We are happy to announce that we are open to volunteers who want to help us!

Volunteers can greatly help our organization as the work of reforestation is very labor intensive and the more people help, the better the results. Reforestation is not only about planting trees but also about taking care of them afterward. 

Facilities:Benjamin Gumuchdjian Nursery is our flagship nursery. Situated 10’ from Vanadzor, it’s very easily accessible. It has a surface of 3.5 ha and boasts a new state-of-the-art greenhouse of 500 m2. 14 workers are active. It has extensive and comfortable facilities: a worker’s house, with a small kitchen, fridge and cooking plates, locker room, and large communal room where meals are taken, a large shaded terrace, and a separate toilet connected to a water treatment plant. There is a large hangar where tools are stored. 

Tasks:Work can be varied. It mainly concerns weeding. As seeds are sown in November and April (for pines only), wild grass grows in between the plants and must be removed by hand (no herbicide used). There is also work in the greenhouse, sorting and maintaining the young plants growing in containers. There is also general maintenance work for the beautification and maintenance of wind barriers of trees around and inside the nursery. 

At different times of the year, there are different activities: in April and November: sowing seeds, preparing cuttings, digging out, and preparing the seedlings in bundles for transport to the reforestation sites. In October: collecting and cleaning tree seeds, in July and August, watering and irrigation, etc. 

Hours: From 9 am to 6 pm, with 1 hour break for lunch. Volunteers can come for half a day. 

Transportation: Volunteers can ride one of the nursery management staff's cars from Vanadzor. 

Responsible manager: Levon Mkhitaryan, nursery manager levon@myforestarmenia.org099978282

Notes: volunteers may sign up alone, our workers, like everywhere in Armenia, are very warm and welcoming and you will soon find yourselves part of a family you have not met yet.

We are planting in sites situated in mountainous areas usually with beautiful views. In the fall of 2023, we planted in our Lernajour 1&2 areas on a surface of about 165 ha. 

Lernajour is a stunning area with breathtaking views and unlimited hiking possibilities. Because the soil is in excellent condition, our young trees grow well, but the surrounding grass as well. The different grass species often grow up to 1m high, whereas the young trees will grow to 15 or 20 cm in the first year. The grass takes away light but also their roots take away essential nutrients. 

Tasks: The work consists mainly of removing grass by hand or with a small sickle around the young plants. Care must be exercised not to damage the plant and in general, be aware of the plant’s growth and situation in its environment. 

Hours: From 9 am to 6 pm. Possibility of doing half-days and enjoying hiking in the area. 

Transportation:Lernajour is a rather remote village and can only reached by 4x4 car, the road starts at the intersection of Lernapat, halfway between Spitak and Vanadzor. Transportation can be arranged with our staff who can take the volunteers in our pick-up trucks. 

Lodging: Possibility of camping on site. There are clear water streams nearby and it would make for an unforgettable experience. Tents and equipment are not provided. 

Notes: The experience will be more enjoyable with a small group of people, a minimum of 4 persons but it can be up to 10 people. 

Responsible manager: Vahe Martirosyan, operational manager: vahe@myforestarmenia.org 055 99 12 90 

For registration, please contact: 

Ira Mangasaryan: ira@myforestarmenia.org, 098 35-44-05 

To learn more information about what we do, you can have a look at our Annual Report 2023