Wildlife Conservation Belize Project #67815

Bring Life Back to 1000 Foot Falls

by Belize Karst Habitat Conservation

Project Report | Mar 16, 2026
Nature Trail/Fire Break

By Esther Gonzalez | Administrative Assistant

OBF eating prey

During the 2024 dry season, Belize faced a severe surge in wildfires nationwide. Consequently, one of the first priorities for Belize Karst Habitat Conservation (BKHC) upon receiving co-management of the Thousand Foot Falls Natural Monument (TFFNM) was clearing our boundary lines. This initiative served two vital purposes:

1. Security: Deterring illegal entry into the Protected Area.

2. Safety: Creating a critical firebreak against wildfires in the Mountain Pine Ridge area.

While clearing these lines, we discovered that the boundary runs nearly parallel to a steep ridge. We realized that with minimal clearing, this area offered a breathtaking lookout point over the entire Roaring River Valley.

This discovery led to the creation of Belize Karst Habitat Conservation's first established trail at TFFNM. Today, the trail is a highlight for visitors, seamlessly blending its role as a scenic destination with its ongoing function as a vital firebreak. Beyond the views, the trail is a premier spot for observing the elusive Orange-breasted Falcons that nest at the falls. In 2025, our staff were privileged to witness a nesting pair teaching their chick to hunt—an incredible sight for conservationists and visitors alike.

BKHC remains committed to maintaining these trails and the park at large, ensuring a safe haven for wildlife and an unforgettable experience for both Belizeans and international guests. We are deeply grateful to our donors who continue to make this vision a reality.

View from the Lookout Point

Initial demarcation - before lookout was found

Roaring River Valley

Demarcating Boundary Line

Rangers Exploring

Trail being cleared to Lookout Point

Steps being added for easier access

Cleared Trail

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Nov 6, 2025
Solar Panel Installation and Facility Improvement Initiative

By Tina Herrera | BKHC Project Intern

Introduction

Belize Karst Habitat Conservation (BKHC) is pleased to share this report on the recent improvements made to our ranger station through the generous support of GlobalGiving, Table Rock Lodge, and Solar Energy Solutions Belize (S.E.S.B.). The contributions made it possible for us to bring sustainable electricity to the site something that has already made a tremendous difference for both our rangers and our visitors. Before this project, our ranger station had very limited access to electricity. Nighttime patrols were difficult, and even simple tasks like charging radios or storing food safely were a challenge. Thanks to the combined donations and expertise from our supporters, we have now installed a reliable off-grid solar energy system, bringing clean and consistent power to the station for the first time.

Project Overview

Through this support, we were able to achieve the following:

Installation of an off-grid solar energy system consisting of 4 solar panels and 4 high-capacity batteries.
Provision of electricity for lighting, which now allows rangers to conduct evening duties safely and efficiently.
Installation of basic electrical outlets for charging communication equipment and maintaining essential operations.
Purchase of a small refrigerator for food storage, medical supplies, and other perishables improving both safety and comfort for rangers stationed on-site.

Implementation and Impacts

This contribution was invaluable not only in providing high-quality materials but also in ensuring proper setup, safety, and maintenance guidance for the BKHC team.

Since the installation, the solar-powered system has:

Improved working conditions for rangers by providing consistent lighting and access to electricity during nighttime operations.
Enhanced visitor experiences by making the station more accessible and functional for guided tours, research, and outreach activities.
Reduced operational costs by eliminating reliance on fuel-powered generators.
Promoted environmental sustainability through the use of clean energy

This project represents a meaningful step toward BKHC’s goal of building a sustainable and self-reliant conservation center. The new solar energy system has strengthened our capacity to protect the natural environment while ensuring the safety and comfort of our staff and visitors. Once again, we extend our heartfelt thanks to GlobalGiving, Table Rock Lodge, and Solar Energy Solutions Belize (S.E.S.B.) for their generosity and partnership. Your support has truly brightened both our ranger station and our shared vision for a more sustainable future.

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Jul 16, 2025
Rehabilitation of TFFNM Access Road

By Esther Gonzalez | Administrative Assistant

Before and After of Access Road

Thanks to the generous support from GlobalGiving donors, we’ve made significant progress in the first phase of our project—ensuring visitor safety by constructing a secure visitor shed, functional restrooms, and other essential improvements (as detailed in our initial report). However, there’s still much work ahead to fully revitalize this incredible natural treasure.

BKHC has been working tirelessly to maximize the impact of funds raised through GlobalGiving, as well as through local fundraising efforts. We were incredibly fortunate to receive invaluable support from Mayawalk Tours, a tourism company in the Cayo District that has been a steadfast partner in our conservation efforts since BKHC’s founding in 2016.

Mayawalk Tours played a pivotal role in a crucial milestone for the Bring Life Back to 1,000 Foot Falls project: the rehabilitation of the Thousand Foot Falls Natural Monument Access Road!

Before this intervention, the road was in such poor condition that:
- The falls were almost completely inaccessible by vehicle during the rainy season.
- Even in the dry season, only rugged 4x4 vehicles could navigate the treacherous path.
- Massive ruts, inadequate drainage, and unsafe driving conditions made the journey risky.

Thanks to Mayawalk Tours’ generous contribution—providing machinery, materials, fuel, and labor at no cost—the access road has been completely transformed. Now, standard low-clearance vehicles—and even buses—can reach the site with ease. This milestone allowed BKHC to host the first school trip to the falls in nearly a decade, introducing a new generation to Belize’s tallest waterfall!

While 4x4s are still recommended during heavy rains due to the slick clay surface, proper drainage has drastically reduced the risk of vehicles getting stuck.

Our next step? Adding limestone to the road to further stabilize it and ensure year-round accessibility—and this is where your donations make a difference!

The road’s rehabilitation has already boosted visitation, allowing more locals and international travelers to experience the majesty of 1,000 Foot Falls—the tallest waterfall in Central America.

Thank you to all our donors and partners for making this progress possible! BKHC remains committed to protecting this natural wonder while improving accessibility and amenities so that everyone can enjoy its beauty. Stay tuned for more updates—and if you haven’t yet, we hope you’ll visit soon!

First school group to visit 1,000 Ft. Falls

School Group

Bus at TFFNM

Low vehicle on access road

Vehicle rescued by BKHC prior to rehabilitation

Thousand Foot Falls

Links:

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