Field Stations
The Museum manages two field stations located at Mason River, Clarendon and Green Hills, Portland. Both field stations (FS) are attractive areas and are used by local and international researchers.
Mason River Protected Area, Game Sanctuary and Ramsar Site
Mason River Field Station is known for its unique property as an inland bog that contains rare plant species such as the Venus fly trap. It is also a bird sanctuary attracting a number of rare bird species.
Green Hills, Part of the blue and john crow mountains
Green Hills field station is located in the cloud/mist forests of the hills of Portland part of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. It is extremely rich in bird life with at least 57 resident and migrant species, including 22 of Jamaica’s 30 breeding endemic species.
Mason River and Green Hills Properties
Mason River
The Mason River Protected Area is a diverse ecological site featuring wetlands, grasslands, and a unique mix of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to Jamaica. This area supports vital conservation research and educational programs. The NHMJ actively engages the public here during events like World Wetlands Day, offering guided tours and displays to raise awareness of wetland ecosystems and their importance to biodiversity.
Green Hills
Green Hills, situated in the Blue and John Crow Mountains, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and lush montane forest. This area serves as a living laboratory for researchers and a vital sanctuary for numerous plant and animal species, including rare and endangered species. The NHMJ oversees conservation initiatives and works to protect this habitat from threats such as deforestation and climate change, ensuring the preservation of Jamaica's natural heritage for future generations.
Why It Matters
Jamaica’s ecosystems are some of the most diverse in the Caribbean, housing species that are found
nowhere else on Earth. By safeguarding these treasures, we contribute to global biodiversity conservation efforts and protect the island’s environmental health. Our work supports national conservation strategies and helps raise awareness of the critical issues surrounding climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
Plan Your Visit
The Natural History Museum of Jamaica is open to the public year-round. Whether you’ re a researcher, student, or nature enthusiast, our museum offers something for everyone. Come explore Jamaica’s incredible natural history and discover how we can all play a part in conserving our planet’s biodiversity.