1 árbol memorable: Working Together, Anything Is Possible
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Condors over the páramo: that's how our journey began
This is a special group; it is the third time we have planted together.
We have already done so in Guangüiltagua Metropolitan Park in Quito (400 trees), at Hacienda Los Mortiños at the northern entrance to Cotopaxi National Park (1,044 trees), and now here at Tambo Cóndor on the road to Antisana National Park (1,000 trees).
Each new planting has been a challenge to exceed the goal of the previous one, and with this latest effort, they have completed 2,444 trees in three different ecosystems. It is a great achievement, and as a foundation, we are enormously impressed by what they have accomplished and grateful that they have chosen the foundation to accompany them on this journey.
Each journey was the culmination of arduous work, sometimes underappreciated. We would like to once again express our gratitude to those who were involved in the organization, motivating, fundraising, coordinating, and taking care of logistics, so that 120 volunteers, entire families who decided to devote a day to contribute more than just a grain of sand for a better planet, could finally arrive.
As we were getting ready, nature gave us an unexpected treat: three condors flew over the area where we were going to work. There was silence, followed by expressions of admiration. This iconic species, symbol of the páramo, gave us the warmest of welcomes.
That flight reminded us why we were there: planting a tree is also a gesture of care for all the species that inhabit this area.
Hands in the earth: 1,000 reasons to keep planting
The goal for the day was to plant 1,000 native trees and shrubs. In our role of helping nature, which is by far the one that does most of the work, we seek to help restore these areas that were affected by livestock farming and deforestation. Among the species selected were Polylepis, mortiño, romerillo, piquil, chachacomo, chilca de páramo, aliso, and wax laurel.
To organize ourselves better, we divided into two groups: one was in charge of digging the holes and the other was in charge of planting.
The group in charge of digging the holes was in for a big surprise: several girls joined in with determination, demonstrating that strength and commitment have no gender.
Amid shovels, damp soil, and constant counting, the goal was set to dig 500 holes, one after another.
Meanwhile, the planting team moved forward carefully, passionately dedicated to planting each tree in the best possible way.
The páramo, sometimes cold and demanding, was filled with laughter, conversation, and shared instructions.
The nine members of the foundation's team were always present, explaining techniques, answering questions, and reminding everyone that these community efforts are essential to conserving biodiversity and protecting the water sources that sustain life in our cities.
Flavors of the páramo, deer, and birds: a closing that reaffirms the why
When the planting was finished, many felt physically tired, but lighthearted.
Vero was waiting for us with a typical local snack: beans, corn, mellocos, and cheese, which we shared in a circle while discussing the day with smiles of satisfaction.
After the snack, the group headed to Antisana National Park to complete the experience with a direct encounter with the nature we seek to protect.
During the tour, we were able to observe deer and various birds, which reminded us that every tree we plant helps to maintain the habitat of these species and strengthen the water cycle, on which we all depend.
From the Foundation, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to 1 Árbol Memorable for trusting us for another year, to the mothers who organized this event, to the young people who want to be part of the change, to Vero and Wladimir from Tambo Cóndor for the delicious snacks and lunch, to Robert for supporting us with the drone, and to Antisana Condor Observatory for opening its doors and sharing our vision of conservation.
“Who plants a tree, plants hope.” Lucy Larcom
TOGETHER WE ARE PART OF THE SOLUTION
"Every tree you plant makes a difference", Jane Goodall.
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