Leon Levy Preserve

The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve

Located in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, the Preserve is operated by the Bahamas National Trust and funded by the Leon Levy Foundation. It was developed by Shelby White, trustee of the Foundation, in honour of her late husband, Leon Levy. The Preserve will be a living part of Bahamian history. It is the first national park on the island of Eleuthera. It is an environmental educational centre as well as a facility for the propagation of native plants and trees.

The Story

The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve is the fulfillment of the vision of longtime residents Leon Levy and Shelby White, who loved the natural environment and way of life on Eleuthera. After Leon Levy’s death in 2003, Shelby White wanted to celebrate her husband’s devotion to the island while contributing to a better future for all Eleutherans.

Working with the Bahamas National Trust, she helped establish a plant preserve where Bahamians and visitors can now walk miles of trails through the native habitat, and view the beautiful orchids, the food and medicinal plants, and the hardwood trees that played an important role in the history of the island.

This 25 acre Preserve has been designed as a research centre for traditional bush medicine; a facility for the propagation of indigenous plants and trees; and an educational centre focusing on the importance of native vegetation to the biodiversity of The Bahamas.