HOW WE DO IT

CNF uses the Framework Species Method to guide us in our reforestation projects. We plant between 25 and 40 native species on our restoration sites depending on a variety of factors, including altitude, average temperature, soil quality, and the species composition of the surrounding ecosystem. 

Each tree we plant provides a specific service in the forest: Some trees fix nitrogen in the soil or retain moisture during the dry season. Fast-growing pioneer trees flourish in the sunlight and shade out weeds while climax trees grow slower but live longer. We also plant a mix of fruiting and flowering trees to attract seed-dispersing animals and insects to our land in order to enrich biodiversity and promote healthy succession. 

Our restoration projects typically require 3 to 5 years of management. We use a variety of Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) techniques – including weeding, mulching, enrichment plantings, and natural fertilization – to maximize the success rates of our trees. After about five years, nature takes over and the forest becomes self-regulating. Birds and mammals eat the seeds and disperse them to other areas, naturally increasing the size of the forests. The results have been astounding, but there remains a great deal of work left to be done!