One of our main objectives is to conserving and protect Ngarendare forest. In 2018, there was a huge outcry in the country on continuously dawdling forest cover as a result of wanton destruction of forests. However Ngarendare forest was cited as one of the few forests in Kenya with an increasing canopy cover. We do this by first ensuring our stock of seedlings are continuously at optimum level at all our tree nurseries. Our main tree nurseries and community supported nurseries are the main enablers of this programme. In 2018, we were able to establish two new nurseries at Ethi and Mbuju, bringing the total of the community tree nurseries to 13. We sincerely thank the Epsom Foundation and for always being the force behind our ‘’tree nursery movement’’
Ngarendare Forest , one of the most intact indigenous forests in Kenya
This year we received good rains during the Nov-Dec season. We are excited to report that we took advantage of the wet season to plant 15000 indigenous seedlings for forest rehabilitation and 25000 exotics on farms. Our 1-for-1 planting Programme still getting popular with farmers in the surrounding villages, and Adopt-a-tree programme from schools. Great thanks toTusk Trustwho have been the main supporters of this annual activity among other programmes in the forest. We thank Safaricom Foundation for always finding time to attend our annual tree planting event for the last 15 years!
We thank all who participated and who supported this period in their own ways to make the tree planting season 2018 a success.
FOREST SECURITY
It is another year of milestones at the NNFT. We were able to have 10 of our security rangers fully enlisted and equipped as National Police Reservists. This has enhanced security of the forest, and the surrounding communities, with 3 incidences of stock theft stopped and livestock recovered. Our SMART patroltool has been instrumental in monitoring forest security, with patrol coverage, data collection and analysis fully executed and monitored using remote technology We sincerely thank NRTfor their support to our security team by provision of uniforms and basic security trainings. In 2019 we look forward to conducting more joint patrols with LWCsecurity teams
ECOTOURISM TRENDS
The last quarter of 2018 was exciting for our ecotourism department. Ngarendare forest has got some of the most unique eco-sites in Kenya. With a 450m canopy walkway and natural blue pools being the best attractions camping and a picnic lunch at the platform leaves unforgettable memory of the visit to the forest. Click here for the most visited sites at the forest. We sincerely thank the Rift Valley Adventures and surrounding lodges for providing visitors to the forest through out the year. Please book for a visit for you, your family, friends or teams on bookings@ngarendare.org
FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS
The Friends of Ngarendare Forest are a valuable group of people who contribute immensely towards the protection and maintenance of the Ngarendare forest. Through their advance subscription the Trust is able to meet some of its operations cost. Subscription to Friends of Ngarendare is a annual ksh10,000 for individuals and ksh 25,000 for farms and other organisations. The members then enjoy a full year access to the ecotourism sites with their immediate families. FONmembers are issued with a membership card for identifying themselves whenever they pay a visit to the forest.
We are greatly indebted to the Timaflor Ltd for their continued support of our operations costs. Great thanks to Kisima farm, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Lolomarik, Sunland Rosesand Batian flowerswho support us through payment for ecosystem services(PES) and Oldonyo Farm for their support to elephants-proof fence. We look forward to a stronger relationship and working with you and updating you in 2019
We would like to extend our appreciation and thanks to the current FON members as we encourage more to register as FON and enjoy the beauty of forest conservation.We also appeal to our current members to renew their membership subscription for the 2019.
Ngarendare Forest offers unforgettable forest camping experience in the region
UPCOMING EVENTS:
10to4 Bike Challenge!! 15to17th February 2019
The 10t04 bicycle race will be taking place between 15and 17 February 2019. Ngarendare forest has always been a partner to the race and this time will be keen to team up with Mt. Kenya Trust, Kisima Farm, Ol donyo Farm, Borana Conservancy, among other stakeholders to provide security and other support to this famous event. Please check at http://www.10to4.org for more details.
Thank you and Merry X-Mass and happy new year to you All!
