Photo by unknown photographer
Photo by Nicholas Locke
Photo by Nicholas Locke
Photo by Nicholas Locke
Photo by Nicholas Locke
Restoration
It is well known that the original Atlantic Rainforest biome covered 1.5 million km² stretching along the Atlantic seaboard running close to the full length of the country. Over 93% has been lost in the past reducing the biodiveristy by this same massive percentage. At REGUA we are trying to plant and restore as much of it as possible. This not only includes lowland forest but also wetland forests of the tree species of the Bignonacae family named Tabebuia cassinoides. This is a climax forest species adapted to flooded soil conditions varying between 2 - 40cm depth.
Epiphytic plants including varied philodendrons, orchids and bromeliads were common and it is our aim to include these as soon as the trees are big enough to support them. The higher pieces of land were forested with the rich species typical of the Atlantic rain forest, the semi deciduous forests .The areas of lowland forest and wetland suffered permanent damage since they were drained and deforested, a fate shared by most wetlands in the State of Rio de Janeiro since 1947.
How does one start?
We have made a plant nursery and Mauricio and the young volunteers have been collecting seeds of pioneer species which are the most suited to the compacted and unfertile soil. Seeds of the desired trees are gathered onsite from the local forest. The farm nursery offers a covered shelter of 450m², which can be used to house the beds necessary for germinating seeds. After attaining a certain height (3rd leaf stage) the seedlings are transferred to plastic sacks and await final planting.
The hillsides are to be planted following a contour planting method. After cutting the grass, marking the plant sites and digging large holes with correct lime and fertilizer doses, the trees are to be planted in a 3m x 3m grid at the correct time of the year - the advent of the natural rain season. This density of endemic varied species provides a 1100 plant density though allowing for 5% mortality results in a 1050 plant per hectare density. Staking the plants in their final position promotes vertical growth and damage against the wind whilst ant control is necessary.
Although the area is large, the largest part is mechanisable. Ploughing and harrowing and introduction of lime and fertilisers is recommendable on all the land to end grass dominance all planted trees would respond to this technique. However, once planted, the trees need to be cared for through ant control, tutoring and feeding if a good tree growth is desirable. The trees of the list will all grow very quickly, if the conditions are favourable.
You can help with our reforestation programme in a variety of ways. You could spend time at REGUA as a volunteer or if you prefer, make a donation to help fund this vital work.