Reforesting the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil

During the last few months, we have had to face many of the challenges that come with reforesation in the Mata Atlantica. But through the experience, we have learned lots and been able to continue progress despite it all.

Firstly, we did a plantation of 300 trees in the surrounding hills of an area called the Lake house. The steep slopes that surround the area are highly degraded and have been very difficult to reforest given their steepness. This type of topography is very common for the Mata Atlantica - this is why reforestation projects can be very expensive in this area because of the difficulty for reforestation teams to reach it. Through the help of many volunteers, local workers, children from the area, and a visit from undergrads from Harvard University (who did a one day learning journey at SINAL and helped plant), we were able to plant the 300 trees with over 30 species. 

Secondly, we were faced with the challenge of stray animals entering our property. Many neighbors let their horses and cows walk freely without fences - therefore, stray animals arrived on our land. This can be a threat because such animals will eat saplings when they are young and can cause problems for projects like ours. Luckily, we were able to track down the neighbors and explain the situation, and it ended up being positive as we were able to connect with more local ranchers and promote the positive aspects of reforestaion to them - many who know very little about it. 

Finally, a forest fire broke out on SINAL property last week. It started in the pasture lands, which is very common during the dry season, especially in the pastures of the African grass (an invasive species brought by the portugues that has taken over) which grows very tall and is highly flammable. The fire sadly reached part of the forested lands, though luckily our team was able to stop it from reaching the SINAL headquarters and one of the reforesation plots. However, we have decided to take the opportunity to form a local neighborhood fire brigade. The local fire department has trouble reaching the forests around our property therefore we must create our own form to prevent and fight fires. Forest fires are a huge problem in the Mata Atlantica and is essential to find solutions for them.

Thank you to all our donors for supporting our work. It can be a tough job - but every tree is worth it!