Gabriela Mistral Forest
Reconnecting ancestral knowledge through Nature.
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Trees, Plants & Shrubs
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Square Meters
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Native Species
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Youth Impacted
Gabriela Mistral Forest is the first prototype of a pilot program aimed at integrating Nature-based learning spaces into public kindergartens in the Aysén region ensuring that the wisdom of past generations is carried forward and fostering imagination & creativity in the children who will inherit this legacy.
Years ago, fires devastated the region and eradicated many native species, erasing crucial knowledge of the Patagonian ecosystem and landscape. By reintroducing these species, we aim to bridge this knowledge gap, linking past and future generations through a shared appreciation, love and understanding of the land.
Through this initiative, the metaphor of planting a forest from seed within a kindergarten is emphasised. Here, both seedlings and children grow together, symbolising a full cycle of life and learning. The children will nurture the seedlings as they grow, and in turn, the forest will become a sanctuary and a living classroom for the children during their formative years. The community is actively involved, with teachers and parents coming together as educators to share the joy of Nature with the children.
Forest Maker
Naturaleza Pública
Forest partner
Forest Design & Pedagocial Program
The site for Gabriela Mistral forest was chosen for its central location and historical significance as the first Kindergarten in Coyhaique, the capital of the Aysén region. This strategic location allows the pocket forest to significantly impact the community, providing a dedicated space for children's learning and play.
The forest's design includes various plant layers and heights, creating an immersive environment that enhances outdoor activities and fosters a deep appreciation of Nature.
Incorporating a pedagogical approach, the nursery has implemented a 'season calendar' for mulching and fruit harvesting, allowing children to learn about plant growth and care. Each child is responsible for a 'tree friend,' fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to their biocultural heritage.
Through interactive sensory play, the children engage with nature, developing an understanding and appreciation of the natural world around them.
Planting: October 2024
“Where there is a tree to plant, plant it yourself”
- Gabriela Mistral, Chilean poet, diplomat and teacher.
Who is Gabriela Mistral?
Gabriela Mistral, born Lucila Godoy Alcayaga in 1889, was a renowned Chilean poet, diplomat, and educator, whose real name was Lucila Godoy Alcayaga. She became the first Latin American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1945. Her poetry often explored themes of love, sorrow, and the human condition, deeply influenced by her experiences and her work in education. Mistral's legacy extends beyond her literary achievements, as she played a significant role in shaping educational and cultural policies in Latin America and it continues to echo through the corridors of its literature and culture.
Native Species
Selection
