In the fall of 2025, we planted two memorial forests in the Lernajur 4 afforestation area. A forest is not only a living tribute but also a symbol of continuity, growth, and remembrance. Beyond being a memorial, a forest contributes to biodiversity, clean air, and a sustainable environment for future generations.
Memorial Forest of Leigha Schjelderup
A forest of 20,000 trees was made possible through the generous donations of Leigha’s friends, family, and Birthright Armenia where Leigha did a volunteer service program. Leigha, a bright, compassionate girl who loved her newly discovered country, tragically passed away in spring of 2025, in the USA. To honor her memory, Leigha’s friends and loved ones have decided to plant a forest in her memory with us. An online fundraiser helped collect close to 16,000 trees, and Birthright Armenia filled the gap to reach 20,000 trees. This November, 40 volunteers from the organisation came to Lernajur, to help plant, in a touching initiative, the forest in memory of their friend.
During her volunteer service here, Leigha made plans to make this country her home. Leigha was the great-granddaughter of Karoon Vartabedian and Kevork Khatchadourian of Van, both survivors of the Armenian Genocide of 1915.
Memorial forest of Eguiz Kirokian
The memorial forest of Eguiz Kirokian was planted this November in Lernajur 4, thanks to donations by her beloved husband Shahé, family and friends.
Eguiz Kirokian was one of the very first supporters and the first ambassador of My Forest Armenia. She believed in us before the first tree was ever planted. She supported our mission and saw the true benefits for the people because she believed the world needed more forests — and a better future for generations to come.
Eguiz was born in Mexico, and was the eldest of eleven siblings. Her mother Marie Djeboghlian was born in Lebanon, and her father, Manuel Megerdich Sangochian, escaped with his mother in 1915, at the age of 2, the village of Agin in Turkey.
Eguiz’s legacy will continue to grow with every tree.
Memorial Forest of Leigha Schjelderup
A forest of 20,000 trees was made possible through the generous donations of Leigha’s friends, family, and Birthright Armenia where Leigha did a volunteer service program. Leigha, a bright, compassionate girl who loved her newly discovered country, tragically passed away in spring of 2025, in the USA. To honor her memory, Leigha’s friends and loved ones have decided to plant a forest in her memory with us. An online fundraiser helped collect close to 16,000 trees, and Birthright Armenia filled the gap to reach 20,000 trees. This November, 40 volunteers from the organisation came to Lernajur, to help plant, in a touching initiative, the forest in memory of their friend.
During her volunteer service here, Leigha made plans to make this country her home. Leigha was the great-granddaughter of Karoon Vartabedian and Kevork Khatchadourian of Van, both survivors of the Armenian Genocide of 1915.
Memorial forest of Eguiz Kirokian
The memorial forest of Eguiz Kirokian was planted this November in Lernajur 4, thanks to donations by her beloved husband Shahé, family and friends.
Eguiz Kirokian was one of the very first supporters and the first ambassador of My Forest Armenia. She believed in us before the first tree was ever planted. She supported our mission and saw the true benefits for the people because she believed the world needed more forests — and a better future for generations to come.
Eguiz was born in Mexico, and was the eldest of eleven siblings. Her mother Marie Djeboghlian was born in Lebanon, and her father, Manuel Megerdich Sangochian, escaped with his mother in 1915, at the age of 2, the village of Agin in Turkey.
Eguiz’s legacy will continue to grow with every tree.