Gardenia, Belize

Gardenia
Gardenia
Coordinates: 17°40′23″N 88°25′05″W / 17.67306°N 88.41806°WCoordinates: 17°40′23″N 88°25′05″W / 17.67306°N 88.41806°W
Country  Belize
District Belize
Constituency Belize Rural North
Government
 • Type Village Council
Elevation 14 m (46 ft)
Population
 • Total 350
Time zone Central (UTC-6)
Climate Am
Website www.gardeniavillage.com

Gardenia is a village in Belize District, Belize located about 20 miles (32 km) north of Belize City.

Geography

Gardenia is located at 17°40′23″N 88°25′05″W / 17.67306°N 88.41806°W (17.673, -88.418), between Sandhill and Biscayne villages.

Gardenia stretches from mile 20 to 23 on the Northern Highway and includes the Grace Bank Community for administrative purposes. The village of May Pen, one of the Belize River Valley Communities, is accessed by land via a detour from Gardenia. In terms of waterways, the Belize River passes through Grace Bank, while the Mexico Creek/Lagoon flows through huge culverts across the Northern Highway and empties into the river at Grace Bank. The village is 13.92 meters or 45.669 feet above sea level.

History of Gardenia

In 1985, a group of senior women decided to form a Women's group. After approaching the Ministry of Rural Development with their idea, Mrs. Ann Olivera and her Associates decided on the name “Gardenia” for the village.

With the current population of 350, residents primarily focus on farming. They commute to other urban centers for employment and education, taking elementary education in the nearby Sandhill and Biscayne villages.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Gardenia is part of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary for birds and other endangered species.

References