La Pedregoza
The eastern plains of Colombia, in the Vichada department, hold some of the most depleted soils on the planet. Oxisols stripped by decades of poor land use don't grow much, and what little they support disappears fast. For a region already on the wrong end of Colombia's long history of displacement and conflict, an unproductive landscape is the last thing anyone needs.
La Pedregoza is one of the largest reforestation farms in Colombia, working since 2009 to bring this land back. The team plants a carefully chosen mix of native and nitrogen-fixing species that rebuild the soil while pulling carbon from the atmosphere. Close to two million trees have gone in so far, with a government-certified nursery that can host another 180,000 at a time, and the plan is to keep planting for at least another decade.
Not For Sale supports La Pedregoza because restored land can hold a community, and a community that owns its land doesn't have to leave it. In a region shaped by displacement, that quiet foundation matters as much as the carbon it captures.
Field updates
Posts from the planting team3 Jul 2024
The rainy season is well underway, and the seedlings respond to it instinctively. Watching these dormant seeds burst into beautiful seedlings within weeks is truly magical. Such incredible energy and knowledge is packed into the tiniest of packages. Different seeds have their optimal germination times. These particular seedlings are Cashew, or Anacardium occidentale. Cashew, native to this region, produces fruits and nuts that are highly beneficial for both the fauna and the local inhabitants. This has a dual effect: it secures long-term food and income for locals, encouraging them to protect the beneficial forest, and it enhances the adoption of reforested areas by birds, lizards, and other species that rely on the fruits and nuts for food.
26 Jun 2024
These young trees are being carefully nurtured and are awaiting transplantation into the soil of La Pedregoza. With the rainy season going well we are able to start planting soon as this timing ensures that the seedlings will have ample water to establish themselves in their new environment. Pseudosamanea guachapele plays a significant role in its native ecosystems. It provides habitat and food for various species of insects, birds, and mammals. The tree's ability to fix nitrogen in the soil through its association with root bacteria also enhances soil fertility, promoting the health of surrounding vegetation. Its rapid growth, durable wood, and ornamental beauty make it an asset in both urban and rural settings. Its use as high-quality livestock fodder adds to its economic and agricultural significance.
26 Apr 2024
Licania pyrifolia or Merecure tree is native to the Orinoco river basin and considered potentially vulnerable. The fruits seen here are nearly ready to be harvested for the single large seed inside each one. The indigenous population and many animals and birds love these fruits thanks to a somewhat bizarre and unique flavor combo of mango and banana mixed with a sandy texture that many consider off putting at best. This tree is disappearing from the region because the non indigenous population does not find the fruit very appetizing due to that special combination of taste and gritty texture and hence its presence is rarely fully appreciated.
7 Apr 2024
Our workers in Pedregoza are very dedicated to seedling survival especially during heat waves and a wellness and survival check on the Caoba seedlings planted a couple of months ago is in full swing. Swietenia macrophylla is commonly called Caoba or big leaf Mahogany and is one of our very special, rare and endangered tree species. Caoba is considered one of the world’s most exotic woods. Its stunning red color and beautiful grain make it a targeted wood of choice for furniture, boat building, guitars and other instruments. Unfortunately that means this gorgeous tree has been over harvested in the wild to such an extent that it is now on the IUCN Red List of endangered species. Thanks to supporters like you with Tree Nation, we are steadily planting and restoring as many of these special trees as possible each year.
31 Mar 2024
When you stand before the Saladillo blanco tree (Vochysia lehmannii) with its brilliant yellow flowers rising above the canopy of all the other trees in La Pedregoza, one can sense why this tree truly belongs to the rare and magnificent species of this region. While Saladillo is grown as an ornamental tree and has good timber value this beautiful species also has uses in traditional medicine in the Orinoco River Basin where people find it effective when used as a diuretic and also in treating skin diseases. Saladillo is used by La Pedregoza frequently in restoration areas where we create native analog forests which help to expand wildlife corridors and repair some of the world’s most depleted soils.
4 Mar 2024
With the expansion of planted trees in Pedregoza, it is only natural that wild animals like the Sainos are travelling through our newly created forests. Called the Saino in Spanish this wild pig like animal is known as a collared peccary and has it’s own family classification of Pecari separate from Suidae (pigs). They use forested wildlife corridors to travel in large groups of around 50 and are rumored to sometimes even reach groups of hundreds in size. Here is a mandible of a Saino that was found in the Pedregoza forest by one of our workers. Even though those teeth look awfully long and sharp, the Saino is overall considered an herbivore, but will eat meat like snakes, birds and rodents if given the opportunity. La Pedregoza is an afforestation and reforestation project located in the Orinoco River basin of Colombia and our location is right in center of the habitat range for these wild animals. Trees planted with Tree Nation go directly along these critical wildlife corridors.
29 Feb 2024
The first step is identifying appropriate land for different tree species and mapping out the details like topography and waterflow within the soon to be forest. Inside La Pedregoza’s lands there are sometimes undulating rocky hills called serranias which require a different approach to planting than the flat savannah grasslands due to low water retention and the hardest rocky terrain for roots. The low lying areas which inundate and flood completely with high rainfall every year have to be approached with significant consideration as well since the wrong species will certainly perish if under water for too long. Good planning is akin to a strong foundation and hence allows for lush forests and happy trees for years to come if done right.
28 Feb 2024
Although here at La Pedregoza we prefer to plant, when possible, with native trees, the growth of our Caribbean Pine plantations has been undeniably p...
18 Feb 2024
The Holy Cow, the Zebu cow (Bos indicus) is worshipped as a Cow Goddess in India because she comes to rescue the planet after it is destroyed and devoid of any vegetation. From the results we have seen, we feel like they live up to the sacred legend. At La Pedregoza, all of our reforestation and soil repair is done organically with the help of these sacred Zebu cows, which historically were imported to this region from India more than 500 years ago simply because these amazingly hardy cows can survive the nearly intolerable heat of the Vichada region. The manure of the Zebu is teeming with essential microorganisms and various fungal microrhizae picked up during grazing. These efficient microorganisms and fungi are part of a symbiotic relationship between the soil below and the life above and become an integral part of our complex soil restoration process.
1 Feb 2024
Orinoco Sassafras (Ocotea Cymbarum) is an endangered native tree on the IUCN Red List due to previous irresponsible logging practices to extract safrole oil, a root beer ingredient used for its pleasant odor, and to harvest the wood for fine furniture and boat building. Seed collection, a precarious task high in the rain forest canopy, is further complicated due to few mature trees and also competition from parrots and macaws that often eat the seeds before they can be gathered. This photo shows the precious cargo of Orinoco Sassafras seedlings that must be planted with much extra consideration and care. Sassafras is in the Red List not only from seed shortages but also because propagation of this tree is complicated. Sassafras seedlings need shade from other existing trees in the first few years and fish and other animals love to completely eat any reachable leaves. With our efforts, we can help protect and revive this endangered species.
12 Jan 2024
Jefferson is a promising young man with a joyful passion for tree planting that goes above and beyond the average every chance he gets and has seen him quickly rise to a position as a farm administrator. Here he is encouraging an Albizia Saman seedling to grow into what one day will be a large, majestic tree. This tree is also known as the rain tree because its leaves close at night and the condensation drips to the ground. During the day the leaves open up and produce full shade which helps keep the soil moist. Poems about this tree have been written in several languages paying tribute to the spectacular rounded canopy forming a majestic crown and an imposing presence even at distance in the Orinoco river basin.
25 Dec 2023
While we all debated about having a Christmas's tree post of some sort it was rather difficult to decide which tree should get the attention this year until we came across this stunning red and green side by side and knew we had found our answer. We are not certain what the red mushrooms are but think perhaps something similar to a Cinnabar Polypore? Comment below and let us know if you have any ideas! Fungal cycles are incredibly important to a fully functioning ecosystem so we are happy to see them in such striking vivid color just in time for the holidays. From everyone here in La Pedregoza have a very Merry Christmas and we are sending all our blessings to your new year.
Sacred Seeds Garden
Two things are vanishing at the same time across the tropics. The medicinal trees and plants that indigenous communities have used for generations are being lost to deforestation and urban expansion. The traditional knowledge of how to use them is being lost too, pushed aside by the modern pharmaceutical industry and the slow erosion of who passes what down to the next generation.
The Sacred Seeds program, run worldwide by the Missouri Botanical Gardens, creates living gardens where native medicinal species are preserved as both biodiversity and as a seed bank for the future. The Colombian site, donated by La Pedregoza in 2011, has grown to over 100 hectares inside a savannah reserve in Vichada. Every plant in the garden is identified in three names: scientific, common, and indigenous. Local indigenous communities are expected to lead the work as the project's ethno-botanical mission becomes more widely known.
Not For Sale supports Sacred Seeds because cultural memory is one of the strongest defenses a community has against exploitation. When indigenous peoples retain the knowledge of their land and its uses, they retain agency over it. A garden that preserves a name is also preserving a people.
Field updates
Posts from the planting team30 Jun 2024
Meet Claudia, one of our dedicated local Indigenous women. As a single mother, she supports her family through activities like seed collection for the Sacred Seeds Garden project. When trees are planted through Tree Nation, these Indigenous women and their communities benefit both economically and socially. They take great pride in working with Sacred Seeds Garden, knowing that their efforts contribute to the conservation and preservation of trees with ancestral medicinal and folkloric uses.
3 May 2024
Everyone at Sacred Seeds agrees it is always one of our favorite times of year, calmer temperatures ahead and the joy of new life sprouting all around us. The magic of watching the new seedlings poke out from the ground and reach for the sun is enchanting and beautiful every time. Nature is powerful, a constant reminder of the mystery of life and our intricate balance with the world and our forests. Thank you all Tree Nation supporters for joining in with this shared moment of wonder and being a blessed part of creating new forests for the future.
18 Apr 2024
Seed collection is a dedicated task which can take many hours and when it comes to native tree seeds an expert eye for maturity and quality as well. Here we see a local seed collector harvesting some Jopo (Anadenanthera peregrina) seeds from within the Sacred Seeds garden. This sacred tree has a long folkloric history, and is highly important to many native communities. Traditional use of Yopo goes back centuries into pre-history and has been a part of ceremonial and shamanistic medicines to gain clarity of the mind and spirit. It is also a valuable hardwood that has a large variety of uses, including construction beams, durable fence posts, black dyes and tannins. Yopo is an important part of the Sacred Seeds Botanical Garden, because of its medicinal, cultural and historic roots.
2 Apr 2024
While the dry season is in full swing the scorched and hard packed soil of the deep forest is perfect for seed collection in even the deepest and often wettest jungle areas. Getting in and out of the dense jungle is no small feat, and it takes an expert to safely navigate the hazards. The ability to recognize mature and viable seeds from the ground is also extremely important before taking the effort to climb the tree and collect. Thanks to our wonderful partnerships with the local community we are always amazed at the quality and consistency of the seeds brought in by these highly skilled gatherers. Many rainforest species have a small viable window for the highest germination rates and thanks to our indigenous seed experts we are very often achieving germination rates of 90% and above year after year.
9 Mar 2024
Seed collection for the sacred seeds garden is an arduous task involving an expert eye for timing of the flowering, seed maturity, weather concerns and the difficulty of the jungle location itself. Indigenous people of Vichada and other local people who are knowledgeable in the art of seed collection are the best way to get genetically diverse and regional native species. Seed collection is all about balance between collecting at the perfect moment for the best genetic quality the seed source can produce at the optimal time for the best physiological quality as well. Here are some Cassia Moschata beans from local collectors who are demonstrating the quality of their seeds which are reviewed by our team and then go into our sacred seeds bank before finding a place in our nursery as seedlings.
29 Feb 2024
It is known as the bronze shower tree and as you can see quite aptly named as the abundant cascade of flowers are the perfect golden coppery yellow and dangle from a pendulous inflorescence. As you might imagine it is often used as an ornamental tree but also frequently for shade as well. It can grow up to 20 meters tall with a wide spreading canopy and the wood has traditionally been used for building, carpentry and fences. The seed pods are forming like long beans and pretty soon we will be ready for seed harvesting.
28 Feb 2024
Here at Sacred Seeds, our mission transcends mere cultivation, it’s about cultivating connections within the vibrant tapestry of our local communities! Today’s example of this ethos is our recent collaboration with the well known Vichadan womens group, MUVEA (Mujeres Vichadenses en Accion). Partnered with MUVEA we have sponsored a grassroots women’s football club. The club is based in the vibrant Capital city of Puerto Carreño, Vichada. Our team boosts a diverse roster with many of our members belonging to the large native Sikuani indigenous community. The players aren’t just team-mates on the field, many have actually worked on our plantation, nurturing and processing seeds and fruits to embody our shared commitment to sustainability and socioeconomic advancement. Their dedication exemplifies the hard working and committed nature of our local communities. As they prepare for the upcoming games, we offer not only our sponsorship but our sincerest hopes for a triumphant season!
1 Feb 2024
Biochar keeps the formation of the feedstock biomass that it was created from until pulverization into a slurry sized chunk. We generally keep our biochar in larger chunks until it's time for field application as we have found it stores easier and is much cleaner and safer. The fine particle dust from biochar can be dangerous to breathe so proper masking is essential. Biochar is a truly powerful piece of the soil repair solution in these extremely pool soil quality conditions as it creates a high-quality amendment to depleted terrain which enhance the most important properties for plant growth including microbiota, water, and nutrient retention. As a final bonus the biochar also sequesters carbon from the atmosphere with a half-life of over 500 years!
17 Jan 2024
In Vichada, Colombia where the Sacred Seeds garden is located, the local people have very little material goods and it is such an honor to experience the great joy our workers express when receiving this gift basket filled with cans, cookies, candies and other little miscellaneous delights. In wealthy nations small material goods are plenty and not appreciated to the same level as here and it is humbling as to how grateful and happy the locals here are to just live with nature and be satisfied with all that they already have. As we know from Seneca, “It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor. ” Thank you Tree Nation supporters for a great year and we are looking forward to a busy 2024!
1 Jan 2024
Lets start it with some new seedlings for the new year. To celebrate the new year we are planting a few Bixa Urucurana in the sacred seeds garden to mark the start of 2024. This is a species with a long history of medicinal and alimentary use in this region. The seeds, leaves and pulp have been traditionally used for many purposes such as food colorant, antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, antioxidant and hypoglycemic qualities. The tree does not grow very tall but it spreads out wide and has clusters of brightly colored red seeds in each seedpod. From everyone here have a Happy New Years!
13 Dec 2023
Biochar is the most important part of locking nutrients in poor quality soils so that trees can survive and grow through every season. These visitors to the Biochar facility are demonstrating that ingesting biochar is completely safe unlike other toxic chemicals used in the agroforestry industry. In fact, biochar can even be eaten as a feed additive for cattle and other ruminants to assist with digestion! Biochar has many amazing properties like carbon capture and locking soil carbon for up to 1,000 years and will be worthy of a full article soon!
2 Dec 2023
This primary assesment is essential for appropriate tree species selection and an action plan for good preparation of soils in every location we plant. After site selection and approval we incorporate the preexisting vegetative material like weeds into the soil to provide organic content for the incoming soil microbes. Following that the tractor is equipped with a ditch digger and single line ditches are made to ensure the tree roots can establish as deep as they need quickly. Final touches are done manually with a shovel used to widen a hole while placing compost and charged biochar before carefully planting the happy seedling in it’s new forest home.
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