Reforesting in Chile with Cooperativa Lemu
🌱 Reforesting Hope: A Day in Curarrehue with Cooperativa Lemu & Rutas Ancestrales
In the heart of Chile’s Andean foothills, nestled within the hidden gem of Curarrehue in the Araucanía Region, a powerful movement took root—one that goes far beyond words. On this special day, the mission was clear: to breathe life back into forests scarred by deforestation, wildfires, and climate change. And we would do it the old-fashioned way—hands in the soil, hearts aligned with nature.
ChileMontana was proud to be part of this reforestation journey, represented by our guide and travel consultant, Javiera Barrientos. Together with Cooperativa Lemu and Rutas Ancestrales, we joined a vibrant community of changemakers committed to healing the land.
🌳 Planting Native Trees, Cultivating Resilience
As the crisp mountain air greeted us early in the morning, we began planting native species like coihue, temu, and canelo—trees that form the soul of the Andean-Patagonian forests. Each tree was chosen with care, destined to grow in a place where it will protect the soil, store water, and restore the biodiversity we so deeply need.
What made this effort even more meaningful? Every tree came from local nurseries in Araucanía, grown from seeds collected in the same region and nurtured by members of the organizing team. This approach ensures better survival rates, stronger climate adaptation, fewer diseases, and—most importantly—preserves the unique genetic heritage of our forests.
Local trees, from local nurseries, planted by local hands. 💚
🌿 Learning, Sharing, Connecting
Throughout the day, ecological restoration experts shared insights into the life cycles of trees, their relationships with other plants and animals, and the strategies forests use to withstand climate challenges. Between shovels and saplings, we also enjoyed moments of cultural exchange—tasting traditional recipes, listening to ancestral stories, and embracing a worldview where nature is not a resource, but a living being to be respected and protected.
And the best part? No prior experience was needed—just comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, and a willingness to work together. The blend of physical effort, learning, and connection made the day fly by.
🌎 A Greener Tomorrow, Rooted in Community
By the end of the day, we left behind a landscape dotted with hundreds of new trees—and carried with us a deeper sense of purpose. Curarrehue gained a piece of its green future, and we gained the certainty that when communities unite, the roots grow stronger.
August 15 2025, written by Javiera Barrientos, guide and adventure consultant with ChileMontana