Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve

The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, a 30-acre botanical garden, is the first national park on the island of Eleuthera, The Bahamas.
(Top Left) Bahamians exploring forest; (Bottom Left) Ethan's Tower at the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve; (Center) Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve Freshwater Wetland - Photos by Elijah Sands, Bahamas National Trust
Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve Freshwater Wetland - Photos by Elijah Sands, Bahamas National Trust
We face the tragic, rapid and avoidable loss of biodiversity and natural habitats in almost every country, so much so that it is often hard to remain optimistic about the future. From time to time, however, new projects, led by visionaries, come along that lift our spirits, achieve magnificence and restore our optimism. The Levy Preserve is one such special project.
Peter Wyse Jackson, PhD

President Emeriti, Missouri Botanical Garden

Chair, Global Partnership for Plan Conservation

The Foundation developed the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve in partnership with the Bahamas National Trust, inspired by Shelby White and Leon Levy’s love of The Bahamas and deep appreciation of the natural environment. The BNT operates the 30-acre property which is the first national park on the island of Eleuthera.

Since opening its gates in 2011, the Preserve raises awareness of Bahamian plant diversity and bush medicine, propagates native and endemic plants and trees, and serves as a center for environmental education and plant taxonomic training. It is a resource for Bahamians and a top attraction for visitors to Eleuthera.

In 2019, the Preserve became the first institution in The Bahamas to be designated an accredited botanic garden by Botanic Gardens Conservation International. The Preserve works closely with BGCI to support and strengthen botanic gardens throughout the Caribbean and Central America.