Category: Creating Mini Bio-Mimicked Forest Patches

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A Butterfly-Foundation Legacy: 1,000 Indigenous Trees Bringing a Community Together at Ecolution Festival 2025

1,000 Indigenous Trees Butterfly Foundation Ecolution Festival 2025

The Wellbeing Wildlife Sanctuary in Karatara was the magical setting for the annual Ecolution Festival that took place from 3-6 October 2025. This wasn’t just a weekend of camping, music and educational workshops, but was also a hands-on, multi-generational effort to rehabilitate disturbed sections of the property to support the passage of wildlife and improve biodiversity. 

The festival was hosted by Dion Viljoen and Mariette Carstens in collaboration with Precious Tree Project, represented by our very own Ray. The Ecolution Team put on another highly enjoyable weekend where attendees showed up as co-creators in this important rehabilitation effort for the wildlife corridors running through Wellbeing Sanctuary. These natural pathways are essential for the movement and survival of local animal populations, and the festival has given them a significant boost since its launch in 2024!  

The tireless work of the Ecolution Team ensured that the event ran smoothly and that the environmental restoration goals remained front and centre of the festivities. This was evident in what was the ambitious and most impactful part of the weekend  –  the monumental task of planting this new forest pocket  – where festival goers, from toddlers to elders, came together to put 1,000 indigenous trees into the ground! An impressive range of over 30 different locally indigenous tree species were thrown in the forest mix. This incredible planting effort, preceded by the clearing efforts undertaken prior to the festival, was made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Butterfly Foundation. Thank you!
Butterfly Foundation | Creating a positive impact, one traveler at a time

Beyond the planting, attendees enjoyed a vibrant agenda of eco-conscious activities designed to inspire and educate. The program featured a range of talks by guest speakers and engaging workshops, offering practical skills and deep insights into environmental stewardship. Other activities also included eco-conscious performances, earth crafts, live music, dancing, yoga, drumming, and a green marketplace – something for all ages to enjoy. 

The energy and commitment displayed at the Wellbeing Wildlife Sanctuary was a joyful, communal celebration. By planting, learning, and connecting, the participants of the Ecolution Festival 2025 have laid down deep roots for a greener, wilder future for Wellbeing Sanctuary.  

Thank you to everyone who joined in and made this difference! Hope to see you all there next year!

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A Gift to our Wildlife

git to wildlife eastbrook wlc precious tree project

In another rehabilitation effort to offer up land in our wildlife corridors back to nature, we started with the usual clearing out of alien invasive species on a patch of land in our Eastbrook Wildlife Corridor. This was done to prepare the area for the next mini-forest pocket of indigenous trees to be planted while also making room for the local flora to pop and thrive in between the newly planted trees. The methodical clearing out of aliens is the challenging yet necessary part of the process but is always an opportunity to create jobs for the locals, especially here in the Garden Route where the economy is a strongly tourist-driven one with jobs more often than not, seasonal.

And then there is our volunteer group of Very Important Planters who regularly enthusiastically jump in to assist with the “fun” part: planting the mini-forest pocket! This tiny patch of green stands as a gift to wildlife patrolling the corridor in the future – thanks to all the amazing sponsors who donated trees on behalf of another! Your gift is a gift to our wildlife!

Want to plant a tree in honour of someone special?
We have selected 11 of our favourite endemic forest tree species from which you can choose in honour or celebration of a loved one. Click here to Gift a Tree

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Another Collective Effort to Rehabilitate the Wilderness Heights Wildlife Corridor

A large area of alien invasive species has been cleared over the past few weeks to allow for natural regrowth as well as for the next mini-forest pocket of indigenous trees to assist the reforestation process. The process is not always as simple as it looks: the biomass from the clearing process has been carefully sorted into usable wood piles, ready to be recycled for firewood or, as in the case of smaller, broken pieces have been left on the ground to naturally biodegrade – enriching the soil, providing valuable mulch and acting as a protective floor cover to reduce evaporation levels in high temperatures.

A number of the ringbarked invasive trees have been intentionally left behind. These standing dying trees provide shade for the existing indigenous trees that will now naturally pop up where as the invasive species have been removed. They will also offer welcome shade for the newly planted forest pocket as it establishes itself..

The success of previous planting initiatives is already evident as we witnessed large Yellowwoods, proudly displaying growth since they were planted a year ago! These majestic trees serve as a powerful reminder of the long-term impact of our dedicated efforts, and offer a glimpse into the lush future of the Wilderness Heights Wildlife Corridor (WHWLC).

This inspiring work in the WHWLC highlights the power of collective involvement in conservation. The energy and dedication of our VIPs (very important planters) are truly making a difference, one mini forest pocket at a time. Stay tuned for more updates on the progress of this important wildlife corridor.

Thank you Garden Route Biosphere Reserve and FeedmeGreen for making this mini-forest pocket possible!

Check out the video below.

If you would like to Gift a Tree in honour/celebration of a loved one click here, or Sponsor Trees to support our assisted reforestation and socio-eco regeneration efforts in the Garden Route click here.

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“Trees in the ground are like the candles on a birthday cake” 

Today, we brought more life and greenery to Eastbrook Wildlife Corridor in a “pocket space” previously cleared by the landowner, single pockets of rehabilitation at a time, thoughtfully cleared beforehand for our planting efforts.

This particular planting session was extra special as our focus was both planting out a new bio-mimicked forest pocket in the corridor on behalf of all our individual sponsors while celebrating our Chair’s 57th birthday.

We took the opportunity to combine the planting session with a lovely birthday celebration for Ray right by the river’s edge running through the corridor.

It was a beautiful convergence of community, nature, and celebration!

If you would like to Gift a Tree in honour/celebration of a loved one click here, or Sponsor Trees to support our assisted reforestation and socio-eco regeneration efforts in the Garden Route click here.

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Planting Hope and Honoring Life in Libertas Wildlife Corridor

Planting Hope and Honoring Life in Libertas Wildlife Corridor Precious Tree Project

Our small volunteer team who pitched up to plant out another small forest pocket of endemic trees at Libertas – sponsored by Rock the Route and Pangea Trails – made a big impact today.

Adding a deeply personal touch to the forest pocket, the landowner and guardian of the corridor running though her property, planted an additional tree in honour of a young woman who tragically passed away this same week, a deeply cherished member of the landowner’s son’s family. Planting hope and honouring life!

Huge thanks, as always, to Rock the Route and Pangea Trails for their ongoing partnership and being forerunners in regenerative tourism in the Garden Route in their recognition of the need to invest in the greater Wilderness area!

And to the family, we extend our deepest sympathies; may this tree stand as a symbol of enduring love and a source of comfort.

Every tree we plant strengthens the ecosystem, and oftentimes they also serve as beautiful, living memorials, connecting nature’s renewal with heartfelt remembrance.

If you would like to Gift a Tree in honour/celebration of a loved one click here, or Sponsor Trees to support our assisted reforestation and socio-eco regeneration efforts in the Garden Route click here.

www.rocktheroute.co.za
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www.pangeatrails.com
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Restoring Nature’s Wildlife Pathways in Karatara

Restoring Nature's Wildlife Pathways in Karatara Precious Tree Project

We’re thrilled to share an exciting new chapter for the Precious Tree Project! We’ve begun working with a dedicated group of landowners in Karatara, nestled in the heart of the Garden Route. Among them is Mariette Carstens of Wellbeing Sanctuary, a passionate advocate for environmental restoration who is deeply invested in revitalising her property.

Mariette and her team are on a mission to transform their land; focusing on eradicating alien vegetation, reforesting areas that once thrived with indigenous trees, and crucially, creating and establishing vital wildlife corridors. The ultimate goal is the comprehensive rehabilitation of the property, restoring its natural balance and biodiversity.

The Precious Tree Project is excited to collaborate with them on this journey of identifying and rehabilitating existing and potential wildlife corridors that weave through their land. These natural pathways are essential for the movement and survival of local wildlife, connecting fragmented habitats and promoting genetic diversity.

This collaboration in Karatara marks the initial stages of a broader vision: to engage neighbouring landowners in these vital conservation efforts to establish a network of restored land, all working together to create a thriving ecosystem.

Finding the funding for clearing and restoring can be a challenge, Mariette and her team are incredibly resourceful. They’re exploring creative ways to fund their conservation efforts, including exciting initiatives like the upcoming ECOLUTION FESTIVAL in October. This unique festival is more than music and good vibes — it’s a hands-on journey into ecological connection and environmental action. Click here for more info and tickets!

We’re also very grateful for the donor support that has already made a tangible difference. A beautiful mini endemic forest pocket was recently planted on the property, sponsored by the participants of the Beach Team Volleyball Challenge (December 2024) held on the Main Wilderness Beach to raise funds for us. It’s inspiring to see how community events can directly contribute to environmental restoration.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this important work in Karatara, nurturing nature’s pathways and fostering biodiversity and a healthier & connected environment for all.

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More Trees Take Root Thanks to Rock the Route / PANGEA Trails

We recently had an incredible tree planting day at Libertas Wildlife Corridor, getting 66 new trees into the ground, all thanks to the amazing sponsorship from Rock the Route / PANGEA Trails.

The day was made even more special by the incredible people who joined us. We had the landowner herself on site, a true champion who has been diligently clearing and maintaining alien vegetation off her property. Her dedication to restoring the natural ecosystem is truly inspiring. We were also joined by her neighbor, who brought his children along to help. This family is actively collaborating with us at a ground level to facilitate the expansion of this vital wildlife corridor in the region. It’s truly a community effort!

Every tree planted brings us closer to our goal of restoring and expanding crucial wildlife corridors, providing essential habitats for local biodiversity. A huge thank you to Rock the Route / PANGEA Trails for their generous support, and to all the incredible individuals who dedicate their time and effort to making these planting days a success.

Ready for an adventure that gives back?

Check out Rock the Route / PANGEA Trails and know that your epic journey will also help plant a tree!

This fantastic collaboration means that for every person who signs up for one of Rock the Route’s extreme adventures, a tree is sponsored with the Precious Tree Project. It’s a brilliant way to combine thrilling experiences with tangible environmental impact!

Tours & Day Trips in the Garden Route and South Africa – Rock the Route

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Mini-Forest Magic in the Shamboh Wildlife Corridor

Mini-Forest Magic in the Shamboh Wildlife Corridor - Precious Tree Project

Shamboh WLC expands its biodiversity footprint with another successful mini-forest pocket planting! This latest addition to the forest biome was made possible through the combined contributions of Mines Rescue, who sponsored half the trees, and the wonderful individuals who support us through our Gift a Tree platform in honour of a loved one.

The groundwork for this mini-forest was pre-prepared by the landowner, who diligently thinned the area and cleared it of invasive species. Larger alien trees trees were methodically ringbarked and will be removed in due course, since they provide shade for the newly planted saplings.

Following our established best practices, the new trees within this forest pocket have been planted in close proximity to one another. This method facilitates the development of intricate underground networks, allowing the trees to communicate and support each other as they grow and establish a resilient ecosystem.

Though the planting itself was uncomplicated, the creation of this mini-forest at Shamboh WLC – powered by the generosity of our community – represents a significant step towards a richer and more biodiverse environment.

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A Tapestry of Remembrance: Planting Seeds of Love in Eastbrook

planting seeds of love eastbrook wildlife corridor precious tree project

The year 2023 etched itself onto our hearts with both sorrow and the quiet promise of renewal. For many, it was a year marked by personal loss, a time when the absence of loved ones left an undeniable void. It was in this spirit of remembrance that The Precious Tree Project embarked on a deeply meaningful activity: planting mini memorial forest pockets, living tributes dedicated to those who have passed on.

This particular planting session held a unique poignancy as we gathered at Eastbrook Wildlife Corridor to create two such pockets, side by side. These verdant spaces were lovingly dedicated to two cherished individuals: David Oldfield and Carol George. Each tree that took root in this shared earth was sponsored by the family and friends of David and Carol, a testament to the enduring impact they had on the lives they touched.

The atmosphere was one of quiet reflection interwoven with a gentle sense of community. Many who held David dear came to participate in the planting, their presence a comforting embrace of shared memories. While no one present had the privilege of knowing Carol George personally, her pocket was intentionally placed beside David’s, creating a shared space of remembrance. We held a ceremony for her too, acknowledging the life that was and the love that surrounded her.

Throughout the process, the air was filled with the gentle rhythm of song and the grounding beat of drums, a harmonious blend of remembrance and the vibrant energy of new life taking hold. Thereafter a meal was shared by all who attended this special gathering.

The groundwork for these pockets was laid by Chrissy, the landowner of Eastbrook WLC, who diligently cleared the chosen space that is free of alien invasive species, and prepared the earth to receive these native trees. This act of stewardship underscores the collaborative spirit of the project, where landowners play a vital role in creating spaces for these mini forests to flourish.

These two pockets at Eastbrook stand as more than just collections of trees. They are palpable expressions of love, remembrance, and connection. They are spaces where memories can breathe, where the rustling leaves whisper stories, and where the cycle of life continues, honoring those who are no longer with us in their physical form. The Precious Tree Project team is humbled to facilitate these acts of enduring love, one tree, one forest pocket, one memory at a time.

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SMEC George Celebrates Anniversary with Environmental Action

The SMEC team in George took team building to a whole new level – one that involved getting their hands dirty and connecting with the beautiful natural environment around them. Facilitated by Melissa Dalton, PTP Administrator and Public Officer, the session was perfectly timed to coincide with Arbour Month (September), adding a meaningful layer of environmental awareness to their team bonding experience.

The session kicked off with an insightful look into the importance of the fynbos and forest biomes that are so vital to our region. Melissa highlighted their significance for biodiversity, the challenges they face, and the crucial connection we all share with the natural world. It was a valuable reminder of the rich ecological tapestry that surrounds us here in the Garden Route, Western Cape.

Adding a tangible element to their commitment, SMEC, an international business with offices in George, sponsored 10 trees in celebration of their 10 years in business. This gesture not only contributes to the local environment but also provides a fantastic opportunity for the team to get involved directly.

For some, it was a brand new experience – the feel of soil between their fingers, the weight of a young sapling. By the end of the planting session, a happy and fulfilled group stood back to admire their handiwork, a testament to the power of shared experience and a connection with nature.

It’s inspiring to see an international company like SMEC embrace local environmental initiatives, fostering both team spirit and a deeper understanding of our precious natural heritage. This tree-planting activity was undoubtedly a memorable and impactful experience for the SMEC team in George, proving that growth and connection can happen in more ways than one.

Well done, team SMEC!

Click here if you would like to Gift A Tree!