Reforestation by the Young Adults in Mexico City, Zone 2A

Dear Envirocare Coordinators, Go Green Champions, and Eco Explorers,

In our continued journey of reverence for Nature, this month we turn our attention to the wounds left by wildfires and the healing embrace of reforestation led by our dedicated young adults from Mexico. This offering was more than an act of planting trees—it was a prayer in action, a silent promise to lend ourselves to protect, nurture, and restore balance to Creation. Through their service, the young adults reminded us that when we walk with Nature with humility and gratitude, She responds with grace, resilience, and abundance.    

On July 6, 2025, the Young Adults Group of the Sri Sathya Sai Center Del Valle carried out a meaningful reforestation effort, planting 30 trees—fresnos (ash trees) and palo loco—in a protected conservation area located in the Milpa Alta borough, southeast of Mexico City. Milpa Alta, often regarded as the city’s ecological heart, represents 19% of the city’s total area, covering 28,375 hectares, of which 26,930 are designated for environmental conservation (Milpa Alta Urban Development Delegation Program).

In a spirit of collaboration and care for the planet, the young Sai soldiers and senior members joined hands with a local beekeeper from the Saving Bees Project (Salvando Abejas) to restore life to land scarred by recent wildfires. The beekeeper had asked devotees for assistance in reforesting land near his apiaries, which had been affected by wildfires caused by the high temperatures recorded in April this year. The climate imbalance left the ecosystem near his apiaries deeply damaged, threatening both the bees and the biodiversity they sustain. Together, they took part in reforesting efforts, not only to support the beekeeper in his mission to rescue bees but also to foster environmental stewardship and inspire young adult engagement in sustainable agriculture.

The service began with an invocation prayer to Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The beekeeper then explained that the trees (fresnos and palo loco) selected for planting were native species, carefully nurtured over the past year to ensure their proper adaptation and survival. He described the effort as “conscious reforestation”—one that values quality over quantity, with ongoing care and follow-up for each tree.

During the briefing, the devotees received practical guidance on planting techniques, such as digging a circular trench around each tree to retain rainwater and to support steady growth. The beekeeper further emphasised the vital role that both trees and pollinators play in sustaining ecosystems and producing much of the food we consume. 
The service concluded with a heartfelt prayer of gratitude to Sri Sathya Sai Baba, acknowledging His loving presence and guidance throughout the day.

“As we look back on the day of service, our hearts are filled with gratitude. We experienced how enthusiasm, joy, and commitment can flow seamlessly into sacred acts of reforestation, of worship. Each sapling we planted carried not only the hope of life for the bees and the forest but was also our silent prayer for Mother Earth.

Then came a moment of wonder: two eagles appeared, soaring gracefully above the treetops. To us, it was a divine sign—Nature Herself offering encouragement, assuring us that every selfless action is blessed and magnified. Our spirits were lifted and we felt embraced by a presence greater than ourselves.” –  Participants in the tree-planting activity

“Nature is your school, your laboratory, the gateway to liberation and the panorama of God’s majesty. Seek to know the lessons it is ready to teach.”

– Sri Sathya Sai Baba, October 4, 1970

“We need not fret at the enormity of the challenge. God Himself will change the world as He Wills, we are just on an earthly journey to Self-realisation. It starts with turning the tap off when water is not needed and switching off unused lights, because everything is a gift from God, nay, is God Itself. Our individual journeys require us to know this.” – Ashok K. Sakhrani

Explore “Awakening to the Environment” which reveals how the Lord’s blessing fosters greater Self-awareness and a deeper connection to Nature, inspiring personal growth and environmental mindfulness. Read the article HERE

By joining hands, we create a lasting positive impact on our planet and build a meaningful legacy for generations to come. Let us keep loving and caring for our Earth, while encouraging others to unite with us to shape a greener, more sustainable future. This commitment is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Advent of Sri Sathya Sai Baba and honour His teachings of Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Shanti (Peace), Prema (Love) and Ahimsa (Non-violence), and love and service to all. 🌍

Share with us the environmental initiatives and tree-planting activities you are organizing in your communities/countries/Zones at gogreen@sathyasai.org.

VISIT the Environmental Sustainability Hub for more insights, Go Green tips, and resources.👨‍🌾

With Sai Love and Care,

Environmental Sustainability Committee

Sri Sathya Sai International Organization

References

^{PAOT (2011) Programa Delegacional de Desarrollo Urbano de la Delegación Milpa Alta. Gobierno de la Ciudad de México. Available at: https://paot.org.mx/centro/programas/delegacion/milpa.html}