Tag: Wellbeing Sanctuary Wildlife Corridor

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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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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.