Posts by bfreebz
Volunteering at BFREE
By Kiyana Reynolds Volunteering with the North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group (NAFTRG) at BFREE was a truly life-changing experience that deepened my love for nature and strengthened my commitment to conservation. From the moment I arrived, the BFREE team was incredibly welcoming, creating an atmosphere of support, curiosity, and shared purpose. The journey to…
Read MoreSummer Survey of Reptiles & Amphibians
By Parker Gibbons At the end of June and into July, the first herp bioblitz done on the BFREE property took place. I had the privilege to coordinate this trip and brought along 8 people with the sole purpose of finding, photographing, and documenting as many reptile and amphibian species as possible. Over the course…
Read MoreScaling-Up Local Stewardship: A Summer of Listening, Learning, and Advancing Freshwater Conservation in Belize
By Jaren Serano, Dermatemys (Hicatee) Social Scientist During my work as Dermatemys (Hicatee) Program Coordinator, I focused on ensuring the Conservation and Management Plan for the Hicatee turtle was finalized and approved by stakeholders including the Belize Government. Through this process, I became particularly interested in the human dimensions of the conservation program for the…
Read MoreA Tasty Collaboration
During May, Caputo’s did a limited release of 250 Wild Criollo bars as part of their Guardians of Wild Cacao chocolate bar series. The Collaboration from BFREE’s Perspective – by Jacob Marlin The first time BFREE made chocolate bars with our 100% wild Criollo cacao beans in any quantity was through a collaboration with the…
Read MoreWildlife Ambassador Training
BFREE Staff gather in the BFREE Commons as they prepare for their training program. By Rocento Pau, BFREE Office Administrator On May 9 and 10, the staff of BFREE participated in Belize Wildlife Ambassador Training. This program was offered by Dr. Isabelle Paquet Durand and her team from the Wildlife and Referral Clinic (BWRC) based…
Read MoreMy BFREE Experience
by Ashira Rancharan My time at BFREE was nothing short of magical. I’ve always loved nature, but being there felt different; I wasn’t just an observer and instead was a part of all that was happening. I’m someone who has always been a little hesitant about volunteering and afraid that I might not do things…
Read MoreHappy 30th Anniversary to BFREE!
Yesterday, I was filmed for a series of short videos we will be sharing in celebration of the thirty-year anniversary of BFREE. In the middle of the interview, the videographer said, “I think we need to find a quieter place, it’s too noisy here.” I agreed. The sounds of Scarlet macaws, Howler monkeys, and the…
Read MoreCreative Courses in the Jungle
The BFREE field station serves as an oasis optimal for artistic pursuit, retreat, and growth. By Molly McFadden January 2023 I spent two weeks at BFREE as an undergraduate student while completing a course called Travel Writing through Bethel University. When I registered for the course I knew almost nothing about the country of Belize…
Read MoreAndrew Choco Joins BFREE Full-time as Wildlife Fellow
Hey there! My name is Andrew Choco, and I am from Trio, a community adjacent to BFREE. I was raised in Bella Vista Village, where my connection with nature was somewhat limited. However, after watching documentaries on Animal Planet, my interest in the natural world was sparked. These programs ignited a deep passion for wildlife…
Read MoreA professional crash course for cacao and chocolate lovers!
Recently, I participated in an exciting online training opportunity. The “Chocolate Making from the Bean Program” is a professional two-month course that began on September 27 and concluded on November 29, 2024. Participants who took the course, including me, came from various backgrounds and professions but all had a passion for chocolate! With seven years…
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