IDEAS for Belize

“The only complete sustainable living and organic gardening program in Belize.”

In early  August, IDEAS was introduce to the “Spanish Creek Rainforest Reserve & the “Hidden Falls Farm“; A 100% organic farm in Belize that’s dedicated to sustainability and strives to create a healthy environment within the natural ecosystems surrounding it.

Farm owner and founder, Michael Scott and  Sol Tucker, has been working on it for over a decade, helping to educate students and interested citizens around the World about sustainability!

Hidden Falls Farm and Restaurant:

Michael and Sol co-manage this sustainable 40-acre organic tropical fruit and vegetable farm. The plants growing here were transplanted from the Spanish Creek farm and include but are not limited to: avocado, citrus fruits, bamboo, jack fruit, coconuts, cassava, bananas, bok-choi, pakchoi, basil, arugula, beans, tomatoes, chives, okra, passion fruit, live-stock of chickens and other wildlife roaming about. Sol and Mike also work in collaboration with WWOOF (World-wide Organizations on Organic Farms); hosting and educating hundreds of university students from around the world. Recently, Sol and Mike opened a restaurant on the beach of Placencia. This restaurant showcases their combined organic ingredients and culinary talents to locals, tourists, and students.

Over Winter Break 2011, IDEAS will be offering a chance to visit and experience the wonders of Belize on a Study Abroad program. The all-inclusive experience will include courses in:

• Experiential learning in Urban agriculture and Organic Farming
  

  

• Rainforest Ecology (Anatomy, cycles, permaculture, etc)|
• Ethnobotany 101
  
• Sustainability in the Tropics
   
• Culinary from the Garden (Culinary Arts)

• Bamboo Project

•  Marine Biology
   

Stay tuned for more of “IDEAS For Belize” as it develops over the next few months. For those interest in hearing more about it and may want to go on the 1st trip, email us at: Think@IDEASforUs.org

BelizeBamboo.com

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Hidden Falls Farm and Restaurant – Stanm Creek, Belize

Caretaker’s History:

Michael Scott:Was born and raised in Washington State. He owns and operates a 40-acre organic fruit and vegetable farm in Belize, called Hidden Falls Farm. He is a member of CGA (Citrus Growers Association) in Belize. Mike also works with Belize’s Minister of Agriculture and BAHA (Belize Authority on Health and Agriculture); along with the Ministry of Forestry.

Sol Deva Tucker:

-Sol was conceived in Belize in 1975 and was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He received his education from Florida State University in international affairs with a concentration in economics and Latin American history. After working through college as a chef and restauranteer, Sol moved to Belize and started a 2000-acre sustainable agro-forestry project, which he named Spanish Creek Rainforest Reserve. On this farm, Sol masterminded the propagation and growth of over 20 species of tropical clumping (non-invasive) bamboo. Additionally, there were varieties of citrus fruits, cacao, avocado, jack fruit, coconuts, cassava, several varieties of vegetables, etc.

Recognition:

-Hidden Falls is nationally recognized as a “Pioneer in Organic Farming.”

-Mike Scott is nationally recognized as the founder of Belize’s bee-keeping society, teaching its people how to successfully raise bees for honey production.

-WWOOF host to international students.

-Host to international student groups such as Royal Students of Engineering from the United Kingdom, Trek Force, and students from the University of Oregon.

Curriculums and experiential learning opportunities offered via Hidden Falls Farm and Restaurant:

• Experiential learning courses in small-scale sustainable community-based agricultural practices and organic gardening

-Live, breathe, and sweat on a farm from sunrise to sunset. This offers a hands-on learning approach that differs from commercial mono-crop agriculture practices. A student only needs an open mind, heart, and soul to successfully think outside “the box.”

• Rainforest Ecology

-A study of the pristine seasonal broad-leaf neo-tropical rainforest of Belize. Learn the terrestrial biology of thousands of species of plants and animals and their interdependence on one another. Additionally, we look will look at the historical pressures from man on the habitat.

• Ethno-botany 101 (the study of man’s relationship with plants and how they are used as food and medicine)

-Study over 100 healing herbs in Belize, which have been historically and are presently used by the Maya culture. Also, how they have been adopted and adapted by other cultures in Belize.

• Culinary from the Garden (food prep, nutritional science, and cooking courses)

-Learn how your food grows, where it comes from, how to harvest sustainably; proper techniques of plant production (perrenials v. annuals).Additionally, we will look at proper food handling and storage, food preparation, culinary artistry, and the science of nutrition.

• Sustainable Tourism

-“Take only pictures and leave only footprints.” Highlights how to successfully profit from tourism while leaving minimal impact on the environment.

• Raising animals (advanced course – minimal of 6 months)

-Chickens, horses, cows, dogs, sheep, goats, ducks, and guinea hens. Learn animal behavior and their integral part of organic farming that they play due to their nutritional protien outputs (I.e. Manure or Fertilizer). Note that these are advanced farming practices due to the emotional and spiritual aspects involved in raising animal species. For example, raising animals from birth, slaughtering them, and understanding why.

• Permaculture

-Establishing a farm with the intent and vision of it being permanent. Developing techniques that are efficient, diversified, and practical to ensure your farm’s longevity and sustainability.Furthermore, a good permaculture model develops simple systems that work in a specific environment and geographical location. “A good permaculture farm established correctly will out-live the farmer that planted it.” -Sol Tucker.

• Marine Biology (including coral reef ecosystems, coastal habitat, and estuaries)

- After a long period of work at the farm, students will have the opportunity to take snorkel trips to the world’s largest coral reef system, the MezoAmerican reef system. We will also travel along the coast and study its inhabiting plant and animal species; as well as their interdependence on a healthy habitat.