Experiential Learning in Belize: Ruins, Marine, and Terrestrial Science

Upon arrival at the international airport, transfer along the Western Highway to the Tropical Education Center, adjacent to the Belize Zoo. The Zoo and Tropical Education Center are situated on 29 acres of tropical savanna and exhibit over 125 animals, all native to Belize. All of the animals living at the zoo were rehabilitated or rescued as orphans from poaching situations, the illegal pet trade, injury, or exposure due to habitat loss. Founded in 1983, the Belize Zoo has been internationally recognized for its outstanding conservation efforts and excellent simulated natural environments. After settling in at the dorms, there will be some time to explore the grounds before dinner. Please note all accommodations use shared bathroom facilities; there are no en suite bathrooms. Later, meet in the education center for a review of the course. This evening, take an exciting walk at the zoo to observe nocturnal wildlife like snakes, a Harpy Eagle, ocelots, pumas, and jaguars.

Today there will be a talk on the tropical savanna ecosystem, followed by hiking along trails for a firsthand experience of what you have learned. As you hike through the dense vegetation, observe the interactions between the ecology of the savanna and its wildlife inhabitants such as Yellow-headed Parrots, armadillos, and gray foxes. Other wildlife observations may include iguanas, peccaries, coatis, and a variety of tropical birds. Later work on a service project at the Belize Zoo.

Early this morning travel to Orange Walk where you will board a boat and travel 26 miles up the New River to Lamanai Ruins. Lamanai is known for its impressive architecture and beautiful rainforest setting. The ruins are one of the most interesting and picturesque in Belize. Set on the edge of the New River Lagoon, it is one of the largest Maya sites in Belize and features three large pyramids, a couple of residential areas, restored stelae, and open plazas, as well as a small and unique ball court that featured a large round stone set flush in its center. Spend time exploring the ruins and then later in the afternoon return to Orange Walk by boat and then to the Belize Zoo.

Back in 1997, The Foundation for Wildlife Conservation Inc. (FWC) and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee (ZSM) started Birds Without Borders - Aves Sin Fronteras - as a research, conservation, and education project with private landowners in both Belize and Wisconsin. The objective of this project was to protect birds by conserving the habitat they need to survive. This project resulted with the establishment of the Runaway Creek Nature Reserve. Early this morning, observe a bird banding demonstration on the grounds of the TEC. Learn how to set up mist nets, safely extract birds from nets, fit birds with Aluminum bands, measure, and record data. After breakfast, hike to the "Painted Cave" and "Guardians of the Cave" in the Runaway Creek Nature Reserve. Trek through different forest types including pine savannah, transitional forest, seasonal wetland, and broadleaf forest. Archaeological evidence suggests that these caves were used by both the Maya and Runaway Slaves, and today, continues to be used by different wildlife. You might be lucky to see the rare spider monkey foraging or resting in the trees outside the openings of the caves. Trail cameras are set up to capture wildlife passing through one of the caves; you will have an opportunity to view the photos taken by the camera, which often include recent shots of jaguars and pumas! Return to the TEC for a late lunch and an evening of relaxing around the pool.

After breakfast, leave the lowland savanna ecosystem to hike the foothills of the Maya Mountains and experience the rainforest. Visit the popular St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park, which is within the Sibun Watershed, and explore its forests and unique geological features. Also journey by inner tube into a sunken underground cave, approximately 300 feet wide and 100 feet deep. This evening, enjoy a discussion on how inland activities within the Sibun Watershed affect coastal environments in Belize and around the world.

This morning, have an early breakfast and transfer to the town of Dangriga for a boat charter to South Water Caye,
located directly on the Belize Barrier Reef and surrounded by diverse mangrove islands, tidal seagrass flats, and pristine coral reefs teeming with marine life. In 1996, South Water Caye was added to a list of protected sites of "universal value to humanity," by the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Upon arrival, settle into bunkhouse accommodations, then meet for lunch and orientation. This afternoon, the fun begins with an overview of tropical marine environments. Before heading out to the water, the local guides will teach you the fundamentals of snorkeling and tropical water safety. Then, go snorkeling on a nearby patch reef and start exploring some of the marine sites. Return to the lodge for dinner. Activities will be adjusted based on land and sea conditions daily.

After breakfast, attend a lecture on reef types and hard and soft corals. Then gather your gear, board the boat, and motor out to a nearby patch reef to snorkel and identify coral species. After lunch and a little down time, head south to a nearby island group and drift snorkel a fringing reef system while the boat paces along as safety. In the late afternoon, the group will meet at the lodge before dinner to discuss the day and identify species encountered. Following dinner, dependent on weather conditions, there will be an optional night snorkel or croc watch to observe nocturnal marine species.

After breakfast, listen to a lecture on mangroves. The group will be split in two; half the group explores the mangroves by boat to observe the habitat above water while the other half snorkels to observe the habitat under water. Meet back at the lodge for lunch and some free time. This evening, local residents will demonstrate how they clean the fish from their daily catch and prepare it for dinner, which you will be able to enjoy tonight. Take part in a group discussion on today's activities. After dinner, you will spend the rest of the night learning about Garifuna culture through storytelling and music.

On this final day on the reef, consider getting up early to watch a beautiful Belizean sunrise. After a hearty breakfast, the boat arrives for your transfer back to the mainland, and then continue by bus to the airport for flights back to the U.S.