# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Signature Speaker Series: Science Talk: Heather Barrett: Birds, Chocolate, Forests
- **Event Start and End Date**: Tue, 13 Oct, 2026 at 07:00 pm (-04:00)
- **Event Description**: October 13, 2026: Science Talk 

Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/43026618/signature-speaker-seriesscience-talkheather-barrettbirdschocolateforests-waynesboro-wayne-theatre?language=en&country=US&searchType=venue

"Birds, Chocolate, Forests: 
How Discoveries in the Rainforests of Southern Belize
Sparked a Conservation Bridge to Virginia"

Guest Speaker: Heather Barrett,
Deputy Director of Belize Foundation for Research Environmental Education (BFREE)
 
Topic: The Belize Foundation for Research & Environmental Education (BFREE) Privately Protected Area and Biological Field Station lies at the foothills of the Maya Mountains in southern Belize, adjacent to the Bladen Nature Reserve: one of the world’s most intact tropical wilderness areas. For over 30 years, the field station has supported scientific research, environmental education, and conservation in this extraordinary landscape. This presentation follows two remarkable discoveries: a rare bird and a rare tree, which launched complementary, long-term research andconservation programs.
 
The rediscovery of the Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja), a species thought to have been extirpated from Belize for more than 60 years, led to an avian research program that documented the species while generating critical data on Neotropical migratory bird movements along the Eastern Flyway. The program mapped geographic lifelines connecting Belize’s tropical wintering grounds with North American breeding corridors, including migratory hubs such as Waynesboro, Virginia.
 
The identification of an heirloom variety of Criollo cacao (Theobroma cacao), an exceptionally rare cultural and biological resource, inspired BFREE staff to establish experimental cacao agroforests to investigate whether cultivated forest systems could provide habitat and foraging opportunities for migratory birds facing rapid habitat loss across the flyway. The work explored how cacao production might support local livelihoods while maintaining ecological connections within the forest landscape.
 
Together, the stories of the Harpy eagle and Criollo cacao demonstrate how global partnerships, local capacity building, sustainable livelihoods, and flyway-scale conservation can protect forests and the species and communities that depend on them.
 
Speaker: Heather Barrett is the Deputy Director of Belize Foundation for Research & Environmental Education (BFREE) whose mission is to conserve the biodiversity and cultural heritage of Belize. Over the fifteen years Heather has worked with BFREE, her role has evolved and she currently helps lead the organization while splitting her time between western NC and Belize. Heather is passionate about education and manages all BFREE’s educational programs. Much of her energy is dedicated to empowering future conservation leaders through work training, outreach and professional development opportunities.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/waynesboro/signature-speaker-series-science-talk-heather-barrett-birds-chocolate-forests/200030745776735
- **Event Categories**: science-fair, Workshops, Art, Theatre
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 0

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Waynesboro
- **state**: VA
- **country**: United States
- **location**: 521 Main St, Waynesboro, VA, United States, Virginia 22980
- **lat**: 38.06884
- **long**: -78.89022
- **full address**: 521 Main St, Waynesboro, VA, United States, Virginia 22980

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Signature Speaker Series: Science Talk: Heather Barrett: Birds, Chocolate, Forests
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events8/banners/fb0032d0e94c33c8f580f9ec67e7e6e65fc7be79ab421bf834d844f98e1082ee-rimg-w1200-h675-dca87858-gmir?v=1790554954

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Signature Speaker Series: Science Talk: Heather Barrett: Birds, Chocolate, Forests being held?
  - **A:** Signature Speaker Series: Science Talk: Heather Barrett: Birds, Chocolate, Forests takes place on Tue, 13 Oct, 2026 at 07:00 pm to Tue, 13 Oct, 2026 at 07:00 pm at 521 Main St, Waynesboro, VA, United States, Virginia 22980.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Signature Speaker Series: Science Talk: Heather Barrett: Birds, Chocolate, Forests?
  - **A:** Signature Speaker Series: Science Talk: Heather Barrett: Birds, Chocolate, Forests is organized by Wayne Theatre.
- **Q**: What has been the experience of attendees at Wayne Theatre's events?
  - **A:** Attendees have given Wayne Theatre a rating of 5/5 based on reviews from early attendees on AllEvents. Wayne Theatre has a verified profile on AllEvents where you can read reviews and explore their upcoming events.

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