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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!
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 9, 20252 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The Cat and The Cloud!
Marine scientist Dr. Erica Moulton teamed up with Bastet Brewing to create "Cloud Top," a Saba Spice-inspired craft beer honoring Saba and the Sea & Learn Foundation. After some initial taste-test hiccups, brewers adjusted the recipe, resulting in a unique and well-loved brew. The beer’s story celebrates collaboration, creativity, and the essence of Saba—now available on the island and beyond.
Lynn
Nov 12, 20237 min read
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
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
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