Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

The Belize Audubon Society teamed up with the SBDC to bring Entrepreneurial Training to business owners located around the Blue Hole National Park.  Thanks, BAS and SBDC! 

"From October 26th-28th Eco- tourism small business owners and employees of the buffering communities of the St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park participated in a Entrepreneurial Development Training offered by the Belize Audubon Society in Partnership with SBDCBelize.  This training was made possible through our partnership with The National Audubon and IDB-MIF to strengthen Bird-based tourism in Belize."

Cayo has quite a few entrances to Xibalba.  Read about 7 of the more common caves in Cayo in this travel article from Chaa Creek.  Did you know that the sink hole near St. Herman's Cave is called Actun Loch Tunich? 

"Caves tell the history of Belize, having been an intricate part of the Maya religion and culture.  The Maya used caves as ceremonial sites and evidence of these activities can be found inside these caves.  Relics, principally in the form of shards of pottery, are very common."

The University of Belize is having a photo competition for Earth Day.  There are 3 categories, kids, amateur, and professional.  Photos should follow the theme of 'Growing Green,' and must be submitted before April 23rd, and the winners will be announced at UB's Earth Day festivities on Wednesday, April 30th.  Good luck!

"To create a photo-line which will depict an individualized interpretation of the theme Growing Green while also encouraging the use of technology to capture Belize’s beauty at its best.
Prizes:
Kids categories – Guided tour of the Blue Hole National Park and St. Herman’s Cave Natural Monument for the class; Transportation will be Provided by Earth Day Funds. The winner will also receive a $50 cash prize and two regular Cholis from Moon Clusters. School Bag with supplies courtesy the UB Environmental Club.
Amateurs categories – $300.00 cash prize courtesy DFC plus a $50.00 gift certificate courtesy Kerasi
Professional categories – Overnight stay for 2 at Black Rock Lodge plus $100.00 cash Prize courtesy Cholo’s Golf Cart Rental."

While many of the caves are closed due to rains, the Blue Hole is still open.  The Audubon Society went there, and got some great pictures of the visitor's center. 

"A quick look around St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park, January 15th, 2014.  Have you visited lately?  Cellphone photos by: Dirk Francisco"

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The Belize Audubon Society had a fun excursion to St. Herman's Cave this weekend.  They got to hike, birdwatch, explore the cave, and even tube in the cave.  The second Summer activity is a nature photography camp for kids from 9 to 17.  Thanks, BAS!

"Nature Photography Camp for Children
Date: Thursday July 4th – Friday July 5th 2013 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $50 (covers transportation for field trip and lunch for July 4th 2013) Age: 9 -17
Location: BAS Headquarters, Belize City
Spacing Limit: 25 persons"

The Belize Audubon Society had its day camp at the Blue Hole.

"On July 14tth, BAS along with its enthusiastic campers went to St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park, where the campers had the opportunity to have a day of educational activities, arts and crafts, cave adventure, swimming, and lots of fun fun fun.  We have more camps coming up.  Register Today... and join in the adventure."

Great news from St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park.  Upgrades.  Thanks, PACT!

"On January 14, 2016, PACT visited St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park to look at the completed activities under our medium grant project entitled “Enhancing St Herman’s Blue Hole National Park (SHBHNP) through new infrastructure, mapping and management plan”.  The main purpose of this project was to upgrade and install much needed infrastructure for the protected area with the aim to improve visitor experience.  Additionally, a Management Plan for St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park (SHBHNP) was developed to guide the conservation priorities of the protected area.  Demarcation and mapping of the Park was also carried out through this project."

The Belize Audubon Society took their Summer camp students to do some tubing a St. Herman's Cave.

"We kicked off summer the only way we know how...with nature and fun!  Exploring and Enjoying St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park on July 4th.  It was an awesome day.  Thank you to all the participants."

Feelgood news of the day.  The Belize Audubon Society had a fun day visiting St. Herman's Cave and the Blue Hole.  Summer is here, and the Summer camps are just getting started.

"Summer fun at St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park.  BAS CAMP 2014"

The Protected Areas Conservation Trust awarded $200,000 to the Belize Audubon Society for their infrastructure project at St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park.  The project will improve the look and experience of the park.  It will also be used to come up with a management plan.  Could this be the first step to preserving Mountain Cow Cave?  Thanks, PACT!

The Belize Audubon Society is having their Free Fridays for the month of August for most of their managed protected areas.  Three are in Cayo: Guanacaste National Park, St. Herman's Cave, and the Blue Hole.  Have fun!

"Hi FB Fans!!!  Summer 2013 is soon gone; but hold on, in order to give you a tiny boost to visit protected areas in Belize, All Fridays in the month of August is FREE Entrance FEES for ALL BELIZEANS.  Explore!  Enjoy!  Conserve!  Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Guanacaste National Park, St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, and Blue Hole Natural Monument.  Share...Like....Comment!"

Cayo Event Calendar: http://bestofcayo.com/calendar

Tomorrow, July the 14th, the Belize Audubon Society will be doing their Adventure Day Camp trip to the Blue Hole.  Here are pictures from last year's event.

Jungle and Cave Adventure Day Camp
Date: Saturday July 14th 2012
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Age: All Ages (children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult)
Space Limit: 40 persons
Location: St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park, Cayo
Age: All ages (children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult)