A Tree for my river initiative

Introduction

In the heart of our community, nestled between lush green landscapes, flows a river. Once pristine and life giving, now struggling for survival due to years of neglect and environmental degradation.

Fueled by a shared passion for nature and a deep concern for the ecosystem’s wellbeing, a group of individuals came together to restore the Nanyuki River. This initiative was born out of the collective belief that we can make a difference, and our river restoration is paramount to the health, wealth, and prosperity of the community.

Our History

since 2023

The History of A Tree for my river initiative traces its root back to early 2023, when a group of concerned community members recognized the deteriorating condition of our local river. The riverine Forest and river water quality has been threatened by deforestation, pollution, clearing of the riverine forest to pave the way for agricultural activities.

Initially wildlife such as Colobus monkey, birds such as parrots, insects such as beautiful butterflies and trout fish were a common feature in the river and riverine forest. However, over the years due to loss of the canopy, trout fish population which requires clean and cold water and shade has declined, the monkeys no longer grace the riverbanks, agricultural productivity has plummeted due to unavailability of the pollination agents and parrots no longer echo our words.

The members were committed to restore these through planting trees with emphasis on the Bamboo, indigenous trees and white witch Hazel which were selected based on their ability to grow and thrive along the river. Bamboo was selected because of its fast-growing potential and ease in propagation as well as higher carbon sinking properties compared to most indigenous trees. The white witch Hazel was selected owing to it being a cover crop that could easily hamper soil erosion, some varieties form shrubs and would mesh well with bamboo.

The selection of bamboo came with its challenges, it is expensive to purchase a single seedling and is highly unavailable due to the high demand because it is the plant of choice for land restoration in the Arid and Semi-arid lands of Northern Kenya. This necessitated propagation of bamboo and white witch hazel within a nursery which was managed by a well-structured organization which led to registration of the Nanyuki Green champions as an environmental self-help group.

This project’s main goal is to Restore and rehabilitate the Nanyuki River. The project will be guided by three strategic objectives:

To enhance knowledge on environmental conservation and sustainability among members.
To increase the number of trees planted along the riverbanks upstream by the end of the project.
To bridge the generational gap and increase joint intergenerational efforts in addressing environmental needs.
To diversify livelihoods to discourage the illegal logging.

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Scope of our work

The main goal of this project is to improve ecological health, functionality and overall condition of a river ecosystem that has been impacted and degraded by human activity. We aim to return the river to a more natural state by enhancing its ecological integrity and sustainability. Currently the following is being undertaken:

Riparian Buffer planting:

This is achieved by planting bamboo and White Witch Hazel along the Riverbank. Bamboo is used because of faster growth compared to indigenous trees as well as its high carbon sinking capacity and will provide a habitat for Colobus monkey. White witch Hazel is a cover crop that effectively reduces soil erosion.

Bank stabilization:

Achieved by building gabions, this acts as an erosion control measure during flooding.

Outreach:

Engaging the community and stakeholders in river restoration efforts through volunteering to raise awareness and promote stewardship.

Education and positive action:

Through a unique intergenerational approach where children are directly involved in tree planting in their schools as well as the riparian land to train them on environmental conservation and restoration.

Monitoring and assessment:

Continuously assessing the outcome and impact of restoration activities on the conservation targets using well thought out indicators. These results help in making informed decisions and improvement as the project graduates from pilot to fully scaling up mid and downstream.

Economic empowerment:

The Nursery is being upgraded and expanded to propagate bamboo and fruit trees, the surplus will be sold to earn members extra income

Our Ask

We need to equip ourselves with enough trees (our focus being bamboo) for restoration of the river. For this to be successful we will need to bulk up our bamboo supply through propagation in our nursery.

There is a need to expand and upgrade our nursery to be able to handle the propagation works effectively. We are humbled to have Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI) on board who have graciously offered to train our members on the propagation protocol, however we are constrained resources.

How you can help

We invite you to be a vital part of our mission at Nanyuki Green Champions! Together, we're revitalizing rivers and nurturing a sustainable environment.Every donation, big or small, amplifies our efforts. From restoring ecosystems to fostering community awareness, your support paves the way for positive change. Join hands with us, and let's make a lasting impact!

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Green Champions

Trees planted

River restored

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

A concise list of commonly asked questions for quick and informative answers

Why is the restoration of the river important for the community ?

The restoration of the river is crucial for several reasons. It helps preserve the local ecosystem, supports biodiversity, and ensures a sustainable water source for the community. Additionally, a healthier river contributes to improved water quality, flood prevention, and a more vibrant natural environment for residents and wildlife.
How can I contribute to the river restoration project and any other projects that the Nanyuki might undertake in the near future?

You can contribute to the project in various ways. We welcome both monetary donations and in-kind contributions such as volunteering your time, expertise, or donating materials. Financial contributions help fund restoration activities, while volunteering allows you to actively participate in our conservation efforts.As for future projects, we will be constantly updating our website with new information about new projects and how you can participate.
Where will my donation be utilized specifically ?

Your donation will be utilized directly for river restoration initiatives. This includes activities such as water quality testing, habitat restoration, tree planting along riverbanks, removal of invasive species, and educational outreach programs. We strive for transparency and accountability in the use of funds to maximize the positive impact on the river ecosystem.
How can I stay updated on the progress of the river restoration project?

You can stay informed about the project by following us on social media, and regularly visiting our website. We provide regular updates, success stories, and information about upcoming events related to the river restoration. Your engagement and support are essential in ensuring the ongoing success of the project.