Report on “Visit to 14 Trees Foundation” Date of Visit: October 5, 2024 Location: Vetale, Taluka Khed, Pune - 412404, Maharashtra Initiated by: Rtn Nitin Muley, Rotary Club of Nigdi-Pune Avenue: Environment On October 5, 2024, members of the Rotary Club of Chinchwad Pune visited the 14 Trees Foundation, an organisation dedicated to ecological restoration and sustainable practices in the Pune region. The foundation focuses on restoring native green cover in ecologically degraded areas, particularly barren hills, and is committed to building carbon footprint-neutral ecosystems through reforestation efforts. Objectives of the 14 Trees Foundation: Reforestation: Planting native trees on degraded land where grass dominates and trees struggle to survive. Water Conservation: Digging ponds to store rainwater and creating trenches to recharge groundwater. Livelihood Generation: Providing sustainable livelihoods for local tribal communities. Activities During the Visit: Members of the Rotary Club participated in tree-planting activities, contributing to the foundation's mission of ecological restoration. A small trek guided by Mr. Pravin Bhagwat, the founder of 14 Trees, showcased various water restoration projects and plantation sites. During the trek, Mr. Bhagwat elaborated on the foundation’s concepts and achievements. Attendance: Rotary Club Members: President Rtn Harsha Joshi Rtn Shilpagauri Ganpule Rtn Prasad Ganpule Rtn Shriprasad Sohoni Rtn Mahavir Satyanna and Ann Ashwini Satyanna IPP Rtn Yatish Bhatt Rtn Vinayak Jog and Ann Jog, Annet Jog Rtn Vaijayanti Gharpure Rtn Kiran Raka Rtn Parag Shah Rtn Pankaj Darure Rtn Prashant Joshi Ann Bharati Gujar Guests: Mrs. Anagha Ratnaparakhi Mr. Niranjan Ghate Conclusion: The visit concluded with a Weekly Meeting, during which Mr. Bhagwat shared insights on the foundation's ongoing projects. Members enjoyed a delightful lunch, fostering camaraderie and reinforcing the Rotary Club's commitment to community service and environmental sustainability. Rotary Club of Chinchwad-Pune is grateful to Rtn Nitin Muley for organising such a wonderful field visit. The collaboration between the Rotary Club and 14 Trees Foundation exemplifies a shared vision for ecological restoration and community upliftment.