In mid-June, the Semillistas Association organized a two-part event in the surroundings of Pitres, with a shared goal: to collect seeds, learn from the environment, and sow community.
On one hand, we gathered a group of local volunteers for a wild herbaceous seed collection activity—non-woody plants found in the edges and clearings of the Pitres landscape. In total, we harvested over 30 different species, selected for their potential to germinate in harsh conditions and provide essential ground cover.
This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to reduce soil erosion in areas affected by the wildfire in the Sierra de los Guájares. In many places, intense rainfall has washed away large amounts of topsoil, stripping it of seeds and preventing the growth of vegetation that would otherwise help anchor the soil. This October, we will carry out experimental seed sowings in one of these critical zones, using the harvested seeds as a tool for ecological restoration.
Meanwhile, we also carried out an educational activity with children, who came from different areas: La Alpujarra, Órgiva, Motril… Although they didn’t know each other beforehand, the group quickly found a shared rhythm, thanks to a creative opening activity in which each child decorated their own seed pouch. This simple yet meaningful exercise sparked spontaneous conversations and genuine moments of connection.
As we walked through the landscape, we explored the diversity of herbaceous plants and reflected on the value of seeds and their role in the ecosystem. The activity blended observation, play, art, and listening, allowing the children to connect with the land in a free and creative way.
We closed the day with a more playful group activity, a kind of celebration that marked the end of the shared process. It offered the children a chance to generate their own ways of interacting and caring—for each other and for the natural world.
At Semillistas, we deeply value experiences like this, where science, ecological restoration, and experiential education come together. We believe that sowing soil, social fabric, and connections with childhood are all essential paths for regenerating the land.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us. We will continue to care for and cultivate these seeds—both in the soil and in our communities.
