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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!
Our Reefs, Our Future
Saba celebrates World Reef Awareness Day by highlighting its rich marine life and the efforts to protect it. Through programs like YELP, Replay, and Science SEAkers, local youth are learning to dive, study coral reefs, and become ocean stewards. Led by the Saba Conservation Foundation, these initiatives combine education, conservation, and community action to preserve the island’s vibrant reefs for future generations—one splash, one student, and one reef at a time.
Emily
Jun 12 min read
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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
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Celebrating Arbor Day with Trees, Trivia, and Community Spirit
Saba’s Arbor Day celebration went beyond tradition with fun events like Treevia night, a trivia competition spotlighting native trees, and a year-long reforestation campaign distributing over 300 grafted fruit trees. The community also engages through essay contests inspiring youth to protect the environment. Together, these efforts celebrate nature, promote biodiversity, and encourage sustainable growth, showing that on Saba, Arbor Day is truly a team effort—and a year-round
Emily
Apr 263 min read
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Saba’s Commitment to Sustainable Waste Management
Saba celebrates World Recycling Day by showcasing its strong commitment to sustainability. Through waste reduction, community recycling, education, and reuse initiatives like Boomerang and the Red Cross thrift shop, this small Caribbean island proves that even small communities can make a big impact. By promoting a circular economy and eco-conscious culture, Saba sets an example in global efforts to reduce waste and protect the planet.
Emily
Mar 184 min read
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Exploring Saba Through "Hope Spot Stops" – A New Way to Connect, Capture, and Conserve!
Hope Spot Stops is a new citizen science project by Sea & Learn, inviting locals and visitors to snap photos at key sites around Saba to track environmental changes. Using photogrammetry, these images help monitor erosion, climate impact, and ecosystem health. With selfie-friendly stations and future app support, it’s a fun, interactive way to support conservation while exploring the island’s beauty—one photo at a time.
Emily
Mar 33 min read
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A Whale of a Tale
Saba celebrates World Whale Day by highlighting its vital role in marine conservation. The island’s protected waters, including the Yarari Sanctuary, support humpback whales, dolphins, and more during their migrations. Since 1987, Saba has led efforts to protect marine life, helping preserve vital ecosystems. From whale watching to reef diving, Saba inspires stewardship and reminds us why protecting ocean habitats is key to a thriving future for whales and the planet.
Emily
Feb 163 min read
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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
45 views
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World Soil Day: Celebrating More than Dirt!
This World Soil Day, we celebrate soil as a living ecosystem vital to biodiversity and reforestation. On Saba, healthy soil supports trees, prevents erosion, and sustains life. Composting and insects play key roles in soil health. Events like Critter Quest highlight the importance of insects in maintaining vibrant ecosystems. Let's recognize soil's impact and support efforts to protect it.
Emily
Dec 5, 20243 min read
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Critter Quest 2025: Unlocking the Secrets of Saba’s Ecosystems
In early 2025, scientists will launch Critter Quest, a biodiversity study on Saba focused on insects and invertebrates. Coordinated by Sea & Learn, the project includes BioBlitzes and community events to help document species and promote conservation. This initiative aims to establish a baseline for ecosystem health and invites locals and visitors to join in protecting Saba’s unique natural environment.
Emily
Nov 30, 20243 min read
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A Journey of Survival and Hope in the Caribbean
Sea turtles return to Caribbean beaches each year to nest, ensuring the survival of endangered species. While Saba lacks sandy beaches, its protected waters provide a safe haven for juvenile turtles. Thanks to decades of marine conservation, Saba plays a vital role in regional sea turtle health—even without traditional nesting sites.
Emily
Aug 30, 20244 min read
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Diving Into World Ocean Day
Saba celebrated World Ocean Day with a community scuba event, introducing 16 people (including 12 kids) to diving in Saba's harbor. The event raised over $1,200 for youth scuba training and marine education. Inspired by the experience, the goal is to offer more certifications and expand the Youth Environmental Leadership Program (YELP), encouraging kids to explore marine science and conservation. The event fosters ocean stewardship, ensuring future generations protect Saba's
Emily
Jun 11, 20242 min read
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International Biodiversity Day--Cause to Celebrate!
Celebrate International Day of Biodiversity on May 22—Saba style! With the 2024 theme “Be Part of the Plan,” join global efforts to protect nature. From hosting beach cleanups to sharing wildlife photos, every action counts. Saba’s rich biodiversity, from lush forests to marine life on the Saba Bank, deserves a toast (or a beetroot smoothie). Let’s honor our connection to nature and commit to protecting it—for Saba, and for the planet.
Lynn
May 12, 20243 min read
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From Trash to Treasure: Saba's Earth Day Celebration of Waste Management Excellence
Saba celebrates Earth Day with creativity and sustainability, embracing upcycling to combat waste. Residents turn trash into art and decor, while kids craft with coastal debris. Events like Create & Learn 2024 bring locals and tourists together to make sculptures and carnival costumes from reused materials. Traditional artisans also shine, using local resources. With thrift shops and a strong recycling culture, Saba proves that eco-friendly living can be both stylish and impa
Lynn
Apr 22, 20241 min read
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Branching Out: Celebrating World Forest Day
World Forest Day on March 21 celebrates the vital role of forests in biodiversity, climate, and livelihoods. Saba’s diverse forests face threats but ongoing reforestation efforts aim to restore habitats, protect reefs, and boost native species.
Emily
Mar 20, 20242 min read
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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
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Saba Bank sink holes: what lies beneath the surface!
The Saba Bank is home to over 20 massive blue holes—one even deeper than China’s Dragon Hole—making it the site of the world’s deepest sinkholes. These underwater formations host rich biodiversity, preserve climate history, and offer insights into extreme marine ecosystems. Ongoing research, including ROV surveys led by Sea & Learn scientists, invites citizen scientists to explore these mysterious depths and contribute to vital marine conservation efforts.
Lynn
Sep 24, 20233 min read
337 views
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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
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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
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