Welcome to The Scenic Route, the Sea & Learn Foundation blog for those who enjoy a detour...and more!

More what? For starters, so many of the storyboards of the Adopt-A-Box project deserve to have a place to learn more. After all, learning is what we are all about. As the storyboards have an inherent limitation, the QR code leads the viewer to this site in order to get the full story of the storyboard topic or the behind-the-scenes info of why it was chosen or why a sponsor chose it. But it won't just be about Adopt-A-Box...We'll keep you updated--on what projects we are working on, their impact and relevance--or just something we think you may find interesting!

What’s the Buzz About?

Saba is home to diverse bees, including stingless and solitary species, vital for pollination and biodiversity. Bees support forests, food systems, and native plants but face threats from habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. Events like Critter Quest and tools like iNaturalist help locals engage in bee conservation. On World Bee Day, Saba celebrates these essential pollinators and encourages everyone to protect them for future generations.

Emily

May 223 min read

Celebrating National Bird Day: Feathers, Forests, and a Future for Saba

Birds in the Caribbean, including Saba’s red-billed tropicbird and bridled quail-dove, play a vital role in reforestation by dispersing seeds that help regrow forests. These forests act as carbon sinks, aiding in climate change resilience. Birds also serve as indicators of ecosystem health, making their protection essential. Educational Adopt-A-Box storyboards across Saba highlight these incredible species and their importance to the environment.

Emily

Jan 92 min read

Join the Fun! Experience Saba’s Box2Box Scavenger Hunt

The Sea & Learn Foundation's first Box2Box Scavenger Hunt brought Saba’s streets to life with trivia, creativity, and community fun during Culture Week. Teams explored Windwardside and beyond, answering questions, earning points, and sharing their adventures online. With great prizes and a festive finish at Chez Bubba, it was a hit for locals and visitors alike. Ready for the next challenge? Join the fun and discover Saba in a whole new way!

Emily

Dec 12, 20242 min read

More In Depth with NEPP

Sea & Learn Foundation is launching hands-on, eco-themed activities in 2024 as part of the Nature and Environment Policy Plan. From composting and gardening to youth science projects, the initiatives aim to engage the whole Saba community—especially kids—with fun, educational experiences that promote sustainability and environmental awareness.

Emily

Feb 4, 20242 min read

A Funny Looking Flounder? No! Octo-Genius!

In 2005, Saba surprised the marine world with the discovery of a mimic octopus, Macrotritopus defilippi, previously thought to mimic only in the South Pacific. Found during a dive with expert Dr. Roger Hanlon, the octopus mimicked a flounder across sand flats. This discovery was part of early Sea & Learn projects, which also included cave exploration, youth programs, and reef studies. Saba's muck diving continues to reveal rare marine life in unexpected places.

Lynn

Sep 9, 20234 min read

Saba's First Citizen Scientist?

Saba's citizen scientist set up a Red-billed tropicbird research area and documented population and habits of this not easily accessed bird.

Lynn

Aug 27, 20232 min read

I Know A Geomorphologist!

Dr. Jennifer Rahn, geomorphologist and longtime friend of Saba, unveiled a storyboard on how the island was formed. A former Sea Saba dive pro turned professor at Samford University, Jen has shared her geological knowledge at Sea & Learn for years, leading research and student programs focused on Saba’s unique landscape. From mapping dive sites to expanding trails, Jen is part of the island’s story—on land, undersea, and in the classroom. Want to meet a real geomorphologist?

Lynn

Aug 13, 20233 min read

Women Inspiring Women

Debbie and Terri were among the first to adopt a storyboard in Sea & Learn’s Adopt-A-Box project, unveiling it with their ribbon-cutting for Boomerang—Saba’s first circular shop. Their storyboard celebrates three historic Saban women whose creativity and resourcefulness reflect Boomerang’s mission. Housed in the historic Pete’s Cottage, the shop offers upcycled items and reusable materials, promoting sustainability with a nod to Saba’s long-standing culture of reuse.

Lynn

Jul 30, 20232 min read

From Orphan to Founding Father

In 2022, history buff Graydon Kelch helped Sea & Learn create storyboards, including one on Alexander Hamilton. Tied to nearby Statia and possibly Saba through family roots, Hamilton’s inspiring story became part of the Adopt-A-Box project—connecting local heritage to global history.

Lynn

Jun 15, 20233 min read