Join Heather Barrett, Deputy Director of the Belize Foundation for Research & Environmental Education (BFREE), for a Science Talk titled “Birds, Chocolate, Forests: How Discoveries in the Rainforests of Southern Belize Sparked a Conservation Bridge to Virginia.” This presentation will explore the vital bird migration corridor linking Waynesboro, Virginia, to Belize, highlighting two significant discoveries: the rediscovery of the Harpy eagle, a bird once believed to be extinct in Belize for over 60 years, and the identification of a rare heirloom variety of Criollo cacao.
Barrett will discuss how these discoveries prompted long-term research and conservation initiatives at BFREE’s Biological Field Station and Privately Protected Area, located near the pristine Bladen Nature Reserve in southern Belize. The investigation of the Harpy eagle has provided essential data on Neotropical migratory bird movements, while the Criollo cacao agroforests have aimed to create sustainable habitats for birds amidst habitat loss. Together, these stories illustrate the importance of global partnerships, local sustainability, and conservation efforts to protect forest ecosystems and the diverse species they support.
With over 15 years of experience at BFREE, Heather Barrett is passionate about fostering future conservation leaders through education and outreach, splitting her time between Belize and western North Carolina.
