July 2019
Dear friends of AMIGOS ARBOLITO
After more than a year since our arrival in Ecuador, we are finally taking some time to write the first newsletter of the year.
Rainy season and floods
In December, the rainy season has begun. The first strong winter waves, powerful as they occur only every few years, have caused considerable damage along the coast of Ecuador, from which we have not been entirely spared. Thanks to our small mangrove forest, our land is well protected, but the waves sloshed in, and because of a blocked canal on the neighboring property, the lower part of our Quinta has turned into a saltwater lake. Saltwater, some trees did not like at all. Hardly seeped, heavy rains have put the already-soaked ground under water again. Too much for some tender little trees. We immediately dug them out, rinsing them with fresh water and placing them in the "intensive care unit" in the shade of the mango trees. Many survived and could later be replanted in a new location. Unfortunately, we also had to record losses; about 60% of the trees in the "intensive care unit" did not survive. We will replace sponsored trees that do not survive.
In the photo, you can see our Quinta from the air. The red circles show the areas affected by the flooding. Yellow circles the “mango intensive care units,” orange circles the new locations of the replanted trees, and green circles the many healthy trees that have grown diligently during the rainy season. The canals have been cleared in the meantime.
Progress and development
The care and maintenance of the trees continued day after day, week after week, month after month. During the rainy season, we had to continuously remove grass and weeds, which grew rapidly due to the steady rain. With the onset of the dry season, our tasks shift; we must again water and fertilize regularly to offset the effects of the drought and heat (up to 37°C).
Working. Ida volunteering on the project.
The current size of some trees.
MINGAS
For about five years, we have organized regular beach cleanups, so-called mingas. With our project, we not only want to do something against deforestation but also to raise the environmental awareness of the people in general. We are thrilled that more and more friends and neighbors have joined our initiative.
Successes
Thanks to planting so many trees and flowers, the biodiversity at the Quinta has improved; we have more and more visits from different birds, butterflies, iguanas, opossums, and other animals.
John Jairo Sosa and his drinking straws made from papaya leaves.
Fresh coconut water from our palm trees.
Acknowledgement
We are grateful for all the support we have received this year. It has not always been easy, but it has been rich in experiences and beautiful adventures. We want to express our deepest gratitude to our Ecuadorian family, Felisa, Josue, y Joel, for the energetic help with which they always stand by us. For the Amigos Arbolito, for the Mingas, and everything related to Quinta El Mamey, we can always count on them. We also want to thank Don Ricardo, who always rolls up his sleeves and helps everywhere, an important member of the team. To our friends and family, who during this time has come all the way to share beautiful moments with us, to visit their sponsor tree, to bring good energy and their help; they too deserve our thanks: Batista-Bortolani family, Sandro&Prisca, Stiefel-Gasparoli family and Mark Wiesendanger. It has been a great pleasure to share this project with family, friends, and people who want to give back something to Pachamama. Thank you to all the sponsors, our volunteer Ida, and all the friends at home who are thinking of us; we expect your visit soon. Finally, a special shoutout to John Jairo Sosa. Thanks to his great idea, we could implement and promote environmentally friendly drinking straws.
Sincerely, Your
AMIGOS ARBOLITO Team
