Tag: tree planting

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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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Ecolution Festival at Well-Being Sanctuary: 3-6 October 2025

ecolution festival 2025

Date: 3-6 October 2025
Place: Well-Being Sanctuary, GardenRoute

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD

Welcome to the second edition of ECOLUTION FESTIVAL!

Hosted at Well-Being Sanctuary in collaboration with Precious Tree Project and the Kula Malaika Foundation – both are registered Non-Profit and Public Benefit Organisations (NPOs & PBOs) – this event is about more than just trees. It’s about restoring ecosystems and creating a permanent, sustainable wildlife corridor in the Ruigtevlei area near Sedgefield.

At ECOLUTION we celebrate nature, sustainability, and community! This unique festival is more than music and good vibes — it’s a hands-on journey into ecological connection and environmental action. At the heart of ECOLUTION are three guiding pillars:

1. WILDLIFE CORRIDORS
These natural pathways reconnect fragmented habitats, allowing animals to roam, forage, and thrive. Through talks, exhibits, and workshops, you’ll learn how habitat fragmentation affects biodiversity and how individuals and landowners can help restore these vital lifelines.

2. FOREST REHABILITATION
Join tree and fynbos planting ceremonies, clear alien species, and experience guided forest walks that reveal nature’s power to heal. This is your chance to actively restore ecosystems, combat climate change, and create thriving habitats for wildlife.

3. PERMACULTURE PRINCIPLES
Explore sustainable living through hands-on workshops in regenerative farming, natural building, vermicomposting (worm farming), water harvesting, agroforestry, and more. Learn how to live in harmony with nature while supporting food security and resilient communities.

MORE TO EXPERIENCE
Enjoy eco-conscious performances, recycled art installations, and a green marketplace featuring local, sustainable products. Whether you’re deeply rooted in environmental work or just starting your journey, ECOLUTION invites you to connect, learn, and co-create a greener future.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Donate a Tree (or More!)
For just R100 per sapling, you can contribute to our reforesting effort. Donate via www.precioustreeproject.org.za by clicking “Make a Donation” and specifying Ecolution Festival in the ‘Leave an Appreciation’ section.
OR
Also join us at the Festival!
Support the cause by buying a ticket to an unforgettable, four day family-friendly event at the start of the October school holidays. Expect live music, immersive workshops, glamping specials, and so much more!

GET INVOLVED
Want to contribute your skills or time? Apply to volunteer or fundraise and be part of
our growing community. Go here to apply.

TICKETS

Ticket price includes free camping (bring your own tent), drinking water, firewood and entertainment. It also incorporates the purchase of an endemic indigenous tree. Provide your own food or purchase your meals from the food stalls. To purchase your ticket(s), click on the link that follows below. Please note: Children aged 1 to 6 years enter for free.

EARLY BIRD ADULTS R590
EARLY BIRD KIDS R190
Limited number available from now until 30 June

STANDARD ADULTS R790
STANDARD KIDS R290
Available until 5 October

FAMILY SPECIAL R1,560
2 Adults plus 2 Kids
Available from 1 July to 5 October

Buy Your Tickets Here!

GLAMPING

Special offer price for festival does not include your entry ticket. Each tent is equipped to a standard commensurate with the price you are paying. For more details on the creature comforts of each specification, please contact Mariette Carstens directly: 066 256 8468

DELUXE GLAMPING
5m Bell Tent
1 to 2 people R2,000 (R500 pt/pd)
3 to 4 people R2,800 (R700 pt/pd)
Variety of bed sizes available (first come, first served)

BASIC GLAMPING
4m Dome Tent: 1 to 2 people R1,500 (R375 pt/pd). 2 single beds.
2.5m Baby Bell Tent (only 6 available): 1 person R1,000 (R250 pp/pd). 1 single bed.

WE VALUE CLEAR, CONSCIOUS CONNECTION
NO PETS. NO ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS. RIGHT OF ADMISSION RESERVED

Join the Facebook event for updates!

Well-Being Sanctuary
Hoogekraal Farm 182, Sedgefield, 6573
https://wellbeingsanctuary.co.za
Whatsapp: +27 66 256 8468

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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
www.facebook.com/rocktheroute

www.pangeatrails.com
www.facebook.com/pangeatrails

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Summer Solstice Festival

Summer Solstice Festival - Precious Tree Project

The Summer Solstice Festival at the Wellbeing Sanctuary is more than just a celebration of longer days; it’s a vibrant hub where community and conservation intertwine! From 14-23 December 2024, this annual event hosted a fantastic array of activities, and we at Precious Tree Project (PTP) are happy to part of it.

One of the highlights of this festival is the tree planting sessions. Our very own Chair, Ray, is a familiar face there, passionately representing PTP and guiding festival-goers in planting endemic trees that are steadily growing into forest pockets on the property … making tree planting one of the most rewarding activities on offer.

Imagine you’re at a festival, enjoying breathwork, yoga, drumming, and firedancing, and having the opportunity to quite literally put down roots for the future! Come join this co-creative community of like-minded souls, plant a tree, and be a part of something truly special! Summer Solstice Festival 2025 event details

summer solstice festival
Summer Solstice Festival - Precious Tree Project
Summer Solstice Festival - Precious Tree Project

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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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Tree Planting and Environmental Awareness Initiative – Community Tree Planting – Kleinkranz, Wilderness

WMO Nature's Valley Kleinkranz Community Tree Planting Precious Tree Project

Nature’s Valley Community Tree Planting Initiative – Kleinkranz, Wilderness

We were given the opportunity to plant out more indigenous trees and fruit trees at Nature’s Valley over the past 6 months. The extended sponsorship of these additional trees has gone a far way towards helping the Nature’s Valley Community Leadership’s attain their goal of greening up the community playing fields and planting out a fruit tree per household.

For this we say thank you WMO – Youth Africa Chapter for making this possible!

Click here if you would like to GIFT A TREE.
To make a donation or sponsor a tree please visit www.payfast.co.za/donate/go/precioustreeproject.

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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