Ecorana Environmental

08/26/2024

06/27/2024

We have been working on a few contracts in the Gulf Islands, BC

06/18/2024

🌿🦜 Exciting opportunity alert! Join us at the Toucan Ridge Bird Observatory for an unforgettable journey into the world of bird banding and wildlife ecology! We are offering 4 internship slots for our Bird Banding Internship Program. 🌎✨

📅 Session: September 16 – November 8, 2024
⏰ Hours per week: 35 – 40
📍 Location: Mile 27.5 Hummingbird Highway, Stann Creek District, Belize, C.A. ⏳Duration: Sessions may be 2 to 5 weeks, with 4 weeks recommended for maximum learning

🔍 Dive into immersive experiences in bird banding and wildlife sampling techniques! Learn to set up mist-nets, extract birds, and master proper banding techniques. 🐦🔬

👩‍🔬 No experience required! Preference will be given to individuals with knowledge in molts and bird banding, but all passionate individuals interested in birds and wildlife ecology are welcome to apply. 🌳🔍

💼 Responsibilities include:
- Setting up mist-nets under professional guidance
- Extracting birds and processing data at the station
- Washing bird bags and maintaining band inventory
- Learning to enter data systematically after each session
- Assisting with social media updates and engagement

💰 Costs: $499 USD/week (includes room, board, and training)
🌟 Discounts available for Latin American, Caribbean, and Belizean citizens! 🌎🌴

📝 Apply now at Ecorana website: https://www.ecorana.ca/internship-application-form/
📧 For inquiries, email Scandia Cruz at [email protected]
🌐 Learn more about us: www.treesociety.org

Don't miss this chance to be part of groundbreaking research and conservation efforts in beautiful Belize! 🌟🦜

06/14/2024

🌿🐢 Calling all mammal and bat enthusiasts, join us at the our research station for our Bat Research Internship Program in the Maya Mountains of Belize for Fall 2024. 🍍🌎
⏰ Session: September 16 – November 8, 2024
📍 Location: Mile 27.5 Hummingbird Highway, Stann Creek District, Belize, C.A.
💼 Hours per week: 35 – 40
⏳Duration: Sessions may be 2 to 5 weeks, with 4 weeks recommended for maximum learning
🔍 Experience total immersion in the Maya Mountains of Belize, Central America. 🌿
👩‍🔬 No experience necessary. Preference is given to candidates with a certain level of bat identification and trapping skills. Ideal for biologists/ecologists eager to learn and make a difference in the field. 📝🐸
💼 Responsibilities include:
- Setting up mist-nets under professional guidance
- Assisting in data collection for bat research and monitoring projects (using mist-nets and recording GPS coordinates of roosts).
- Learning methods for capture and extracting bats caught in mist-nets
- Handling bats for morphometric data collection
- Processing data collected in the field
- Washing cotton bags and managing field equipment.
- Maintaining and updating the database in Microsoft Excel.
- Assisting in repairing mist-nets damaged by bats during captures
- Assisting in updating and engaging on our social media platforms
- Contributing to the production of public outreach material such as posters, pamphlets, or PowerPoint presentations on bats, with the guidance of our bat biologist
We are looking for individuals interested in improving their mammal identification techniques and appropriate survey methods in the tropics. Work with experts to set up mist-nets, safely handle bats, and contribute to vital ecological research.
⚠️ For this internship, candidates should be previously vaccinated against rabies as they will be handling wild bats.
💰 Costs: $499 USD/week (room, board, and training)
🌟 Discounts available for Latin American, Caribbean, and Belizean citizens! 🌎🌴
📝 Application: https://www.ecorana.ca/internship-application-form
📧 Inquiries: [email protected]

06/06/2024

🌿🐦 Join us in the heart of the Maya Mountains for an unforgettable journey into the world of tropical avian ecology! 🌎✨

📅 Session: September 02 – November 8, 2024
⏰ Hours per week: 35 – 40
📍 Location: Mile 27.5 Hummingbird Highway, Stann Creek District, Belize, C.A.
⏳Duration: Sessions may be 2 to 5 weeks, with 4 weeks recommended for maximum learning

🌟 The Toucan Ridge Bird Observatory, nestled within the T.R.E.E.S Research Center, is offering 3 apprenticeship spots for our Fall 2024 Tropical Avian Technician Internship Program. 🦜🔍

🔍 Dive into immersive experiences in tropical avian studies to develop skills for future education and employment opportunities. 📚💼

🌿 Explore our projects:
- Bird monitoring for breeding seasonality, molt, and movement
- Bird transect surveys, point counts, and nest searching
- Owl census project using auditory techniques
- Behavioral study of White-collared Manakin

👩🔬 No experience required! Preference will be given to individuals who have had some experience in the field. We're seeking passionate individuals eager to learn about Belize's biodiversity and contribute to scientific research. 🌳🔬

💰 Costs: $499 USD/week (includes room, board, and training)
🌟 50% Discounts available for Latin American, Caribbean, and Belizean citizens! 🌎🌴

📝 Apply now at Ecorana website: https://www.ecorana.ca/internship-application-form/
📧 For inquiries, email Scandia Cruz at [email protected]
🌐 Learn more about us: www.treesociety.org

Don't miss this chance to be part of something truly extraordinary! 🌟🐤

05/30/2024

🌴🍋 Interested in agriculture and want to experience diverse projects in the tropics? Then this internship is for you! Join us at the Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society for our Fall 2024 Tropical Agriculture Techniques Internship Program. 🍍🌎

📅 Session: September 02 – November 8, 2024
⏰ Hours per week: 35 – 40
📍 Location: Mile 27.5 Hummingbird Highway, Stann Creek District, Belize, C.A.
⏳Duration: Sessions may be 2 to 5 weeks, with 4 weeks recommended for maximum learning

🌿 Description:
Dive into the world of organic farming and regenerative agriculture at our Farm-to-Table operation nestled in the Maya Mountains of Belize. From crop planting to free-range poultry management, interns will gain hands-on experience in sustainable farming practices while contributing to wildlife conservation and education efforts.

🔍 Requirements:
No prior tropical agriculture experience required! Whether you're a student seeking credit or an experienced agriculturist, all are welcome. Preference given to enrolled students.

👩🌾 Internship Responsibilities:

-Plant and maintain tropical crops
-Evaluate treatments and measure biomass, yield, and costs
-Assist with marketing strategies and budget projections
-Collaborate on innovative farming techniques and products
-Engage in wildlife educational activities

💼 Internship Period:
Choose a session lasting 2 to 5 weeks, with 4 weeks recommended for maximum learning.

💰 Costs: $309 USD/week (includes room, board, and training)
🌟 Discounts available for Latin American, Caribbean, and Belizean citizens! 🌎🌴

📝 Apply now at Ecorana website: https://www.ecorana.ca/internship-application-form/
📧 For inquiries, email Scandia Cruz at [email protected]
🌐 Learn more about us: www.treesociety.org

🌍 Join Us!
Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in sustainable agriculture and contribute to conservation efforts in the heart of Belize. Apply now and be part of our mission at T.R.E.E.S!

05/24/2024

🐍🌿 Dive into the world of tropical herpetofauna with us! Join our Fall 2024 Tropical Herpetofauna Technician Internship Program at the Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society in Belize! 🦎🌎

📅 Session: August 11 – December 20, 2024
⏰ Hours per week: 35 – 40
📍 Location: Mile 27.5 Hummingbird Highway, Stann Creek District, Belize, C.A. ⏳Duration: Sessions may be 2 to 5 weeks, with 4 weeks recommended for maximum learning

🔍 Gain hands-on experience in tropical herpetofauna studies and contribute to conservation efforts in the Maya Mountains! 🐢🌿

👩🔬 No experience required! Ideal for budding biologists/ecologists eager to learn and make a difference in the field. 📝🐸

💼 Responsibilities include:

-Conducting herpetofauna surveys
-Handling reptiles and amphibians for data collection
-Leading turtle movement studies using radio-telemetry
-Monitoring amphibian breeding habitats
-Maintaining captive breeding populations
-Collaborating on protocol design and future publications

💰 Costs: $399 USD/week (includes room, board, and training)
🌟 50% Discounts available for Latin American, Caribbean, and Belizean citizens! 🌎🌴

📝 Apply now at Ecorana website: https://www.ecorana.ca/internship-application-form/
📧 For inquiries, email Scandia Cruz at [email protected]
🌐 Learn more about us: www.treesociety.org

Don't miss this chance to explore the rich biodiversity of Belize and expand your skills in herpetofauna research! 🌟🦋

05/23/2024

Happy ! Here are some steps you can take to save turtles/tortoises:

Reduce Plastic Use: Turtles often mistake plastic debris for food, which can be fatal. Reducing plastic consumption by using reusable bags, bottles, and avoiding single-use plastics can significantly lessen ocean pollution.

Support Conservation Programs: Donate to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to turtle and tortoise conservation. These groups work on habitat preservation, rehabilitation, and breeding programs to bolster endangered populations.

Protect Natural Habitats: Participate in local clean-up events to keep beaches, rivers, and other natural habitats free of trash and pollutants. Advocate for the protection of critical habitats through policies and regulations.

Promote Safe Boating Practices: If you boat, be cautious in areas known to be habitats for turtles. Slow down to avoid collisions, and be vigilant for signs of turtle activity.

Avoid Purchasing Products Made from Turtles and Tortoises: Do not buy products made from their shells or body parts, as this encourages illegal poaching and trade.

Responsible Pet Ownership: If you own a turtle or tortoise as a pet, ensure it is sourced from a reputable breeder and not from the wild. Educate yourself about proper care to prevent the spread of diseases to wild populations.

Support Legislation and Policies: Advocate for and support laws that protect turtle and tortoise habitats, regulate hunting and trade, and mitigate climate change impacts, which are crucial for their survival.

Educate and Raise Awareness: Inform others about the threats turtles and tortoises face and how they can help. Schools, community groups, and social media are excellent platforms for spreading awareness.

Participate in Citizen Science: Engage in citizen science projects that monitor turtle populations and health. This data helps researchers and conservationists develop effective strategies for their protection.

Minimize Light Pollution: For those living near beaches, reduce beachfront lighting during nesting season. Artificial lights can disorient hatchlings, leading them away from the sea.

05/21/2024

🌿🐢 Calling all wildlife enthusiasts! Join us for an incredible experience in conservation at the Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society's Fall 2024 General Wildlife Technician Internship Program in Belize! 🦜🌎

📅 Session: August 11 – December 20, 2024
⏰ Hours per week: 35 – 40
📍 Location: Mile 27.5 Hummingbird Highway, Stann Creek District, Belize, C.A. ⏳Duration: Sessions may be 2 to 5 weeks, with 4 weeks recommended for maximum learning

🔍 Dive into immersive experiences in scientific research and wildlife management! Gain hands-on experience while contributing to education and conservation efforts in Belize. 🌿📈

👩🔬 No experience required! Preference given to those with scientific research and writing skills, and knowledge in mud turtles, birds, bats, and herpetofauna. Ideal for individuals who want to dabble in a little bit of everything! 📝🦇

💼 Responsibilities include:

-Assisting on various projects such as sustainable agriculture and landscape architecture
-Conducting data entry from monitoring projects
-Leading a White-lipped Mud Turtle movement study using radio-telemetry
-Continuing projects like WCOM Project and Nest Survey
-Contributing to organic agriculture, horticulture, and trail building
-Assisting with grant writing, marketing, and community development
-Participating in bat monitoring projects (rabies vaccine required)

💰 Costs: $309 USD/week (includes room, board, and training)
🌟 50% Discounts available for Latin American, Caribbean, and Belizean citizens! 🌎🌴

📝 Apply now at Ecorana website: https://www.ecorana.ca/internship-application-form/
📧 For inquiries, email Scandia Cruz at [email protected]
🌐 Learn more about us: www.treesociety.org

Don't miss this chance to make a difference in Belize's natural and cultural heritage! 🌟🐦

05/02/2024

Our team of experienced biologists and consultants are ready to assist you with your needs. Get in touch with us today to get started.

04/22/2024

Join the fight against plastic pollution this Earth Day! Protect the earth’s precious animals by reducing plastic waste. Here are some steps you can take to protect the planet against plastic waste:
Reduce Plastic Use:
• Swap single-use plastic items like bottles, bags, and straws for reusable alternatives.
• Opt for glass or metal containers instead of plastic ones for food storage.
• Choose products with minimal plastic packaging or packaging that is easily recyclable.
Recycle Properly:
• Sort your recyclables correctly and ensure they end up in the appropriate recycling bins.
• Check local recycling guidelines to make sure you're recycling effectively.
• Encourage others to recycle by setting up recycling stations in communal areas.
Spread Awareness:
• Educate others about the harmful effects of plastic pollution on bats, birds, and amphibians.
• Share informative posts on social media.
• Organize community clean-up events to remove plastic waste from natural habitats.
Support Eco-Friendly Practices:
•Advocate for policies that reduce plastic production and encourage sustainable alternatives.
• Support eco-friendly businesses and brands that prioritize sustainable packaging and practices.
•Join conservation organizations focused on protecting wildlife affected by plastic pollution.

03/31/2024

Sending warm Easter wishes from ecorana to everyone!

02/16/2024

Bird Banding Internship: Spring 2024
Sessions: March 5 – May 5, 2024

Description:
The Toucan Ridge Bird Observatory, located at the T.R.E.E.S Research Center in the Maya Mountains of Belize, currently has up to 8 apprenticeship spots open for our Spring 2024 Bird Banding Apprenticeship Program. This internship focuses primarily on how to set-up mist-nets, extract passerine birds from mist-nets, learn proper bird banding techniques, learn how to I.D., age and s*x resident birds as well as Neotropical migrants, learn proper data entry, and more. Interns will also learn how to conduct bird transect surveys, point counts, nest searching, and other wildlife sampling techniques. As bird banding is usually done in the morning, there are also smaller side projects to do in the afternoon. There are opportunities to work on different community development projects and farming projects (fruit orchard, livestock, composting etc.).

Application:
To apply register on the Ecorana website (https://www.ecorana.ca/internship-application-form/) and e-mail your CV and cover letter to [email protected]. Since we receive many applications for our internships, we will do an initial screening process. If your application is selected for the second round, we ask that you create a quick 5-minute video questionnaire. We will provide you with the questions upon acceptance into the next round.

Internship Period:
Interns can choose to do a minimum of 2 weeks to a maximum of 6 weeks during this Apprenticeship program, though 4 weeks is the recommended duration.

Costs:
This internship has a fee of US 479$/week which includes room and board (meals included Monday-Friday), full access to lab equipment, and training by professional on-site biologists. Food is a combination of self-catering in communal kitchen with ingredients provided as well as prepared meals. Lodging at the research center signifies a shared dormitory-style cabins with other same s*x interns/apprentices/volunteers.

01/31/2024

Tropical Mammal Technician Internship: Spring 2024

Details:
• Session: Feb 15 – Jul 26, 2024
• Hours/week: 35 – 40
• Location: Mile 27.5, Hummingbird Highway, Stann Creek District, Belize, C.A.

Description: T.R.E.E.S Research Center seeks motivated individuals for the Spring 2024 Tropical Mammal Tech internship. Focus on small tropical mammals, involving long-term monitoring projects through surveys and capture techniques. Bat enthusiasts can learn how to safely extract bats and how to identify the different species whilst learning proper handling techniques.

The internship program is designed to provide various experiences in tropical mammalian field studies that will aid the student in developing their skills for a variety of future education and employment opportunities. Through working on long-term monitoring projects that will be designed to be published in peer-reviewed journals and stressing the importance of good notetaking, standardized data collection, and scientific writing, students will also be prepared for a future career in academia.

Requirements:
• No experience needed
• Strong preference for mammal ID and tracking skills
• Rabies vaccine required for bat work

Application: Apply on Ecorana website(https://www.ecorana.ca/internship-application-form/) and email CV + cover letter to [email protected]. Selected applicants undergo a second-round screening, including a 5-minute video questionnaire.

Internship Period: 2 to 6 weeks, recommended 4 weeks.

Costs: $499 USD/week includes room, board (meals Mon-Fri), lab access, and professional training. Shared dorms with same-s*x interns.

Schedule: Mon-Fri work schedule, bat mist-netting from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm. Weekends are free. No refunds for early departures. Schedule designed weekly with intern supervisor.

Fall 2024 internship also available – please contact provided email.

We look forward to hearing from you!

12/22/2023

Are you in search of a thoughtful, last-minute Christmas gift? Perhaps the individuals in your life already possess everything materialistic. Consider presenting your loved ones with a T.R.E.E.S. donation gift card, contributing to our efforts in conservation.

Like spokes on a wheel, living species in our ecosystems provide the structure that allows it to function. We know these spokes are currently being weakened by human activities and the integrity of our ecological structure is in jeopardy. Loss of species diversity from habitat destruction, invasive species, and resource extraction has accelerated in Belize over the last decade and has had a material effect on Belizean rainforests and its local wildlife.

T.R.E.E.S. lies in the heart of the Selva Maya, Belize’s most important natural tropical ecosystem and second largest tropical forest in the Americas. It holds a diversity of plants and wildlife, including a variety of endemic and enadangered species. Our program is composed of a multi-faceted approach of maintaining biodiversity through habitat restoration, species monitoring, and education.

Choose from our classic cards valued at $25, $50, and $100. Higher amounts are also available. After initiating your donation through https://www.treesociety.org/support/, simply send an email to [email protected], and we'll provide you with a gift card and a personalized letter from our directors.

12/20/2023

Are you in search of a thoughtful, last-minute Christmas gift? Perhaps the individuals in your life already possess everything materialistic. Consider presenting your loved ones with a T.R.E.E.S. donation gift card, contributing to our efforts in youth empowerment.

The success of conservation initiatives worldwide depends on the youth of today. We believe in conservation through education at T.R.E.E.S. and giving our youth opportunities to connect with nature to learn skills that will benefit themselves and the environment. That’s why since 2016, we have been working closely with La Democracia, a local Kriol village. With few jobs in the village, youth are forced to turn to gangs for income and a sense of belonging. With our country’s social and justice systems turning their backs, we aim to make an impact by providing programs to uplift youth in La Democracia and other Belizean villages.

We offer camps, assistantships, and scholarships to Belizean boys and girls to further their studies and give them the opportunity to empower themselves. Our youth participate in regenerative farming projects, wildlife ecology education, and musical/art training. Our goal is to provide an alternative to gang life by teaching kids valuable income-generation skills that reduce human environmental impact and highlight capacity building for themselves and their community.

Choose from our classic cards valued at $25, $50, and $100. Higher amounts are also available. After initiating your donation through https://www.treesociety.org/support/, simply send an email to [email protected], and we'll provide you with a gift card and a personalized letter.

11/01/2023

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our dedicated interns who participated in our internship programs. We hope that you have learned as much from us as we have learned from you. Your involvement in our team has been instrumental in advancing our objective of capacity building, conservation, and research in the Maya Mountains of Belize.

We have had a total of 120 interns, who collectively devoted 24,000 hours to our mission. In the coming weeks, we will be dispatching certificates to commemorate your achievements. If, for any reason, you do not receive your certificate, please do not hesitate to reach out to us via email.

09/06/2023

Prepare yourself for an engaging experience at our upcoming free bird workshops!

Immerse yourself in a series of informative sessions covering conservation, birding techniques, and the utilization of apps such as iNaturalist, eBird, and Seek.

Following these enlightening workshops, we will assist you in creating your accounts and guide you through a brief bird-watching excursion to help you become comfortable with using the apps effectively.

Join us on September 13 at Steadfast at STACA, September 14 at St. Margaret's at Going Coastal, or September 16 at the Hummingbird Community Center.

Each location offers a chance for one participant to join the bird banding workshop.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to enrich your birding journey!

08/16/2023

Ecorana's BioBlitz in Ocean Falls, BC, in collaboration with our esteemed partners, . We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Habitat Stewardship Program for their grant, which allowed this project to be conducted through community involvement and citizen science.

Thank you
for capturing these precious moments.

08/13/2023

Join the Toucan Club - a vibrant community of biologists and nature-lovers dedicated to preserving Belize's natural biodiversity and combating habitat degradation. By becoming a member, you actively support our mission.

For just $25/year, you can contribute to our long-term wildlife monitoring efforts and the promotion of sustainable farming practices in the Selva Maya of Belize.

Upon joining, you'll gain exclusive access to members-only newsletters and our Annual General Meeting. This meeting offers you the opportunity to share your ideas and recommendations for the upcoming year, making your voice an integral part of our efforts.

In addition, as a member, you'll enjoy discounts on the T.R.E.E.S. online shop and our enriching workshops. But that's not all - we'll also plant a tree for every new member who joins.

To learn more about the Toucan Club and how you can make a difference, visit us at: https://friendsofecorana.org/index.php/toucan-club/

08/13/2023

Our NABC banding workshop is back by
popular demand!

Instruction will be primarily field-based in small groups
(max. 4 per trainer), while open air classroom style
discussions will review: the history of bird banding, bird
banding techniques, Pyle, Bird Topography, Molt, and
other pertinent topics. Hosted by the Toucan Ridge
Ecology and Education Society (T.R.E.E.S), located at
the COVID Safe Gold Standard approved T.R.E.E.S
Research Center in the Maya Mountains of Belize.

Experience Level: Any

See www.nabanding.net for Assistant, Ba**er, or
Trainer level certification for requirements. Please note
that the workshop will not provide the experience to
pass the certification; prior banding experience is
necessary.

Dates: Nov 11-15 (Arrive Nov 10 / depart Nov 16) and
Nov 17 - Nov 18 (Arrive Nov 16 / depart Nov 19)

*Optional bird-watching excursion between workshop
and certification for both sessions. (Cost TBD).

$1,050 USD: 5-day workshop only
$450 USD: 2-day certification only
$1,500 USD: 7-day workshop and certification

Includes instruction, all lodging and meals, plus tax at the T.R.E.E.S Research Center and Eco-lodge. In-country return airport transfer provided but at an added cost. NABC certification fees of $35 USD are included. Does not include flights to/from Belize. Participants may register for either the workshop, certification, or both.

Contact us at [email protected] to register