This was our first educational event in Isunga Parish, the second area of focus for this pilot year of operations. People were very excited to attend, and a crowd of over 300 watched five different environmental clubs present songs and dances. It was a very encouraging event, and we look forward to working more with this community. (more...)

On October 7th, we were proud to have the official opening ceremony of the Kibale Community Fuel Wood Project Science Center at our main demonstration area in the Kaburala Trading Center, just 1 km from the border of Kibale National Park. The Center is a wonderful compliment to the rest of the demonstration area, which teaches abut trees and efficient stoves. Now, people can also learn about the wildlife they will be protecting if they adopt the promoted practices. More than 50 invited guests were in attendance. October 9th, Ugandan Independence Day, was another grand opening, attended by over 300 community members. We are very thankful to the Great Ape Trust of Iowa for fully funding the Science Center. (more...)

Planting at Kasojo Catholic Church marked the creation of our sixth demonstration area. There was a very helpful group of volunteers this day, and the lead pastor herself also took part. About 100 Sesbania and 10 Marcamia trees are now in the ground, and getting bigger every day. (more...)

Though we initially planned to work only in one village during the pilot year, the Uganda Wildlife Authority pointed out the Isunga Parish as placing heavy pressures on the park. About 18 kilometers from our base, we travel to Isunga every couple of weeks. The Iruhura Church of Uganda is a beautiful, large building with a large congregation. Planting occured around the church's farm, in an excellent demonstration of how the typical villager can make use of the shrub border technique to make better use of their land and obtain legal firewood. (more...)

With help from community volunteers, 200 seedlings were planted at the Kyanyawara Church of Uganda and the Kyanyawara Christian Fellowship. These two churches were chosen as demonstration areas thanks to the interest of their congregations. With the large crowds drawn to these locations, we look forward to the community being exposed to more in-depth facets of the project regarding tree planting and fuel efficient stoves. (more...)

The rainy season has officially begun, which means it's time to plant trees! The project's first demonstration area is the grounds outside a rented home in the Kaburala trading center, about 1 kilometer away from the boundary of Kibale National Park. A border of over 100 Sesbania sesban trees has been planted, with a few Marcamia trees (another fast-growing legume, suitable for planting near crops) scattered among them as well.

The second and third educational events continued to be met with enthusiasm from the community. Unseasonable rain menaced us on July 23rd, but the neighboring church kindly welcomed those willing to brave the storm. About 250 people enjoyed a movie about elephants and a short film of a lion hunt. On the 30th, weather had returned to normal, and a crowd of over 500 people were enthralled by a perfomance from the Kyanyawara Conservation Club followed by a film about polar bears and other Arctic wildlife. On the 30th, we were also able to share the results of our initial surveys with the community, and field several questions about the project. Overall, there seems to be great anticipation for the opening of demonstration areas [which has since occurred!]. (more...)

The centerpiece of our educational campaign is a travelling storytelling and movie show that encourages appreciation of the natural environment. The premier event, on July 8th 2006, was an amazing success, with over 500 people in attendance. Held at the Kyanyawara Primary School, the event included a song, drama and dance performance by the Kyanyawara Conservation Club and an introduction by Local Chairman I and KCFWP staff. A movie highlighting the behavior and lives of mountain gorillas concluded the program. Feedback from the event was entirely positive, and we look forward to having many more events in the future! (more...)