ELEUTHERA, BAHAMAS — The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve (LLNPP), an historic national park managed by the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) on the island of Eleuthera, will celebrate its 10-year anniversary next week Wednesday, March 24.
Founded by Shelby White in honor of her late husband, Leon Levy, the LLNPP is a living part of Bahamian history. It is the fulfillment of the vision of Shelby and Leon, who both loved the natural environment and way of life on Eleuthera. After Leon’s passing in 2003, Shelby wanted to honor her husband and his interest in the preservation of the local bush medicine culture among Eleutherans. As such, through funding from the Leon Levy Foundation, the LLNPP was created. It is the first and only national park on Eleuthera. Located in Governor’s Harbour, the LLNPP spans 30 acres and serves as a research center for traditional bush medicine; a facility for the propagation of indigenous plants and trees; and an educational center focusing on the importance of native vegetation to the biodiversity of The Bahamas.
The LLNPP offers visitors the opportunity to explore trails through wetlands and native coppice where native orchids and broad-leaved hardwoods can be viewed in their natural habitat. Special areas highlight medicinal plants that are used in traditional Bahamian “bush medicine” and plants that are part of our edible history, providing a unique insight into Bahamian culture.
