“Birds & Forests of the City of Quilpué”: A Movement of Volunteers for Nature

August 20 – November 5, 2022 | Quilpué, Valparaíso, Chile

“Green Lung”: a creative metaphor about the importance of trees and their inhabitants, birds, in Chile and the rest of the world. The phrase is also the name of a non-profit organization located in the Valparaíso region of Chile.

From August to November 2022, the organization carried out an impactful project in the city of Quilpué simply called “Birds and Forests in the Community of Quilpué.” The project was a mix of activities, including greening, nature walks, and painting a mural about native waterfowl.

Shrubery Sandboxes

People gathered on the 20th of August to grow native shrubs in barren sandboxes in the center of the city of Quilpué, which had been abandoned for years. We restored them by planting vegetation species found in the hills of the community. In this way, knowledge of plant associations with different growth habits, including herbs, shrubs, and geophytes, was applied. Volunteers learned about these species, the benefits of bringing them to the city, and how to plant them.

Quilpué Estuary Walks

The Quilpué Estuary is located in the city of Quilpué, declared an Urban Wetland in 2021. Guided walks were held for the population to identify wetland birds, characteristic wetland plants, and the contributions that wetlands provide to the city. The walk was also complemented by trash collection, and participants were taught to “Leave No Trace” in natural spaces.

Tranque Recreo Walk

The Tranque Recreo is located in the city of Quilpué, a pool of water that is fed underground by the community’s estuaries. Guided walks were held for the community to learn about wetland birds, characteristic wetland plants, and the contributions wetlands provide to the city. The walk was complemented by trash collection, and participants were taught to again “Leave No Trace” in natural spaces.

Art and Ecology Mural for the City

A wall adjacent to the Quilpué estuary and surrounding poles were revived, where species that can be seen in the wetland were painted. This walk was made possible thanks to the collaboration of a naturalist muralist who guided the painting of the wall. The impact and change in the environment was immediate and persists to this day.

With no fewer than 100 participants in the program, Plumón Verde truly had a positive impact on Quilpué. The organizers helped the city’s residents learn about the environment they inhabit and their winged neighbors. The most inspiring participants were senior citizens. After the events they participated in, Quilpué’s seniors felt happy and grateful for their contribution to raising awareness about nature in the city. Their participation demonstrated that age is not a determining factor in learning ability, and that everyone has a place in the world of conservation and appreciation for the natural environment.

Designed by Lani Lin-Kissick of CUBs — lkl34@cornell.edu

Activity descriptions by organizer Camila Sazo