Gap year projects holidays

Spend your days outdoors in the beautiful surroundings of the Belize Botanic Gardens assisting with environmental education programs, construction of natural and cultural exhibits, and plant/trail maintenance. Work side by side with local naturalists to educate others about the traditional plants of the Maya, the five distinct eco-zones of Belize, and the importance of promoting conservation of Belize’s native flora and fauna. Visitors to the gardens include school groups, travellers, and nature specialists from around the world. Through garden outreach programs the naturalist staff is also able to visit rural schools and farms to educate Belizeans about conservation and sustainable agricultural practices. The garden project also actively aids conservation by creating a seed bank for rare and endangered plants, encouraging sustainable agriculture and agro-forestry and forming liaisons with those departments of the Belize government. The Belize Botanic Gardens, a non-profit organization since 1997, provides an educational setting for the discovery, research, growth, and promotion of the tropical flora of Belize. The garden covers 45 acres of land along the Macal River, 10 miles west of San Ignacio. Through demonstration plots, guided nature walks, an organic garden and composting system, orchid house, inland lagoon, and specialized ecosystem zones, the Gardens serve as an educational centre for sustainable land use in Belize. ProBelize volunteers aid the garden naturalists in a variety of ways. Volunteers provide support in the following ways dependant upon the needs of the garden staff at the time:
- Assist with plant care, maintenance, and transplanting in the garden nursery
- Support of new garden initiatives (i.e. youth education programs and new cultural displays)
- Updating of identification labels and self-guide books for nature trails
- Maintenance and upkeep of current trails
- Aid in the on-going development of the habitats of Belize eco-zones project

Cost £610 one week to £1050 for 4 weeks excluding fares