Proyecto Tití’s Tree Nursery

As part of Proyecto Tití’s conservation efforts, we have launched a forest restoration program to return degraded lands to thriving tropical forest habitat using proven restoration techniques. We operate two tree nurseries at Los Titíes de San Juan Forest Reserve and collaborate with local families to establish additional nurseries in nearby communities. Together, these nurseries produce the thousands of trees needed each year for our restoration sites.

We focus on planting native tree species that are essential for cotton-top tamarins, using seeds collected from trees in surrounding forests. Seeds are gathered throughout the year, carefully cataloged, and stored in our climate-controlled seed bank. This process allows us to maintain a diverse collection of more than 80 native tree species for our restoration projects.

The Los Tities de San Juan Forest Nurseries have the capacity to germinate and grow 60,000 trees annually for forest restoration efforts. Given the vast diversity of tree species in the tropics, each species requires a unique germination strategy. For example, some seeds need a process called scarification, which weakens the seed coat, allowing the embryo to emerge. In nature, this often happens when an animal eats the seed, and the seed coat is broken down as it passes through the digestive system before being dispersed in the animal's dung. At our nursery, we replicate many of these natural processes. Our germination beds serve as testing grounds where we continually refine techniques to improve germination success for a wide variety of species.

Once seeds germinate, seedlings are transplanted into bags filled with a soil and compost mixture we produce on-site. They are then moved to a climate-controlled area of our nursery, where they are protected from direct sunlight, watered, and carefully nurtured until they are nearly ready to be planted. A few months before planting, the seedlings are transferred to our acclimation area, where they are gradually exposed to direct sunlight and receive limited care. When they reach a height of 1.5–2 feet, each tree is tagged and prepared for planting at our restoration sites.

Each restoration site is carefully evaluated to determine the most suitable tree species and methods to protect the young saplings from domestic animals that may feed on them. To secure these areas, we use TITI POSTS—fence posts made from recycled plastic—and establish living fences to safeguard the young plants from livestock.

Working in collaboration with Fundación Ecosistemas Secos de Colombia, we assess each site to design the most effective planting strategy for its unique conditions. Once the plan is finalized, saplings are transported to the site—often by donkey or mule, as many areas have limited road access. Each year, our team, alongside local community members, plants approximately 15,000 trees, taking great care to give each one the best possible start through proper spacing, soil preparation, and nutrient support.

We conduct annual monitoring of 30% of the trees planted to evaluate growth and survival rates. This data-driven approach helps us continuously adapt our techniques and improve our success in restoring Colombia’s tropical dry forest.

A Growing Forest, A Growing Future

Proyecto Tití’s restoration work is about more than planting trees—it’s about renewing life. Each seed we nurture and each tree we plant helps rebuild the forest homes of critically endangered cotton-top tamarins and countless other species. By engaging local communities in every step of the process—from collecting seeds to planting and monitoring trees—we are creating sustainable livelihoods and inspiring a shared commitment to conservation. Together, we are growing a future where forests flourish, wildlife thrives, and people and nature coexist in harmony.