Audubon celebrates 40yrs with Victoria Peak challenge
Nature lovers will be happy to know that they can once again return to one of the Belize District’s premiere destinations for conservationism. The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary has been closed since torrential rains swelled across the Belize River Valley last year. And that reopening has come just in time because this year, the agency that manages the site, The Belize Audubon Society, is celebrating its fortieth anniversary. So to promote conservation on the landmark occasion, the Audubon has developed an assortment of events for 2009 that it hopes will garner much participation and interest from the public.
Dominique Lizama, Protected Areas Mgr., Belize Audubon Society
“Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary was closed after the flooding in October, 2008 because of the flooding of the trails even up to the visitor center. So after most of the waters have receded considerably, we have reopened. However, the access road and some of the trails remain inundated and we are asking visitors to be extra careful when walking on the trails because some areas are still slippery.”
Dirk Francisco, Publicity Coordinator, Belize Audubon Society
“2009 is an exciting year for the Belize Audubon Society. This year we are celebrating our fortieth anniversary. And with this we have a lot of fun and exciting activities planned for Belizean Audubon members, Belizeans on a whole and any foreigners who wish to participate. Coming up we have a Wetlands Day celebration. We recognize Wetlands Day and the importance of wetlands every second of February. Second of February this year we will be in Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, which is constantly on the news because of some development that happened there where we’ll have ministers talking about the importance of wetlands to Crooked Tree community and students from around Crooked Tree Village. Also we are having a roving exhibition that is depicting the work of Belizean Audubon Society. We have some wonderful photos and we’re opening this exhibition at the Mexican Institute on the Fourth of February. Everyone is invited.”
“In the Month of March the Belize Audubon Society is challenging any Belizean who want to climb Victoria Peak the second tallest point in our country top come and join us to take a walk up Victoria peak. Myself, I am getting prepared right now; if you notice I di lose some pounds to go to Victoria Peak. So there is limited space, anyone who wants to join us, feel free to come.”
There are several other events on the Audubon’s calendar, including the James A. Waight Conservation Award. The Victoria Peak Natural Monument will be reopened in February, one month before the Victoria Peak Challenge. Lizama says that participants will be divided into male and female groups for the trek. If you would like further details for that grueling experience, you can contact Lizama at the Audubon’s office on Fort Street in Belize City.
