Belize
FFI in Belize
The Diane M. Seagren Rainforest Academy and Dos Amigos: two homes for learning, local partnerships and environmental leadership in southern Belize.
Boom Creek and Yemeri Grove
Two places with a shared purpose.
In Belize’s Toledo District, FFI’s two sites connect young people, alumni and visiting groups with local schools, community partners and the natural world. Each brings something different to the work.
Boom Creek
Diane M. Seagren Rainforest Academy.
In 2018, longtime supporter Leonard Seagren gifted FFI 30 acres of rainforest in southern Belize. That gift created the foundation for a Central American home for environmental leadership, community learning and alumni involvement.
The Academy is an off grid site. Its land and existing facilities provide opportunities to learn about the rainforest, work on practical projects and develop the campus with local knowledge guiding the way.
Yemeri Grove
Dos Amigos: a new chapter.
In 2025, the Louisiana nonprofit Dos Amigos gifted FFI its former clinic building and dormitory near Punta Gorda. The gift adds a second base for leadership programmes, service learning and cultural exchange.
Connected to the electricity grid and established transport routes, the site complements the rainforest campus. We are developing its use with community partners and exploring further improvements, including solar power.
Environmental leadership
Learn with the people who know this place.
Rainforest ecology, food, conservation and community life are connected here. Local partners and guides bring knowledge that helps visiting groups understand the land and their responsibilities within it.
As the campuses develop, we aim to protect the natural landscape and work with the local workforce. Environmental learning is part of the programme and part of how we care for the places themselves.
Visit Belize
Build an experience with us.
Contact us about study abroad, nonprofit programmes, alumni visits or a retreat for your organisation. We work with partners to bring together cultural learning, community engagement and exploration.
Tell us who is coming, what you hope to learn and your preferred dates. We will discuss the right site, accommodation and arrangements for your group.
Campus projects and ways to support
Help the Belize campuses grow
Help develop the Belize campuses
Campus improvements include renovating accommodation, strengthening programme spaces and supporting the infrastructure that makes longer stays possible. Work with us on a project or introduce a partner who can help.
Projects from our campus wish list
The published Rainforest Academy wish list includes a well and cistern, a staff and guest bungalow, kayaks and a garden area. Contact us for current priorities, costs and opportunities before directing a gift or purchasing equipment.
Belize · Spring 2026
From participants to facilitators.
In spring 2026, returning FFI alumni worked with students from TCC, TCA and Boom Creek schools. Relationships with local educators and support from Copal Tree Lodge helped the work grow. After the workshops, principals asked FFI to return.
Continue the story