EMBRACING THE CHILL: ATP PREPARES ITS NURSERIES FOR ROOTS OF RENEWAL DURING THE WINTER SEASON

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the ATP Nurseries during the winter months? While trees lay dormant in the frosty embrace of winter, the ATP Nursery Staff is orchestrating a symphony of growth, preparing for the vibrant awakening that spring promises.

Picture this: an unusually warm February morning, warmed even further by the enthusiasm of ATP's Nursery Specialists from the bustling Yerevan office, who make their way through the Palvetzian Greenhouse. As they kick off the day, an apparent stillness blankets the scene. Empty, you might think, until you take a closer look. The small containers lining the shelves are not barren; they are vessels brimming with promise, filled with the rich, dark soil meticulously prepared by the dedicated hands of the Nursery Team last fall.

Gevorg Zaroyan, the Khachpar Nursery Manager, unveils the magic behind the scenes. Winter is not a time of hibernation but a season of meticulous groundwork. The team fills containers with a soil mixture, a concoction of peat moss, red sand, and perlite, ready to nurture the seeds that will soon sprout into mountain ash, birch, pine, and oak trees. Thanks to a milder winter, the nursery team has been able to jump-start the cultivation process, paving the way for an early seed-sowing extravaganza.

Armenia's diverse climatic zones demand flexibility, and ATP delivers. The nurseries boast both bare root and container-grown trees, catering to various planting preferences. Container-grown seedlings, with their intact soil plugs, offer extended planting timeframes and a growth advantage in the first year. On the flip side, bare root seedlings offer affordability and ease during planting, addressing the diverse needs of communities during ATP's tree planting initiatives, including fruit tree distribution.

But it doesn't stop there. The Khachpar Nursery, a powerhouse of growth, churns out a staggering 200,000 plants annually. Gevorg Zaroyan proudly shares, "Everything starts from a single seed sown in these tiny containers." Native seeds are the secret ingredient, producing geographically suitable species that are locally adapted. The nursery currently boasts over 90 species of trees and shrubs, each playing a crucial role in ATP's mission to green every corner of Armenia.

The nurseries are not just static entities; they are living laboratories of innovation. ATP is not only expanding existing species but delving into the realm of breeding, birthing new trees and shrubs. The upcoming stars include varieties of spindle tree, firethorn, and hazel pine, adding a dash of novelty to Armenia's thriving ecosystem.

Beyond the confines of the nurseries, ATP's commitment extends to annual forest tree seed collection. Seeds collected from different planting sites undergo a meticulous process, finding their way to the Mirak Reforestation Nursery in Margahovit Village for planting, ensuring a cycle of renewal that spans across Armenia's breathtaking landscapes.

Since 1996, ATP has been a stalwart in tree production, operating state-of-the-art nurseries with the mission of providing native tree seedlings of the highest quality for deployment across every region of Armenia. Almost three decades of dedication have culminated in significant increases in volume growth and resilient properties of key tree species, a testament to ATP's ongoing tree improvement programs.

As the winter winds whisper tales of growth and renewal, ATP's nurseries stand as guardians of Armenia's green legacy, orchestrating a dance of life that transcends seasons. Get ready to witness the magic unfold as spring heralds a symphony of new beginnings, all nurtured in the nurturing embrace of the ATP Nurseries.

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Armenia Tree Project, established in 1994, is a non-profit organization that revitalizes Armenia’s most vulnerable communities through tree-planting initiatives, and provides socio-economic support and growth. It is based in Yerevan, Armenia and has an office in Woburn, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit ArmeniaTree.org or email info@armeniatree.org.

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From Seed to Soil: Rebuilding Armenia’s Green Future

March 25, 2025

As winter recedes, a new season of hope takes root in Armenia. In ATP’s tree nurseries, a quiet urgency fills the air as thousands of seedlings are carefully nurtured, each one a promise of renewal. The forestry team watches closely as the snow melts, knowing that the perfect window for planting is just around the corner. This year, Armenia Tree Project (ATP) will plant an astounding one million trees across Armenia. With this initiative, ATP will surpass a major milestone—9 million trees planted since its inception. To put that into perspective, this is enough to cover an area larger than 1,000 football fields. These plantings are not just about trees; they are about resilience, sustainability, and restoring Armenia’s natural heritage. The spring planting season kicks off in the villages of Bovadzor and Urasar in Lori, then expands to Tsaghkaber, Mets Sariar, Lernakert, and Pemzashen in Shirak, before concluding in Leranist in Kotayk. These regions have been carefully selected for their need for reforestation and their potential to thrive as part of Armenia’s green future. At the heart of this movement are the people who make it possible. Last year, 500 seasonal workers joined ATP’s efforts, many of whom return each year. This spring, 200 tree planters will take on the responsibility of planting half a million trees. Among them are cousins Marine and Armine Gogoryan from Lori, who have dedicated years to tree planting. “Planting trees is like planting hope,” says Marine. “We’ve seen forests rise where there was once nothing. It makes us believe in the future.” Their passion, alongside the tireless efforts of ATP’s forestry teams, has transformed barren lands into thriving forests. Looking back at past plantings—the Hrant Dink Memorial Forest, the Sose and Allen Forest, and the Koghes Forest—it’s clear how far this initiative has come. Once desolate landscapes are now home to lush, growing canopies, proof that long-term commitment yields extraordinary results. Yet, the urgency of reforestation in Armenia has never been greater. Climate change, deforestation, and the displacement of communities have intensified the need for green spaces. Forests act as natural shields against soil erosion, provide oxygen, and help regulate the climate. Every tree planted is a step toward a healthier, more sustainable Armenia. ATP’s mission is gaining recognition beyond Armenia. Environmental organizations worldwide have praised its reforestation model, and global conservation leaders are taking note. With continued support, the impact of these efforts will extend far beyond national borders. You can be part of this transformation. Whether by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word, every contribution helps secure Armenia’s green future. Help ATP plant the seeds of change together by visiting ArmeniaTree.org.