At Proyecto Tití, restoring forests is about much more than planting trees—it is about families, communities, and generations working together to create a better future for the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin and the forests they call home. Phase I of the Mega Corridor is bringing together local communities to help restore forests for the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin. Thanks to the dedication of our 12 women who are manage their own native tree nurseries, thousands of healthy  tree saplings are now ready for planting, while 31 local farmers trained by Proyecto Tití’s restoration team are actively planting these trees throughout the buffer zone surrounding the Coraza Forest Reserve.

One story that especially touched our hearts is the story of José Vázquez and his daughter, Claribel. José is restoring 12 acres of his property by planting 420 native trees representing 12 different species. These trees will help rebuild the structure and diversity of a healthy tropical dry forest, creating safe habitat and travel corridors for cotton-top tamarins and other wildlife. But what makes this restoration effort even more meaningful is that many of the trees being planted on José’s property were lovingly propagated by his daughter. Months ago, José began sharing his knowledge with Claribel, teaching her how to care for young trees and helping her understand the importance of patience and attention in the tree nursery.

Claribel listened carefully to every recommendation. With dedication and pride, she nurtured healthy saplings that are now being planted not only on her father’s land, but also across the properties of more than 30 farming families participating in the Mega Corridor program. Today, father and daughter are working together in two very different but deeply connected ways. Claribel grows the trees in the nursery, and José plants and protects them in the forest. Together, they are helping reconnect fragmented habitat for cotton-top tamarins. The restoration of 12 acres will provide important benefits far beyond wildlife conservation. As the forest grows, the land will retain more water, soils will become more stable, drainage will improve, and increased vegetation cover will help protect the land from extreme heat and erosion. Pollinators attracted to the recovering forest will also help support local agriculture and improve crop production for farming families. This is one of the most powerful aspects of restoration: when forests recover, entire communities benefit.

José now cares for the trees until they are strong enough to provide shade, shelter, and natural pathways for cotton-top tamarins moving through the landscape. One day, these trees will become living bridges connecting forest fragments and allowing wildlife to travel safely once again. Stories like José and Claribel’s remind us that conservation is strongest when it becomes part of family traditions passed from one generation to the next. Fathers teaching daughters. Daughters helping restore forests. Families growing hope together. Today, more than 12,000 native trees are being planted across Colosó as part of this first phase of the Mega Corridor program. And with every tree planted, communities are helping create a future where forests, wildlife, and families can thrive together. At Proyecto Tití, we often say that conservation grows through people. José and Claribel are a beautiful reminder that sometimes the strongest roots are the ones that connect families to the forest—and to each other.