Volunteer action: caring for the young forest near Aleko Hut

On 22 June 2025, some of the Surya Foundation volunteers returned to the area near Aleko Hut, where this spring we planted hundreds of spruce saplings together with the Sofia State Forestry Department. The purpose of our new visit to the forest was to look after the young trees we'd already planted — because caring for nature doesn't end with planting, it actually starts there.
Seven enthusiastic volunteers, including a mum-to-be and 4-year-old Kris — our youngest participant so far — joined in with great spirit and a real wish to help. With hoes in hand, we cleared the grass around each sapling and loosened the soil to let light and moisture reach the roots more easily. That's crucial in the first years of a young tree's life.
We were thrilled to find self-seeded conifers too — a sign that even after devastating natural disasters, nature finds a way to come back. We just have to help her.
The mood during the action was warm and uplifting. Little Kris not only brought smiles — he genuinely contributed to the work with his childhood energy and his wish to be useful. Moments like these remind us that the most meaningful lessons are passed on by example — and that every generation has a part to play in protecting nature.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined in. Together, we're not just planting saplings — we're growing future, responsibility and hope.
Keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming volunteer actions and get involved — because big forests grow out of small acts of care.