Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve

The Leon Levy preserve covers around a hundred hectares outside Governor's Harbour and was set up as the country's first preserve dedicated to native plants, with a strong focus on bush medicine: the traditional Bahamian use of local species, documented and labelled along the trails. Boardwalks run through wetland and coppice, there is a small visitor centre and a medicinal garden, and the bird list is good. Orchid and fern collections have been built up on site.

The landscape

• The bush medicine garden - native species labelled with their traditional uses.
• The boardwalks - raised walks through wetland and dry coppice.
• The orchid collection - Bahamian native orchids grown at the centre.
• The birds - a strong resident and migrant list along the trails.

When to go

November to April is the dry season and the peak for migrants. Mornings are best for birds and cooler for walking. The preserve closes on Sundays.

Good to know

It is a young preserve and the plantings are still maturing. Two hours covers it comfortably. Interpretation is good but the site is small compared with botanical gardens elsewhere.

Nearby

Governor's Harbour is a short drive away, and the Glass Window Bridge is north.