Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve

Waterfall at Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve :: Eleuthera
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Entrance to Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve near Governor's Harbour on Eleuthera Island, Bahamas Eleuthera Native Plant Preserve Trail Map Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve Education Center Native Plant Preserve Pavilion Plant Preserve Trail Sign :: Eleuthera

On a Spring visit to Eleuthera, I had the pleasure of attending the grand opening of the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve in Eleuthera on Banks road south of Governor's Harbour, just north of Pineapple Fields Eleuthera Resort and Tippy's Restaurant. This fascinating Preserve is a “must see” for those visiting the island.

The Preserve was conceived and developed by Shelby White, trustee of the Leon Levy Foundation, in honor of her late husband. The park is a true representation of their love and devotion for Eleuthera and the Bahamas. Operated by the Bahamas National Trust, this 25 acre national park is the first of its kind on Eleuthera and represents many years of planning and construction. The Levy Preserve features 1.25 miles of walking trails where visitors can see medicinal plants, beautiful orchids and hardwood trees that are integral to Eleuthera's botanical history. Attractions include the Epiphyte Trail, the Mangrove Board Walk that leads to a medicinal plant section, the Cacti trail and the Tower Trail that leads to a lookout tower that takes in a fabulous view of the surrounding area and the Atlantic Ocean.

Dr. Ethan Freid - BotanistDuring my visit, I met with the botanist in charge of bringing the preserve to life, Dr. Ethan Freid. Ethan has a Pd.D. in botany and specializes soil ecology and plant science. Ethan is a well traveled man having spent time working on ecological projects in the Caribbean, Central / South America and Africa. A native Californian, Ethan has taught at the College of the Bahamas and currently serves as an advisor to the Bahamas National Trust.

Interview with Dr. Freid >>>