Belize Foundation for Research & Environmental Education
THE RAINFOREST IS OUR REASON
Our mission
Conserving the biodiversity & cultural heritage of Belize.
The BFREE Privately Protected Area and Biological Field Station is nestled at the foothills of the Maya Mountains, one of the most unspoiled tropical wilderness areas left on earth. Our location allows for unique research & environmental education opportunities, immersive in-person experiences, and conservation initiatives unparalleled in the region.
EDUCATION
Increase experiential learning with a visit to BFREE. From week-long trips to fellowship opportunities, explore a variety of educational offerings for high school and undergraduate programs.
RESEARCH
Enhance research on 1,153 acres of privately protected land. BFREE serves as a site for permitted researchers conducting undergraduate, graduate level, and Ph.D projects across a range of research topics.
CONSERVATION
Discover various initiatives that support the local rainforest ecosystems, the Maya Mountains and environment beyond. BFREE primarily focuses efforts on endangered species and sustainable agroforestry.
EDUCATION
Increase engagement through experiential learning with a visit to BFREE. From week-long trips to fellowship opportunities, explore a variety of educational offerings for high school and undergraduate programs.
RESEARCH
Enhance research on 1,153 acres of privately protected land. BFREE serves as a site for permitted researchers conducting undergraduate, graduate level, and Ph.D projects across a wide range of research topics.
CONSERVATION
Discover various initiatives that support the local rainforest ecosystems, the Maya Mountains and environment beyond. BFREE primarily focuses efforts on endangered species and sustainable agroforestry.
Solar Panel Upgrades!
Thanks to everyone who donated to our Solar campaign this summer! We have completed the successful installation of the new equipment, located between the Commons building and the garden. The great folks at Pro Solar Engineering helped us design an updated and upgraded system to meet our needs. They acquired all the components along with…
CrioCo Wild Chocolate Shop
Announcing – CrioCo Opens Wild Chocolate Shop in Placencia, Belize A Farm-to-Bonbon Celebration of Craft, Community, and Conservation CrioCo is proud to announce the December 2025 opening of its Wild Chocolate Shop on the Tipsy Strip along the main sidewalk in Placencia, Belize, inviting locals and visitors into a farm-to-bonbon chocolate experience grounded in craftsmanship,…
Army Ants and Birds
There are more than 150 species of army ants in the Neotropics and they forage in large swarms on the forest floor. The ants flush out cryptic arthropods and other small vertebrates that attempt to escape the swarm. During an army ant swarm, it is common to observe flocks of different bird species and other…
Snake Identification and Safety Workshop for Silk Grass Farms
By Heston Castillo On February 25, 2026, Jacob Marlin of BFREE facilitated a Snake Identification, Handling, Safety and Transport Workshop for senior staff at Silk Grass Farms. Due to my interest and growing experience with reptiles, I had the honor of participating in the workshop as the assistant facilitator. Heston Castillo is featured on the…
Explore past blog posts
Amazing
Animal Sighting
Amazing
Animal
Sighting

On a recent night hike, a Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine (Coendou mexicanus) was spotted high up in a tree! These nocturnal rodents are herbivores and can be seen in the rainforest canopy enjoying leaves.
Want to see more wildlife at BFREE?
Experience BFREE through our trail cameras,
known as the Canti Cam!
Want to see more wildlife at BFREE?
Watch the trail cameras at the Belize Foundation for Research & Environmental Education, known as the Canti Cam!
Stay in Touch
Mailing Address
BFREE Field Station
PO Box 129
Punta Gorda
Belize, Central America
Phone
011.501.621.6685
Email
contact@bfreebz.org
Mailing Address
BFREE Field Station
PO Box 129
Punta Gorda
Belize, Central America
Phone
011.501.621.6685
Email
contact@bfreebz.org
US for BFREE is a Florida non-profit,
tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.


