment along and food storage facilities as well as improvements to our garden and orchards for even fresher ingredients from farm to table.
Many of the materials for the Commons have been harvested from the property, which will give this multipurpose building authenticity and a BFREE jungle feel that visitors have come to expect, while providing improved comforts and conveniences.
Why are we making these changes now?
Living and working in the rainforest at BFREE is both physically demanding and mentally challenging. We recognize the need to improve the experience that the many types of users have while visiting the field station, as well as for the many hard-working dedicated staff that call BFREE their home away from home.
Additional funds for the Commons are still needed – primarily for the expansion of our existing solar system to power this building and other facilities at the field station.
BFREE contracted Guerra Construction Company for the first phase of the new building including the cement foundation, post, beams and some walls of the first floor.
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG-5564-scaled.jpg19202560Jacob Marlinhttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngJacob Marlin2023-10-30 18:27:342023-10-31 01:02:51On the horizon – a new multi-purpose building at BFREE
The start of this October marked the beginning of the 7th annual Hicatee Awareness Month campaign. Kicking off this initiative, Barney Hall and I embarked on a journey to the western part of Belize, focusing our efforts on regions notorious for the harvesting of Hicatee turtles for consumption. Our initial step involved seeking permission from these schools to conduct our classroom visits.
Our primary goal was to raise awareness through educational outreach, and we did so with the help of an interactive PowerPoint presentation. Throughout our visit, we emphasized key facets of Hicatee conservation. This included promoting the recognition of the Hicatee turtle and its status, highlighting the laws designed to safeguard this species, and showcasing the ongoing conservation efforts taking place in Belize. Most importantly, we aimed to leave a lasting impact on the students, with the hope of sparking a sense of motivation within them to become the next generation of dedicated conservationists.
Our educational journey spanned across several locations, encompassing schools in Belmopan City, Roaring Creek Village, Teakettle Village, Spanish Lookout Community, Valley of Peace Village, Blackman Eddy Village, Ontario Village, Georgeville Village, Santa Elena Town, and El Progresso Village. In the span of just five days, we had the privilege of visiting 14 schools and reaching a total of 581 students.
The response to our presentation was nothing short of heartwarming. Both students and teachers expressed their eagerness to learn more about this remarkable turtle and called for stronger enforcement of the laws established to protect and ensure the long-term survival of this critically endangered species. Here are some of the encouraging comments we received:
“The entire presentation was engaging and informative. I liked the interaction throughout the session.” – Valley of Peace Community School
“Enforce the laws that are set in place to protect the Hicatee turtles.” – St. Martin de Porres R.C School
“Excellent job! Come more often.” – Our Lady of Guadeloupe High School
“Very good job! Keep up the good work.” – Eden S.D.A High School
As we journey onward in our outreach campaign, we are firmly committed to fostering a nationwide recognition of this unique turtle that is literally being eaten to extinction. To contribute meaningfully to the preservation of the Hicatee turtles, we recognize the importance of engaging community members of all ages, backgrounds, and professions in our conservation and research initiatives. This collaborative approach holds the key to advancing the conservation efforts for the Hicatee and securing its future in Belize and throughout its geographic range.
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Barney-and-Tom-scaled.jpg23812560Heather Barretthttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngHeather Barrett2023-09-07 17:00:072023-09-11 19:03:24Meet the BFREE Staff of the HCRC and Hicatee Awareness Month
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 Dermatemysmawii (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, BelizeShowing a hatchling Hicatee to students from UNC Wilmington, USAOne of my roles as BFREE Science and Education Fellow was teaching visitors about the Hicatee turtle and the challenges that the species faces
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 surveyOn a night survey for turtles with Tom Pop and Donald McKnight I participated in field work with Missouri State University’s Turtle Ecology Lab during his Fellowship Program
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)During my early days at Jacksonville UniversityI earned my bachelor’s degree at Jacksonville University in Florida
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 OsborneWith a Loggerhead Sea TurtleJaren’s studies at the University of Florida focused on the reproductive ecology of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle
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.
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Jaren-1-scaled.jpg20482560Jaren Seranohttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngJaren Serano2023-08-30 15:36:062023-08-31 14:39:16Jaren Serano returns to BFREE as Dermatemys Program Coordinator
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.
Roxanna demonstrates cut tests Roxanna during Bethel University visitRoxanna samples various flavors during a sensory/tasting workshop
About the BFREE Science and Education Fellowship Program
Established in 2017, the BFREE Science and Education Fellowship Programis 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.
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Roxanna-Chen-with-Bethel.jpg16592424BFREE Contacthttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngBFREE Contact2023-04-18 17:00:252023-04-19 22:16:38BFREE Welcomes Roxanna Chen as First Advanced Cacao Fellow
Through his research to document the diversity and conservation status of Belizean sedges, Dr. Robert Naczi of New York Botanical Garden recently discovered a species of beaksedge previously unknown to science. In Belize, the Sedge Family (Cyperaceae) is one of the five largest (most species-rich) plant families. Beaksedges (genus Rhynchospora) are a diverse and ecologically important group of flowering plants, especially in the tropics. Beaksedges constitute the largest genus of plants in Belize, with 53 species.
When a scientist formally publishes a new species in order to make it known to the world, the new scientific name is one of the most exciting parts of the publication. This name becomes the means of communicating about the species throughout the world. Because this name will be permanent and must be unique, its formation is very important and provides an opportunity to be creative.
Habitat of the new species. Fruit of the new species; in most sedges, fruits are the most important feature for species-level identification.Upper portion of a fruiting plant.
The fact the new species of beaksedge is unnamed presents an opportunity. Dr. Naczi has generously offered to donate the naming rights to BFREE to support our spring fundraising. Therefore, from Earth Day until Arbor Day (donations made in response to this eNews will also be included), any donation of $100.00 or more will be entered into a raffle to win the opportunity to name the beaksedge. The minimum value of this naming opportunity has been set by Dr. Naczi at $15,000.00 with all proceeds going towards BFREE’s conservation programs. For every $100.00 you donate, your name is entered into the raffle one time. The more you donate, the more chances you have to win! To donate today, click here.
Note: The fundraiser must reach its minimum goal of $15,000 for the raffle to occur.
The new species is remarkable in several ways. It is known only from Belize, and increases the number of known plant species restricted to Belize to 42, highlighting the importance of Belize as a biodiversity hotspot. Also, this new species belongs to a group of species most diverse in the eastern U.S.A. In fact, this new species is the only member of this group that is restricted to the tropics. Its occurrence in Belize is completely unexpected, but Belize is full of surprises!
Botanical drawing of the newly identified Beaksedge – Copyright Bobbi Angell
https://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/n_sp_top_of_plant.jpeg21001400BFREE Contacthttps://www.bfreebz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Logo-1080.pngBFREE Contact2023-04-13 22:07:402023-04-19 14:12:04Naming Opportunity for a New Species of Beaksedge
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.
