A Big Step in Recovering the Dry Forest

The EcoSwell team at the reforestation site. Photo taken by one of our interns Dion Shattuck

This week was a very exciting one for EcoSwell and the community of Lobitos, as we took the next step in our reforestation project and planted 200 trees over the course of 2 days of planting! A lot of time and planning went into these reforestation days, we talked about some of the preparations in one of lasts week’s Steemit posts, you can read that here.

A newly planted Algarrobo. Taken by Dion Shattuck.

Various species of trees were planted this week, including algarrobo, palo negro, overo, charán, cleome, faique, and neptunia; all of which are native to the dry forest. These plants will not only beautify the area, they also will be able to provide a habitat for native animals. The Peruvian Plantcutter (phytotoma raimondii) is a songbird native to the dry forest, and is on the verge of extinction due to deforestation. As these new trees grow bigger the will be become the perfect place for the Peruvian Plantcutter, and other species to thrive.

A group of volunteers making mesh protection for the new plants. Photo taken by Henry Espinoza.

Planting 200 trees is no small task, and we could not have done it without the help of the community. We invited all of Lobitos to come out for the 2 planting days and help us with digging holes, planting, and building protection for the newly planted trees. We received help from members of the community, kids from the local school, and even some people who are in Lobitos as tourists or volunteers with other organizations.

Moringa, a traveler, and Ellen, a neighbor, working together on a plant. Photo taken by Henry Espinoza.

This reforestation project will benefit the environment, but it will also benefit the community. As these trees grow bigger, the once empty and deserted area of land will turn into a beautiful forest, full of plants native to northern Peru. These planting days were an opportunity for the people to engage with the environment, and be a part of planting trees that will someday grow into an incredible forest. We are so grateful to everyone who came to be a part of our reforestation days!

A group photo at one of our reforestation days, including theEcoSwell team and some volunteers. Photo taken by Henry Espinoza.

@EcoSwell is a for-impact, sustainable development organization based in Lobitos, Peru. Since 2014, we have been working everyday to help coastal communities thrive in unison with nature. All the revenue generated from our SteemIt posts go directly back into our projects. If you would like to learn more, please visit our Facebook, website, and follow us on SteemIt!