Dear BNT Members,

The start of the year has been filled with meaningful engagement as we continue strengthening partnerships that support conservation across The Bahamas.

I was pleased to represent the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) at the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce Economic Summit, where leaders gathered to discuss the island’s economic future. Conversations like these highlight the vital role environmental protection supports sustainable tourism, economic resilience, and job creation.

We also welcomed the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, the Hon. Zane Lightbourne, and Permanent Secretary David Davis during a recent visit to Abaco. The visit was supported by the Blue Nature Alliance Project, and included tours of several marine protected areas, including Fowl Cays National Park, Pelican Cays Land & Sea Park, Tiloo Cay Reserve, and the proposed East Abaco Creek System at Snake Cay Creek. Discussions also focused on environmental risks, response actions, and jurisdictional considerations affecting these protected areas.

Earlier this year, we convened our bi-annual Council Meeting to review priorities for the months ahead. I was also honored to deliver the welcome address at the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund Marine Conservation Program Opening and Grant Awards Ceremony, which recognized the organizations and successful projects awarded under the first competitive grants cycle for the Bahamas Debt Conversion Project for Marine Conservation.

In addition, BNT hosted a courtesy call with the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Education, Technical and Vocational Training, to explore opportunities to strengthen environmental education across the country. Discussions included the introduction of BNT memberships for public school students, through an initial donation with plans to expand the program in the years ahead.

These engagements reflect the collaborative spirit that drives our work. By working together with partners, supporters, and communities, we can continue protecting the natural heritage that makes The Bahamas so special.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of the Bahamas National Trust.

Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle
Executive Director

BNT was recently awarded a conservation grant of just under $200,000 through the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).

This funding will strengthen management and monitoring efforts within Blue Holes National Park on Andros through three key components:

• finalizing the park’s Operational Plan to guide effective management,
• implementing the National Park Monitoring and Reporting System to track environmental indicators that support the park’s long-term health, and
• conducting a feasibility assessment to better understand the extent of invasive species in the park and identify appropriate mitigation measures.

We also hosted a site visit for members of the CEPF grants team to provide an on-the-ground overview of the park ahead of full project implementation. The visit included stops at Goby Lake and the Goby Birding Trail, where several bird species were observed, as well as Cousteau’s Blue Hole and Captain Bill’s Blue Hole. A short drone flight also provided valuable landscape insights, including observations of bird activity and human presence within a wetland area.

This initiative marks an important step in strengthening science-based management and safeguarding the ecological integrity of Blue Holes National Park.

Learning in the Parks

Students in The Bahamas and the United States are now connected through a shared conservation mission thanks to Plover Pals, an international education initiative launched between the Bahamas National Trust and the NYC Plover Project.

The program links students of Staniard Creek Primary School in Andros with students of Lighthouse Elementary P.S. 106Q in Far Rockaway, New York. Together, they are learning about the Piping Plover, a small migratory shorebird that nests along the Atlantic Coast of North America and spends its winters in The Bahamas, with the Joulter Cays being an important site that BNT continues to advocate for adding to the national parks system’s portfolio.

Through classroom lessons, field activities, virtual exchanges, and pen-pal correspondence, students are exploring the bird’s migration journey while learning how ecosystems in both countries are connected. These shared learning experiences help students understand that conservation extends beyond national borders.

A special highlight was the donation of binoculars for every student at Staniard Creek Primary School, generously provided by the NYC Audubon Project and Nocs Provisions LLC. The equipment allows students to observe shorebirds in their natural habitat while strengthening hands-on learning in the field.

The program will run throughout the school year, fostering curiosity, collaboration, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve Summer Internship Programme 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve Summer Internship Programme, a paid eight-week opportunity for three Bahamian college students interested in botany and conservation.

Interns will gain hands-on experience exploring native flora, participating in fieldwork, and learning more about plant conservation. The programme also includes a one-week learning exchange in New York City and Andros.

The internship runs May 4 – June 26, 2026, at the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, with all travel, accommodations, and a stipend included.

Application deadline: April 3, 2026. To learn more or apply, contact info@levypreserve.org.

Nassau Cruise Port Corporate Partnership $25,000

Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) has joined the BNT Corporate Partner Program through a formal multi-year partnership. This three-year commitment, valued at $25,000 annually, represents a meaningful investment in national park conservation and environmental sustainability and reflects a shared commitment to protecting The Bahamas’ natural heritage through supporting BNT’s long-term conservation goals.

Nassau Airport Development Company Corporate Partnership – $5,000

Nassau Airport Development (NAD) Company has also joined the BNT Corporate Partner Program with an annual contribution of $5,000. In addition to financial support, the NAD executive team has expressed interest in exploring in-kind support opportunities aligned with BNT’s conservation mission.

Nassau Paradise Island Promotions Board Explores Primeval Forest
The Nassau Paradise Island Promotions Board was recently hosted for a Lunch & Learn experience at Primeval Forest National Park as a gesture of appreciation for their continued support.

Participants explored the park’s old-growth woodland ecosystem, representative of the early evergreen tropical hardwood forests of The Bahamas. Fifteen team members participated and had the opportunity to truly “explore their parks.”

More Perks for BNT Members

We’re pleased to welcome two new partners to the BNT Membership Rewardship Programme: Battery & Tyre and Contentment Creative.

BNT members can now enjoy:

• 25% discount at Battery & Tyre, your trusted local experts in batteries, tires, automotive lubricants, and car care products.
• 10% off their first three months of social media management services with Contentment Creative.

We’d love to hear from you!

As a valued BNT member, your feedback helps guide how we grow and improve our programs, events, and member experiences.

Please take a few minutes to complete the short form at the link below and share your thoughts with us.

https://form.jotform.com/260614346887870

Beyond the Parks

Celebrating 60 Years with Kelly’s Freeport

As part of their 60th anniversary celebrations, long-standing Rewardship partner Kelly’s Freeport invited BNT to host a pop-up at their store in Grand Bahama.

The event allowed us to share information about our national parks, BNT membership, Festival Noël, and Da’ Monthly Market with the community while highlight the benefits of the Rewardship program.

BNT Event Highlights

Native Plants & Bush Tea Workshop

We recently hosted our annual Native Plants & Bush Tea Workshop, where participants learned about native plants found throughout The Bahamas and the traditional bush teas prepared from them.

Attendees sampled a variety of teas, watched a live demonstration of how bush tea is prepared, and participated in a guided tour through the Retreat Garden highlighting many of the native plants used in these remedies. The workshop offered a hands-on experience for participants to connect more deeply with our national parks.

 

33^rd Annual Wine & Art Festival

The 33rd annual Wine & Art Festival took place from February 27 – March 1 at The Retreat Garden, bringing together art, culture, wine tasting and culinary experiences for a memorable weekend, which raises funds for BNT operational needs.

Visitors explored the work of more than 40 local artists and vendors, enjoyed a curated selection of over 50 global wines and champagnes, and sampled a variety of local and international cuisine. The festival also featured the popular Exclusive Bubble Lounge, along with live performances and culinary demonstrations throughout the weekend.

The event continues to provide a vibrant platform for artists, artisans, and local businesses while offering guests a unique way to experience The Retreat Garden.

Upcoming Events

• Art in Bloom at Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, Eleuthera – March 21
• National Parks Day hosted on several islands – April 25
• Pig Roast at Maillis Farm, Adelaide, NP – May 2

Not a Member Yet? Join the BNT Family.  

Becoming a member directly supports the protection of 33 national parks across the country.

As a member, you receive:

• Discounted park access
• Invitations and discounts to members only events
• Exclusive updates on conservation work
• Discounts and special offers from our Rewardship partners

Most importantly, your membership helps to ensure that your national parks continue to thrive for generations to come.
Join today and help protect The Bahamas’ natural heritage.