Project Update: September 2003

The austral winter is long in the Sierras Grandes of Córdoba where we are trying to restore Polylepis forests. This was a good time to measure growth rates of our 3000 experimental seedlings and fix fences. The first fences we built are 6 years old and the sheep which got in this winter made us realize many erosion gullies have got deeper under the fences, so with help of volunteers (mostly local but also of USA and Germany!) we are filling them up with stones or fixing them up in other ways. Thanks to the funds from the Rufford Small Grant we were able to pay all our expenses (travel, food, wire for fencing, tools). During the winter holidays, we also wrote two new booklets and a manual for teachers of rural schools in the area.

For those traveling or planning to visit the Cordoba mountains in Argentina and that wish to participate in our volunteer groups, we need help on the following dates: 18 and 19 of October: revegetation of erosion edges and fixing fences; 22 and 23 of November: Planting of Polylepis seedlings. January 3 to 11 2004: planting seedlings and seed collection. Additionally, from December 18 to 21 we organize a course of Flora, Fauna and Conservation of mountains (in Spanish). All classes are in the spectacular settings of our restoration area.