Expedition Belize: Bladen Nature Reserve

On May 7, a team from Selby Gardens (Bruce Holst, expedition leader, Angel Lara, live plants, Dan Perales, photography and videography, and Kelvin Cooper, expedition assistant) arrived at Caves Branch Botanical Garden in Belize for their fourth trip to survey epiphytes.

In partnership with teams from Caves Branch Botanical Garden and the University of Belize, the group has backpacked 15km/9mi through rugged terrain carrying all gear and supplies to create a base camp where they will stay for 10 days. They will focus on the collection of epiphytes, and if possible hope to reach and survey the Ramos Creek valley, an area never explored by botanists.

Thanks to satellite technology, the team has shared their journey step by step with us, and sent photos of their preparations and journey to base camp. As of May 12 they have reached base camp and will begin their explorations.

Studying and documenting the diversity and distribution of the epiphytes in Belize provide major steps in the goal of conservation of both species and their natural habitats. By providing accurate information to the Belize Government, conservationists, biologists, and land managers, they can intelligently manage the country’s natural resources on both public and private lands.

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