Heris Nature Park

Heris is situated 6 miles from the Capital,Belmopan, and 4 miles from Guanacaste National Park, (noted for its mature riparian forests). It was established in 1993 by conservationist L.I.Simon, who noted an insidious increase in pressure on pristine forested areas of the Cayo District, Belize. Unchecked gathering of orchids, bromiliads, palm trees, palm leaves and hardwood trees was affecting priv

ate land as well as National Protected Areas. It was the hope of this biologist that HERIS could become a model for the sustainable use of forested areas and protection of the rich biodiversity, without halting income generation. L.I.Simon, also the landscape architect of the park, has developed a simple technique of growing the garden from the top downward, Therefore, with the help of her brother Ernest ‘Boya’ Simon, initial clearing was accomplished with preservation of mature plant specimen throughout the park. The result is an interesting mix of older trees and newer plantings of indegenous shrubs and vines. This is most evident in the Woods Garden which can be enjoyed from a meandering path across lawns of native zoysia grass. The park plan has also kept intact, stands of the moist tropical forest in which HERIS was developed. Consequently, the visitor can bridge these portions of secondary forests as they enjoy the gardens; and may see an occasional resident mammal at the edge of the forest and a host of butterflies and birds. This is the main reason for the design of alternating woods and gardens throughout the park.