Los Planes Chuchexic, Santa Lucia Utatlan: The Seeds of Recovery
High in the mountains of Santa Lucia Utatlan, in a small village called Los Planes Chuchexic, nature is offering a path to recovery. After the deadly flood in 2021, which claimed lives and destroyed homes in the nearby village of Guineales, Grey to Green established a tree nursery that is now producing a stunning 22,050 trees. These trees, nurtured by local hands, are preparing to take root on the mountain slopes, where they will not only slow floodwaters but also provide stability to the fragile earth beneath.
22,050
20%
Reduction in Flood Height
Camanchaj and Canton Paxot, Chichicastenango: Growing More Than Trees
The steep, rugged terrain of Canton Paxot and Camanchaj in Chichicastenango makes it a landscape vulnerable to landslides and erosion, especially during the rainy season. But the community here is determined to safeguard their land. Grey to Green’s nursery in bothCanton Paxot and Camanchaj is growing seedlings specifically chosen for their ability to thrive in these difficult conditions. Once planted, these trees will provide much-needed stability to the highland slopes, protecting not only the village below but also the generations to come who rely on the land for their survival.
San Andres Semetabaj, Sololá: Nature’s Protective Shield
In San Andres Semetabaj, a community nestled in the mountains of Sololá, the trees we’re planting are more than just an environmental solution—they are essential for protecting both the land and the people. This region has been heavily affected by deforestation and landslides, with changing climate patterns threatening livelihoods. By planting trees, Grey to Green is not only stabilizing the steep slopes to prevent landslides but also helping farmers incorporate sustainable agricultural practices. The tree nursery in San Andres Semetabaj represents a harmonious blend of indigenous wisdom and modern reforestation techniques, working together to secure the future of both the environment and the community.
Alder Chuicajonob, Quiché: The Forest Builders
Alder Chuicajonob is a community of builders—not just of homes and farms, but of forests. The people here have embraced the opportunity to create something lasting: a forest that will stand for generations. At Grey to Green’s Alder Chuicajonob nursery, over 5,000 trees are being grown this year alone. What makes this nursery unique is that it’s entirely community-led. The residents take pride in the work they’re doing, knowing that every tree they plant is a promise of a better future for their children and their land.
