Environment Stewardship Programme

Monsoon Wild Vegetables Day Camp!   

On 7 July, we took 11 adventurous kids from the Environmental Stewardship Programme from Phanaspada on an exciting exploration of the forest right in their own backyard!
The kids had an incredible time learning about and discovering wild vegetables. They foraged local wild veggies and turned their finds into delicious dishes! 

A key part of the day was learning about sustainable harvesting. We taught the kids to pluck only the leaves of wild leafy vegetables instead of uprooting the whole plant. This approach helps preserve the plants and ensures a sustainable harvest. Though challenging, it's definitely doable and especially important for species like takla. 

This amazing experience allowed the kids to connect with nature, acquire new skills, and have an absolute blast!  

Water conservation!

After a thorough water audit at Palaspada, we pinpointed several leaky spots needing urgent attention. Despite setbacks in finding a plumber, two of whom let us down, hope shone through when one of our ESP student's parents stepped up to the challenge!

 One of the leaks was right by the drainage area, but our professionals worked tirelessly and got the job done in just 48 hours – no hesitation whatsoever!

Now, all the leaks are fixed, saving a precious 35 liters of water daily. It's incredibly uplifting to witness the collaborative efforts of our students' parents and their kids.

This support is a powerful motivator for us to ramp up our environmental awareness initiatives. Together, we're creating a ripple effect for a greener, more sustainable future!

Creating Fruit Garden!

On 16 June, we distributed 20 fruit plant saplings including custard apple, guava, chikoo, white jamun, lemon, cherry, and mulberry. 

We had a fantastic turnout with 20 enthusiastic children and their parents, along with the support of our 6 dedicated volunteers. The kids were thrilled to receive their potted saplings, taking them home with promises to nurture their new plants, armed with valuable plant care tips!

A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers—Aman, Nirmal, Luksh, Nandini, Simran, and Nimisha. Your hard work and dedication made this event a success. We truly appreciate everything you do! 

 On 10th March, a captivating nature trail guided 30 participants through enchanting outdoor beauty, gathering natural specimens for creative projects, followed by a brainstorming session where aspirations for cleaner neighborhoods were shared. Imaginative posters depicting lush landscapes and community dreams were presented eloquently in a formal session. Then, on 17th March, 35 children united for a community clean-up, collecting 45 kg of plastic waste in just an hour!  Trash bags were distributed to facilitate the collection of dry waste from every household, demonstrating our commitment to responsible waste management and environmental preservation. This initiative also aimed to raise awareness about waste segregation among the community children, fostering a culture of sustainability and eco-consciousness for a cleaner, greener future. Dr. V. Shubhalaxmi also took the opportunity to educate the children about the detrimental effects of improper waste disposal and plastic pollution. 

 On February 18th, 24 enthusiastic tribal children from Khindipada actively participated in a clean-up drive and seed ball making activity at our project site within Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Equipped with backpacks, field journals, pen and pencil sets, tiffin boxes, water bottles, field dresses, and caps, these young eco-warriors embraced their roles as guardians of nature. Their infectious enthusiasm fueled the nature walk and clean-up drive as they eagerly collected plastic bottles, demonstrating their commitment to a cleaner environment. Together, our team and the kids explored nature’s beauty, cleaned up our surroundings, and learned about waste segregation and recycling. The energy-packed children shone brightly as they made over 260 seed balls, contributing to nature and the environment. These seed balls, will be planted during the monsoon, symbolizing hope and growth for the future. 

 On January 21, 2024, the iNaturewatch Foundation and the Forest Department of Khindipada collaborated to organize a memorable educational trip to Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Borivali as part of the Environment Stewardship Programme. A group of 43 excited children and 34 enthusiastic parents from Khindipada embarked on a day filled with exploration and learning. The adventure began at the Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC), where interactive exhibits introduced the young minds to the park's rich biodiversity. An enlightening movie further immersed them in the wonders of SGNP's flora and fauna. The highlight of the day was a thrilling jungle safari guided by the Forest Department's experts, allowing the participants to witness lions and tigers roaming freely in their natural habitat. . Engaging activities and hands-on experiences made the learning process impactful and unforgettable. The trip to SGNP was a resounding success, providing Khindipada children with a unique and educational experience.  

 We organized a nature trail and hands-on activity for creating bird feeders and bird homes. Thirty-two enthusiastic children actively participated in this engaging event. The nature trail provided the young participants with an opportunity to explore the biodiversity of the project site, fostering a deeper connection with nature. The hands-on activity for creating bird feeders and bird homes added a creative and educational element to the program, encouraging the children to actively contribute to wildlife conservation. This initiative not only promoted environmental awareness but also instilled a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the diverse ecosystems within the Khindipada community.  

 We  commenced our year-long Environmental Stewardship Programme (ESP) tailored for Vulnerable Communities in Khindipada, Mulund. Launched on December 9, 2023, this initiative is a result of a heartening collaboration with the state forest department. The Khindipada community witnessed a special launch program, featuring insights from Dr. V Shubhalaxmi and valuable addresses from BMC officials on Solid Waste Management. In a bid to promote a cleaner environment, BMC distributed waste dustbins throughout the community, encouraging residents to actively engage in minimizing local litter. Furthermore, we organized a vibrant mask-making activity, not only fostering creativity among children but also highlighting the importance of sustainable practices. The event saw a total of 30 participants, marking the beginning of a comprehensive effort to enhance environmental awareness and stewardship in the Khindipada community.