Runaway Creek Nature Reserve Impact Report 2023

Runaway Creek is a 6,000-acre rainforest reserve of immeasurable ecological value owned and managed by The Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

A PROJECT OF THE FOUNDATION FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

 Our Mission:

To preserve and protect endangered species and their unique Belizean habitat while educating locals and visitors about the importance of conserving these incredibly valuable natural resources.

The Board

  • Cindy Law
  • Dani Hume
  • Lillian Boese
  • Sherri Mowery Perrigo
  • Kevin Law
  • Wendy Welch

The Staff

  • Wilber Martinez, PHD
  • Reynold Cal
  • Kayla Hartwell, PHD
  • Liberato Pop

2023 STRATEGIC HIGHLIGHTS

HOWLER MONKEYS

3 Groups of howler monkeys were successfully reintroduced to RCNR after their disappearance following a hurricane in 2010.

1st Baby was born!

MOTUS BIRD TRACKING

95 Birds banded

Runaway Creek is a partner in deploying state-of-the-art bird tagging called Motus. Tiny transmitters are attached to the birds. Several birds have pinged in Texas and as far away as Canada! The data collected is crucial in identifying migratory paths and critical habitats for birds navigating this changing world.

200+ CHILDREN EDUCATED

Environmental Education

We teach conservation to children in local villages as part of our mission to teach the importance of protecting their environment. Students go to the reserve to experience nature firsthand and observe bird banding. We have started bird clubs in two villages, and the kids are becoming very proficient with their binoculars and creative with related art projects.

40 TOTAL PHOTOS & 15 JAGUARS PHOTOGRAPHED

20 Trail Cameras

Field cameras regularly capture photos of jaguars on RCNR.  It provides proof that our work to protect their habitat makes a real impact.  A recent image featured a mom with two cubs.

17 BIG CAVES DISCOVERED & DOCUMENTED, & 40 SMALL CAVES

New caves are being discovered on the property, some uncovered by Hurricane Iris last year. More pottery pieces found undisturbed inside have reinforced the knowledge that RCNR was a vital ritual site for ancient Mayans.

  • 1,600+ Volunteer hours
  • 55 Independent donors
  • 7 Scientists & Researchers
  • The studies (cave archaeology, large cat studies, bird banding & tracking– just to name a few)
  • & countless visitors

People from around the world have visited the property and continue to spread the word about the importance of our work.

LOOKING FORWARD 2024

With your continuing support in the coming year we are working towards the following goals:

  • Expansion of Environmental Education for children in villages including formation of birdwatching clubs to interact and share data with our team
  • Continued bird tracking and research to provide ongoing data to Motus and MoSi – international research projects on migratory birds
  • Expansion of our tapir research project at Runaway Creek led by our Director, Dr. Wilber Martinez
  • Continue monitoring and tracking of re-introduced howler monkeys to ensure their safety and health
  • Facilitating multiple small group tours to Runaway Creek, providing both education and revenue from visitor fees
  • Expand our outreach to academic researchers worldwide to partner on further archaeological discoveries and interpretation of our Mayan ritual sites

“A big thank you to supporters of the Foundation for Wildlife Conservation and our work at Runaway Creek Nature Reserve.  I want to encourage everyone to join our ongoing conservation efforts in the Belizean rainforest.  We are truly making a measurable and impactful difference!”   – Cindy

Thank you so much for your support!